Tag: motorcycle accident

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

 

 

 

 

Hit and run accidents, like the deadly crash that killed a man riding his bicycle on a Scranton sidewalk on Sunday morning, are happening all too frequently in Scranton, Wilkes-Barre and surrounding areas. Just today, a motorcyclist was killed in a hit and run accident in Philadelphia. The impact so strong when the motorcycle was hit by an SUV, that the victim’s body was thrown about 30 feet. Hit and run accidents can be deadly, especially when involving a pedestrian, bicyclist or motorcyclist. They are tragic for the victims of these crashes, and also for their families.

2015 Traffic Crash Facts

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released a report this week stating that traffic accident fatalities were up sharply in 2015. 2,348 more people died in traffic accidents in 2015 than in 2014. A total of 35,092 people were killed in crashes. This a 7% increase over the previous year, the largest increase in traffic crash fatalities in nearly 50 years. The number of those injured in crashes increased to 2.44 million people. Hit and run accidents have been on the increase with other crashes.

  • Bicyclist fatalities rose by 12.2%
  • Pedestrian fatalities rose by 9.5%
  • Motorcyclist fatalities rose by 8.3%

Pennsylvania Hit and Run Accident Laws

When a truck, SUV or car hits something smaller, it can have tragic results. Leaving the scene of a hit and run accident is illegal. When you are involved in an accident, you are required to stop. Failure to do so can result in considerable penalties.

Kevin’s law was passed in 2014. The law was named for Kevin Miller, a 5-year-old boy who was killed by a hit and run driver on a Wilkes-Barre Street. With the law, penalties became stricter for those who flee the scene of fatal hit and run accidents. The law also fixed a loophole when it comes to DUI hit and run cases. DUI seems to be a major factor for drivers fleeing the scene of a hit and run crash.

Kevin’s Law increased the mandatory minimum prison sentence for fleeing the scene of fatal accident to 3 years. This sentence is now on par with the 3-year sentence for DUI pedhomicide. This closed the loophole under which leaving the scene of a fatal accident carried a lesser minimum sentence than DUI homicide. Continuing to impose stricter penalties on those who flee the scene of these deadly accidents may save lives. It may also result in a safer environment for pedestrians and others.

If you have been injured in a hit and run accident or another car accident or truck accident, call the car accident attorneys at Distasio Kowaslski in Wilkes-Barre today at 570-970-5400. You need an attorney who is experienced and is going to fight to get you the justice you deserve.