The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is reporting a decline in both the number of Massachusetts motor vehicle crash fatalities as well as how many occurred in total in the U.S. According to the figures for 2013, there were 326 traffic deaths in the state last year, which is a decline from the 383 fatalities in 2012. Alcohol was a factor in 118 of the Massachusetts traffic deaths in 2013.
Nationally, the country lost 32,719 people in roadway crashes in 2013. This is also a decrease from the 33,782 traffic deaths from the year previous.
Overall, between 2012 and 2013, the U.S. saw a reduction in deaths and injuries of truck occupants, passenger car occupants, pedestrians, and young drivers, as well as in accidents where alcohol was a factor.
Here is the breakdown of some of the national traffic statistics for 2013 (NHTSA):
• 21,132 passenger occupant deaths • 691 large truck fatalities • 4,667 motorcycle deaths • 4,735 pedestrian deaths
• 743 pedalcyclist fatalities
In Massachusetts, our Boston car accident lawyers represent victims (and their families) injured in traffic crashes. Often, people who were hurt in motor vehicle crashes don’t realize that they have other options besides settling with their insurance company or the insurer of the other party involved in a collision. Contact a Massachusetts traffic accident lawyer allows you to find out what else you should do.
Before settling with any of the parties involved, you should talk to a Boston injury attorney who can help you figure out how much your injuries, vehicle damage, medical expenses, rehabilitation, and lost wages are likely to cost. An insurance company may try to get you to agree to amount that doesn’t take into account the full extent of injuries or damages-especially when someone is seriously hurt or left with permanent disabilities.
Also, if you have lost someone in a Massachusetts car accident, you may be able to sue the other party for wrongful death damages. This won’t bring back your loved one but it can allow you to hold the other party accountable and help with the expenses and loss of income that may have occurred because of your relative’s death.
Roadway deaths fall nearly 25 percent in a decade, fatality rates at a historic low, NHTSA, December 19, 2014
2013 Motor Vehicle Crashes: Overview, NHTSA, December 2014 (PDF)
Quick Facts 2013, NHTSA (PDF)
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Fall River Construction Worker Dies While Working On Natural Gas Lines in Road Project, Massachusetts Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Blog, December 12, 2014