Tag: accident attorney

A motor vehicle crash kills someone every fifteen minutes. The U.S. Department of Transportation released 2016 crash fatality statistics earlier this month. 37,461 people were killed in traffic accidents. This was an increase of 5.6% over 2015 crash fatalities. Motorcyclist fatalities and pedestrian deaths accounted for more than a third of the increase. The 9% increase in pedestrian fatalities was the highest number since 1990. Motorcycle accident deaths rose by 5.1%. Another notable increase was an 8.6 % increase in large truck crash fatalities.

Passengers of cars and light trucks accounted for 36% of those killed in auto accidents. Together, they totaled 54% of the overall increase in fatalities. Pedestrians, bicyclists and other non-occupants account for 18% of the crash fatalities.

Risky behaviors behind the wheel cause crashes

The NHTSA reported that human choices are linked to 94% of serious crashes. This is evidenced in motor vehicle crash fatality increases in areas including speeding-related crash fatalities, drunk driving deaths and unbelted crash deaths. B up when driving is one of the safest choices both drivers and passengers can make. Seat belt use is the single most effective thing you can do to protect yourself in the event of a crash. Yet, more than 27 million people in the U.S. still don’t wear seat belts.

A National Security Council survey offered a look at risky driver behaviors.

  • 64% of those surveyed said they were comfortable speeding
  • 47% responded that they believe it is safe to text, either manually or by voice, while driving
  • 71 % believe they can have up to three drinks before they are not safe or too impaired to drive.

A deadly motor vehicle crash trend

Motor vehicle deaths increased from 2014 to 2015 and then again from 2015 to 2016. The last time there was increase in motor vehicle crash fatalities of this magnitude was more than 50 years ago from 1963 to 1965.

Motor vehicle crashes are killing our youth at an alarming rate. Auto crashes were the leading cause of death for age 10 and every age 16 through 23 in 2015.

Alcohol-related driving was responsible for 10,497 motor vehicle crash deaths or 28% of the total fatalities in 2017. An average of one alcohol-impaired driving fatality occurred every 50 minutes in 2016. Drivers age 25 to 34 years of age had the highest percentage (27%) of alcohol-impaired driving fatal crashes. Tragically, children accounted for 17% of those who died in alcohol-impaired driving crashes.

Injured in a crash? Speak to an accident attorney

If you’ve been injured or a family member killed in a car or truck accident, contact the Distasio, Kowalski & Yelen personal injury law firm. We may be able to help you seek compensation for your injuries. This can include lost wages, medical expenses and pain and suffering. Be sure to seek the legal advice of an auto accident lawyer before you settle with an insurance company. Call a Wilkes-Barre car accident lawyer today at 570-970-5400

 

 

 

 

Tragedy struck in Michigan earlier this week when five bikers were killed in a fatal bike truck crash. The five bikers were killed and four others seriously injured when a pickup truck ran into the riding group. Each year, over two percent of motor vehicle crash deaths in the U.S. are bicyclists, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The NHTSA reported 726 bicyclist motor vehicle crash deaths in 2014.

In Pennsylvania in 2014, there were 19 bicycle crash deaths, up from 11 in the previous year, and nearly 1,300 injuries. 95% of the deaths occurred on state highways, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. This is the time of year when bicyclists are most active in northeast Pennsylvania and seen often on roadways throughout the state. All motor vehicle drivers should be cautious around, and on the lookout for bikers when driving, especially on higher speed limit roads. One of the most frequent causes of serious injury to a bicyclist is getting hit by a car, and one of the most common causes of a car bike collision or a bike truck crash is a motor vehicle driver who does not yield.bike

A collision with a vehicle, such as a bike truck crash, is one of the greatest dangers faced by a cyclist. A passenger vehicle weighs a few thousand pounds and a truck even more, while a bike only weighs about 20 pounds. This leaves bikers very unprotected and in risk of serious injury when involved in a collision with a vehicle.

Ten Traffic Safety Tips for Bikers

  1. Always wear a helmet
  2. Wear bright or reflective clothing and always stay visible. If drivers can see you, they are less likely to hit you.
  3. Always ride in the same direction as traffic
  4. Stay alert and pay attention to the road and traffic around you. Slow down and stay alert when passing driveways, alleys and other crossing roadways. Do not get distracted.
  5. Follow the law and all traffic signs and signals.
  6. Use proper hand signals to alert drivers as to what you are doing.
  7. Be predictable to vehicles around you. Do not weave in and out of traffic.
  8. Be sure your bike is in proper working order.
  9. Be sure to look both ways before crossing any street, and never assume a vehicle is going to stop for you.
  10. Be sure to have a headlight and adequate reflective materials when riding at night.

If you’ve been seriously injured in a bicycle traffic accident, contact the injury lawyers at Distasio & Kowalski in Wilkes-Barre today at 570-970-5400 for a free consultation. Your safety is our top priority.