New York car accidents: Crashes due to driver error on the rise
Fatal car crashes connected to speeding and roadway departures were on the rise in New York, while the rate of trucking accidents is rising nationally.
April 10, 2014
New York car accidents: Crashes due to driver error on the riseArticle provided by Stock and Leader Attorneys at Law
Visit us at http://www.stockandleaderinjurylaw.com
Statistics recently released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found driver error played a significant role in fatal car crashes in New York. Factors contributing to accidents included:
-Speeding. NHTSA reported that in 2011 there were 332 fatalities connected to speeding in the state of New York alone. That number jumped to 360 in 2012.
-Rollovers. In 2008, 159 individuals were killed by rollover accidents in New York. In 2012, 176 fatalities from rollovers were reported.
-Roadway departure. 411 crashes in the state involved at least one motor vehicle that left the roadway were reported in 2011. 453 were reported to the NHTSA in 2012.
It is important to note that although these specific types of accidents increased in New York, the overall rate of accidents in the country decreased in 2013. A recent investigation by Cars.com, an online car shopping website, found that traffic deaths were down three percent in the United States. However, the group's statistics also found the number of fatalities connected to truck accidents were on the rise. More specifically, researchers with the website found an increase of over 18 percent in fatalities connected to truck accidents between 2009 and 2012.
According to the report, commercial truck drivers are far less likely to have previous driving violations on record or to drive while intoxicated. Instead, the overall increase in fatalities connected to truck accidents is thought to be connected to truck driver fatigue. The United States Department of Transportation's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has taken steps in an attempt to address this issue. The most notable being a change in the regulations governing when drivers can operate their vehicles and when they must rest. Violations come with steep penalties, including fines to both the driver and the trucking company.
New York law provides remedies for victims of car crashes and trucking accidents
Those injured in car or trucking accidents may be eligible to receive compensation to help cover the high cost of medical and rehabilitative care. New York state law allows victims to hold those who injure others by negligently or recklessly operating vehicles accountable for their actions.
Establishing a claim can be difficult. Police reports are just one piece of evidence that can be used to establish fault. These reports can include details on the accident, such as whether or not a ticket was issued. In many cases, additional evidence must be gathered. As a result, those injured in an accident should contact an experienced New York car accident lawyer to build their case and better ensure all legal rights and any potential remedies are protected.