Despite significant advancements in automotive safety and technology, there are still more than 10 million car crashes across the United States each year. According to the Federal Highway Administration, these crashes cost society more than $200 billion annually, and the main cause of these collisions are driver errors including alcohol consumption, speeding and distracted driving.
If you are an innocent victim of a serious collision, you may be able to file a claim for damages. A Seattle car accident lawyer will have extensive knowledge of local laws and will be able to evaluate your case and determine if you have a valid case. If you do, you may be eligible for compensation for medical expenses and lost wages.
Richard McKinney Law is a respected Washington firm, and Mr. McKinney has been practicing law for more than 40 years. He can assess your concerns and propose the best way to proceed following your car accident. Call us today at 206-933-1605 to schedule an appointment, and read on for more information regarding distracted driving:
Distracted Driving among Top Cause of Crashes
New research reveals that car crashes cause the most fatalities among young people in the United States, with drivers distracted by cellphones contributing to a large percentage of these crashes, according to Health.com. According to the report, more people are dying in crashes involving cellphones than those involving drugs or alcohol.
During 2010, nearly 8,000 people under the age of 24 died in car crashes. Driver error accounted for 95 percent of collisions in the 15- to 18-year-old age group, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Here are two other key driver errors that cause serous accidents:
Speeding
Speeding plays a significant role in car crashes and can also influence their severity, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. High speeds, particularly among inexperienced drivers, reduce reaction time, and they often create dangerous situations that a driver travelling at regular speeds could have otherwise avoided.
Driving Under the Influence
Alcohol continues to play a large role in road accident injuries and fatalities, and it remains a key driver error, according to Reponsibility.org. Approximately three people for every 100,000 in the United States die due to drunk drivers, and alcohol-impaired fatalities accounted for approximately 30 percent of all vehicle fatalities in 2013.
A car crash can be debilitating, and it may leave you with severe injuries that are costly to treat. At the same time, you may have lost wages due to forced time off work. If you are in this situation, it is important to remember that you may be able to recover these expenses from the negligent driver who caused them.
At Richard McKinney Law, we specialize in injuries and car accidents, and we have extensive experience fighting for the rights of the injured. Mr. McKinney received his Juris Doctor from Stanford Law School, where he graduated top of his class, and he may be the perfect Seattle personal-injury lawyer to take on your case. Call us today at 206-933-1605 to schedule an appointment to discuss your claim.
