Car accidents are on the rise, with 1.24 million people dying on the world’s roads each year. That’s greater than the population of nine different U.S. states. That number is expected to jump to 3.6 million worldwide by 2030. But despite the worldwide increase in traffic deaths, data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that the U.S. has seen an overall decrease in traffic deaths, from 15.64 per 100,000 people in 1994 to 10.39 per 100,000 in 2011. That being said, the NHTSA has unfortunately reported that traffic-related deaths increased from 2011 to 2012 by more than a thousand.
Despite everyone’s distaste for red lights and traffic tickets, traffic enforcement in the U.S. and other developed nations are responsible for the increasing safety on our roads. Unlike the U.S., where police officers drive cars, traffic cops often aren’t mobile in the developing world, resulting in poor enforcement and very dangerous road conditions. Still, safety threats like distracted driving may reverse positive trends in the U.S.
Most of us know someone whose life has been altered by a traffic accident. And when your life is affected by the negligence of another driver, it’s important to make sure that you are fairly compensated for your injuries. Our system relies on us to assert our rights. Stay silent, and our right to financial recovery post-accident can be lost forever.
Insurance companies often claim to represent your rights in an accident, but they are interested in one thing only: their profits. You need an advocate on your side when an accident has changed your life. A Huntsville car accident attorney can help you cut through the confusion when your life or the life of a loved one has been forever altered by a car accident. Without competent representation, your rights may be in jeopardy. Evidence may be lost, and witnesses may forget important details.