An estimated 42,915 people were killed in US traffic accidents in 2021, the highest number in 16 years. That’s nearly twice the capacity of the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville. Kentucky contributed 806 of those deaths that year. Most of these deaths were preventable and senseless.
Death by the Numbers
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states this is a 10.5% increase in deaths from 2020. That’s the highest number since 2005 and the largest percentage increase since 1975. NHTSA is very good at traffic accident statistics:
- The total fatalities on urban roads increased from 21,940 in 2020 to 25,411 in 2021, which is a 16% increase
- Deaths on rural interstates increased by 15%
- Deaths due to multi-vehicle accidents went up by 16%
- Fatal accidents involving intoxicated drivers increased by 5%
- Pedestrian fatalities went up by 13%
- Fatalities caused in crashes involving at least one large truck increased by 13%
Deaths of those of all ages increased, but some more than others:
- 35 to 44, up 15%
- 65 and older, up 14%, reversing a declining trend seen in 2020
- 45 to 54, up 12%
- 25 to 34, up 10%
During the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, speeding-related traffic deaths significantly increased from 2019 to 2020 (17%). For 2021, speeding-related fatalities still went up 5% from 2020 to 2021. The estimated fatalities due to speeding-related accidents for 2021 were still higher than the 2019 pre-pandemic levels.
The NHTSA states in 2017 and 2016, motor vehicle crashes were the 13th leading cause of death overall among all causes but were the top cause for those 3, 11, 12, and 17 to 21 years old in 2017. In 2016 motor vehicle traffic crashes were the leading cause of intentional injury death for those 3 to 22, 65, and 66 years old.
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What Causes Fatal Vehicle Accidents?
The Insurance Information Institute, citing NHTSA statistics, states that of driver behaviors before a fatal crash, 31% were unknown. Another 11% were “other,” but the following are believed to be the top causes of fatal vehicle accidents:
- 19% – Driving too fast for conditions or more than the posted speed limit
- 11.6% – Under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication
- 7% – Operating a vehicle carelessly
- 7% – Failing to yield the right of way
- 6% – Failure to stay in the proper lane
- 5.5% – Distracted driving
- 4.4% – Operating erratically, recklessly, or negligently
- 4% – Failure to obey traffic signs and lights
- 3% – Overcorrecting or oversteering
- 3% – Poor visibility
- 2% – Driving while unconscious, tired, or drowsy
- 2% – Swerving the vehicle due to the wind or poor traction
- 2% – Driving the wrong way
- 1% – Improper turns
Drivers may have made more than one of these mistakes before the collision.
Wrongful Death Lawsuits Can be Filed by a Traffic Accident Victim’s Next of Kin
Under Kentucky law, you may benefit from legal action against a party causing the death of a close family member. If the death is due to an injury caused by the negligence or intentional act of another, damages may be recovered from the party causing it, even if their agent or employee is responsible.
Punitive damages don’t compensate the accident victim for their losses or harm they suffered. They’re to punish the defendant, make an example of it, and discourage it and others like it from taking similar acts in the future.
Punitive damages may be recovered if the act was willful or gross negligence occurred. Negligence can be proven when the at-fault party fails to show a level of care that a reasonable person would in a similar situation. As a result, the plaintiff is hurt.
Beyond negligence, but not an intentional act, is gross negligence. The person recklessly took action or acted with extreme disregard for others’ safety. The person may understand the harm they could cause but proceed anyway.
The personal representative of the deceased’s estate would file and pursue the lawsuit. The deceased’s next of kin would get the settlement or court award, if any.
What’s the Next Step?
If you seek an experienced attorney to represent you in a wrongful death case, call The Fleck Firm for a free consultation at (270) 446-7000. We are dedicated and compassionate when fighting for our clients. When you contact us, we’ll discuss the accident, your injuries, the law, and your best options. Insurance companies have lawyers. You should have one too.
