Missouri traffic deaths up in 2012, mirroring nationwide trend
Fatal accidents in Missouri were up last year, largely because of poor decisions by motorists.
May 17, 2013
Missouri traffic deaths up in 2012, mirroring nationwide trendArticle provided by Weber Law Firm, L.C.
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Traffic safety and law enforcement officials in Missouri have long been focused on keeping the state's roads safe for motorists and pedestrians alike. Unfortunately, their efforts have not been as productive as some might hope.
According to data from the Missouri Highway Patrol, there were 818 traffic accident fatalities on Missouri roadways. This is a significant increase from the 786 traffic accident deaths the state experienced in 2011.
Missouri's experience mirrors nationwide trends. In May 2013, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that there were an estimated 34,080 traffic accident fatalities in the United States in 2012. This death toll is about 5.3 percent higher than it was in 2011. What's more, 2012 saw the first increase in nationwide traffic accident fatalities since they hit a peak in 2005.
Reasons for the increase
Missouri officials have pointed to a number of reasons for the increase. As with nearly every motor vehicle accident, poor decision making plays a major role.
A number of the fatal vehicle accidents can be traced back to negligent driving behaviors, including distracted driving, intoxicated driving and speeding. In addition, officials say seat belt use -- or rather, the lack thereof -- is to blame in a significant number of accidents. According to the Highway Patrol, victims were not wearing their seatbelts in approximately two-thirds of all fatal accidents.
While this information is troubling, it does provide some hope -- the number of traffic fatalities in Missouri has the potential to decline so long as motorists take on the responsibility to make better choices behind the wheel.
Missouri wrongful death lawsuits
Of course, these fatal accidents are more than just mere statistics. Every one of the 818 traffic deaths in Missouri in 2012 represented a tragic and profound loss for a family.
When fatal accidents happen as a result of another person's negligence, the families of the deceased victims can take steps to hold the responsible parties accountable. Missouri law allows families to file wrongful death lawsuits against the persons or entities at fault in causing the accident.
While nothing can undo the psychological and emotional damage that a fatal accident causes, wrongful death lawsuits can help families by providing them with the financial resources they need to get back on their feet after a tragic loss. Some of the damages available in Missouri wrongful death lawsuits include compensation for the deceased person's medical care and funeral expenses, loss of his or her future earnings, and loss of his or her future consortium, companionship, guidance and support.
If your loved one has been killed in a traffic accident, it is important to enlist the help of an experienced personal injury attorney. The attorney will be able to thoroughly investigate the circumstances of the accident to determine who was at fault and advocate for appropriate compensation.