The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that the number of car accident fatalities that occurred in 2020 was the highest they have been in 13 years. Approximately 40,000 individuals died in 2020 as the result of deadly car accidents. This increase in fatalities is surprising because Americans drove less in 2020 than in previous years. If you were recently involved in a car crash, you are likely coping with physical injuries and financial losses. A personal injury attorney can help you pursue the compensation you need to make up for those losses.
Reports Concerning the Increase
The accident deaths in 2020 were so substantial that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration even released two individual reports investigating the causes for the profound increase. Researchers noted that a significant change occurred in driving patterns that year. This change involved riskier driving patterns including increased speeding, more motorists under the influence of alcohol and drugs, and more drivers who failed to wear seat belts.
Several other factors contributed to an increased number of deadly car crashes during the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, drug use was a more common contributing factor than usual in deadly accidents during this time.
Car Crash: Increase Use of Drugs
Following March 2020, motorists tested positive for drugs including marijuana and opioids at an alarming rate that saw an increase of 50% and 60%. Approximately 66% of the individuals killed in car accidents were under the influence of one or several types of drugs.
These problems were not isolated until 2020. A report published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reveals that roadway fatalities are still a substantial problem in 2022. Officials have even titled these alarming issues a “crisis.” Traffic deaths appear to be keeping pace with rates in 2020. More than 20,000 individuals were killed on the road in the first six months of 2021. The same dangerous driving patterns were behind this increase in deadly accidents.
Insurance Carriers and Pandemic Crashes
If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident during the pandemic, you might encounter some roadblocks in filing your insurance claim. Due to the substantial increase in deadly crashes, insurance carriers are facing increased demand to compensate for accident claims. They might attempt to mitigate their increased insurance payouts by offering you a lowball settlement. Some of the most common problems that you might encounter when filing your insurance claim during the pandemic include the following:
- Insurance carriers might not act in a timely manner after you file your claim. As a result, you might find yourself waiting too long to receive the compensation you deserve.
- You might receive a settlement offer that is lower than you expected, but it might not be accurately valued. Your offer might not include things like medical bills or other damages.
- The insurance carrier might claim that your injuries are not serious or that your injuries occurred before the accident and are not related to the crash.
Contact a Skilled Car Crash Attorney
If you are not sure how to respond after being injured in a car crash, one of the best things that you can do is obtain the assistance of an experienced personal injury lawyer. Contact House Law LLC today to schedule a free case evaluation.
Tags: car accident, car crash, car crash accidents
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