Tennessee Taking Steps To Reduce Car Accident Fatalities
Most of us have passed by a bad car accident at one time or another while we were out driving. The images often serve as a great reminder to practice safer driving habits, so that we can avoid a similar collision. When these accidents happen, officials will study the crash to learn more about its causes. The information that they obtain will assist them in creating safer roadways for all drivers.
Tennessee motorists may have noticed that road signs throughout the state are listing the number of fatalities that have occurred year-to-date in car and truck accidents. Officials began posting this information after seeing these deaths rise over the past two years.
In 2012, 1,013 people were killed in Tennessee motor vehicle accidents, according to statistics compiled by the Tennessee Department of Transportation. This represents an increase of 75 people over 2011 numbers. After the first three months of 2012, officials noticed that there were many more car accident fatalities than the same time period in 2011, and they began to post the numbers on signs over busy roadways.
In addition to the signs, police in the state have also been more aggressive in ticketing drivers for certain traffic violations. Motorists found not wearing seat belts or speeding received tickets which could incur substantial penalties. Police focused on these behaviors because nearly half of those killed in car accidents were not wearing seat belts.
Motorists that cause these accidents may be held responsible for their actions. Those who have been seriously injured because of the actions of another driver may be able to recover compensation for their injuries. This can include reimbursement for medical bills, as well as damages for pain and suffering. If the accident was severe enough to require life-long care, the victim may be able to recover for those expenses as well.
Families that have lost loved ones in car or truck accidents may also be able to recover for compensation for their loss in a wrongful death suit. In those types of cases, damages are awarded because of the loss of future earnings potential, as well as the loss of companionship of the individual.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car wreck, speak to an experienced personal injury attorney about the options available in your situation. Each case is different, and your compensation could depend on the circumstances of your case. You may be contacted by insurance companies while you recover, and they may try to get you to settle your claims before you know exactly what expenses you may have. Insurance companies are not looking out for your best interests, and if you settle too soon, you may limit your potential recovery.