Data Shows Sharp Rise in Traffic Fatalities Despite Fewer Cars on the Road
While the pandemic decreased traffic on Texas roadways, it did little to combat the devastating number of people killed every year in car crashes. Research shows that the number of traffic fatalities increased significantly last year despite fewer cars on the road. Recent accident-related death totals are the highest in decades.
At the Karam Law Office, we handle serious injury and wrongful death cases, proudly representing accident victims and their families throughout the state. Attorney Jacob Karam is an experienced trial lawyer who has recovered millions in verdicts and settlements on behalf of his clients. If you or a loved one is injured in a car or truck accident, contact our office at (832) 859-8452 for a free, no-obligation consultation.
The Tragic Reality of Traffic-Related Deaths in Texas
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, it has been over 21 years since there has been a deathless day on state roadways. Over 75,000 lives have been lost to preventable traffic accidents. Last year, numbers continued to rise in spite of fewer people being on the road.
KXAN reports that by November 2021, there were already nearly 4,000 fatal accidents in the state. Speeding was a factor in over 1,100 of those deaths. Distracted driving played a role in another 315 fatalities. Many of those accidents are caused by negligence, which can result in liability.
Why You Need an Attorney
If you are injured, or your loved one is killed in a car accident caused by another person, you might be entitled to compensation. The only way to ensure that you receive the maximum recovery allowed by law is by retaining legal representation for a personal injury or wrongful death claim.
Studies show that unrepresented car accident victims settle for significantly less than those who have a lawyer on their side. Insurance companies will often pressure injured parties to settle early for a lower amount to avoid litigation.
An experienced trial attorney will fight to protect your rights and work tirelessly to make sure that you get the compensation you deserve.
Carrying the Right Insurance
One of the biggest mistakes most people make is failing to check their insurance policy. While every driver in the state must carry insurance, not all types of coverage are mandatory. For instance, if you are hit by an uninsured or underinsured motorist and do not have UM/UIM coverage, you may not receive the money you need to cover all of your damages.
Check your insurance policy to ensure that you have uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage and personal injury protection (PIP). PIP insurance covers you regardless of who may be at fault for the accident but generally has low limits. UM/UIM insurance would protect you if the other driver does not have sufficient liability insurance to cover all of your damages or is uninsured.
Serving on a Jury
While many accidents are preventable, preventing them from happening is easier said than done. Unfortunately, changing a person’s behavior, such as trying to make them drive the speed limit or not texting, can be difficult.
However, by serving on a jury, you may have an opportunity to help deter negligent or reckless drivers. By entering a large verdict for a car accident victim, a person may think twice about getting behind the wheel after drinking, talking on their cell phone while driving, or speeding down a Texas highway.
If you get the honor of serving on a jury, send a message to the reckless and negligent drivers in your community that their behavior is costly and unacceptable.
Injured or Lost a Loved One in a Car Accident? Contact Our Office Today.
When you have suffered harm as a result of another person’s negligence, you need a trial attorney who knows what it takes to win. You need a fierce advocate that will stand up to the insurance companies and fight for you and your family. Call now to get started.
If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a car or 18-wheeler accident, contact our office at (832) 859-8452 for a free consultation.