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Traffic fatalities trend downward nationally, but they are on the rise in Ohio

Traffic fatalities

The 2019 federal crash data is now available, according to StreetsBlog. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported more than 36,000 traffic fatalities across the U.S. in 2019. That includes 6,205 pedestrians and 846 bicyclists. While the NHTSA points out that U.S. roads are gradually getting safer, the agency also cites the overall crash increase from 6.74 million to 6.76 million and the increase in injuries by about 30,000.

While fewer deaths may be a step in the right direction, the progress has been painstakingly slow. Moreover, pedestrian fatalities have increased by more than 60 percent since 2010. A 15-percent increase in vehicle miles traveled, an increase in SUVs, and roadway infrastructure that favors cars over pedestrians may be partially to blame.

It's also important to take into account that there was a varying number of increases and decreases in traffic fatalities per state. Ohio was among seven states that saw traffic fatalities increase by more than 5 percent from 2018 to 2019.

Traffic fatalities increase on Ohio roadways

The overall number of traffic fatalities in the U.S. marks a 2 percent decline from 2018. Ohio, on the other hand, had an 8 percent increase in traffic fatalities from 2018 to 2019.

Here are the figures. There were:

  • 1,068 traffic fatalities in Ohio in 2018 and 1,153 in 2019.
  • 297 drunk driving fatalities in 2018 and 351 in 2019.
  • 291 speed-related fatalities in 2018 and 322 in 2019.
  • 145 motorcyclist deaths in 2018 and 162 in 2019.
  • 22 bicyclist deaths in 2018 and 25 in 2019.
  • 127 pedestrian deaths in 2018 and 124 in 2019 (the only decrease in traffic fatalities seen during that period).

In addition to drunk driving and speeding, many crashes in Ohio are caused by distracted driving. This, unfortunately, isn't documented in the NHTSA's yearly state traffic fatality reports.

Actions you should take after being involved in a crash

Nobody can predict when they will be involved in a crash or lose a loved one due to someone else's negligence.

When it happens, it's often more than an inconvenience. You may suffer from a concussion, whiplash, bone fracture or spinal injury. In the aftermath, you may be dealing with a costly and lengthy recovery. To make matters worse, you're out of work and unable to earn a living. If you're in a car accident:

  • Call the police and wait for them to arrive
  • Exchange insurance information with the other driver.
  • Take pictures of the crash scene from as many angles as possible.
  • Take note of the other driver's statements and behavior.
  • Speak to witnesses and exchange contact information with them.
  • Report your crash to your insurance company and stick only to the basic facts.
  • See a doctor, even if you don't notice any immediate injury symptoms.

Let an experienced Ohio car accident attorney at Gervelis Law Firm handle the rest for you. With our law firm on your side, you'll never have to worry about getting pushed around by the other driver's insurance company. We'll negotiate with them for you. In addition, We'll gather critical evidence to prove that you have a viable case. Our attorneys will put an accurate value on your case and fight to help you recover:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Property damage
  • Pain and suffering
  • Mental and emotional anguish
  • Loss of enjoyment of life

What if I lost a loved one in a crash?

If you lost a loved one in a crash, you may be able to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of your loved one. In Ohio, you must be the spouse, child or parent of the person killed in a crash. You must also file your claim within two years from the date of the fatal crash. These are the damages you can recover from a wrongful death lawsuit:

  • Loss of expected inheritance from your loved one
  • Loss of guidance, care, companionship, protection, consortium and assistance that your loved one would have provided
  • Potential earning capacity and wages your loved one would have received had they still been alive
  • Medical bills accrued before your loved one's death
  • Emotional pain and suffering endured by the family of the deceased person
  • Burial and funeral expenses

To learn how to get started on your claim, contact Gervelis Law Firm. We have law offices conveniently located across Ohio, including Canfield, Youngstown, Akron, Toledo, Columbus and Warren.

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