Car Accident Fatalities
Columbus, Ohio
Each year there are approximately 6 million motor vehicle accidents across the United States. Nearly 40,000 of these car accidents result in fatalities, more than most wars in the late 20th and early 21st Centuries. While Americans in general seem to accept this large number of fatal car accidents as a part of life, surviving family members do not have to be so accepting of this national tragedy.
The death of a loved one is tragic enough, but one that is the result of a motor vehicle accident caused by a negligent driver can be even more emotionally devastating. If you lost a loved one in a car accident, you may be entitled to money damages in a wrongful death lawsuit or claim. Columbus, Ohio wrongful death attorney, Robert W. Kerpsack Co., L.P.A. can assist you in understanding your legal rights following the wrongful death of a loved one.
Car Accident Statistics
Although the total number of motor vehicle accidents in Ohio was more than 320,000 in 2008, 1,099 of those involved a fatality. The following statistics have been compiled by the Ohio Department of Public Safety:
- There are approximately 3 fatal car accidents each day in Ohio
- An average of 3.3 people are killed in each fatal accident
- One person is killed in an Ohio car accident every 7.4 hours
Alcohol is a major contributing factor to many fatal car accidents. Although alcohol-impaired drivers were involved in only 4.45 percent of the motor vehicle accidents in Ohio during 2008, alcohol accidents contributed to 37.7 percent of the car accident fatalities.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
Numerous factors can contribute to car accidents. In many cases, it is difficult to determine who is at fault. However, the number one leading cause of car accident fatalities in Ohio is driver inattention, especially when talking or texting on a cell phone. Other contributing factors include:
- Speeding
- Adverse weather conditions
- Vehicle defects
- Alcohol or drug use
- Inexperienced drivers
Car Accident Fatalities and Wrongful Death Claims
Car accidents that result only in property damage are usually settled quickly by insurance companies. When a car accident fatality occurs, however, it is sometimes much more difficult to determine who is at fault and what damages are owed to the victim’s survivors.
If you have lost a loved one in a motor vehicle accident, you may be able to obtain monetary compensation by filing a wrongful death lawsuit or claim against the responsible party and their insurance company. In many cases, insurance companies assert aggressive legal defenses to increase the chances that they will not have to pay the full extent of your losses. To level the playing field, it is important to hire an experienced car accident attorney who knows your legal rights and will fight to obtain the full and fair compensation you deserve.
While a loved one lost in a car accident cannot be replaced, you may have legal rights entitling you to monetary compensation for your financial and emotional losses. To find out more about filing a wrongful death lawsuit or claim, contact Columbus, Ohio car accident attorney Robert W. Kerpsack, Co., L.P.A., to schedule a free, no-obligation initial consultation.
