In recent years, the number of car accident fatalities across the country has decreased. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that in the most recent year of complete traffic data, the number of fatalities on U.S. roadways continued a long-term downward trend. A significant factor contributing to the decreasing number of traffic fatalities is more innovative safety technology in recent automobiles models.
Unfortunately, it appears that the decline in fatal accidents is not consistent among people in all income brackets, according to new data in a Washington Post article. The data from a study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology suggests that people who are economically disadvantaged continue to be the most at-risk for fatal accidents.
Those with fewer financial resources tend to drive older model vehicles that have fewer safety features. They are more likely to be fatally injured in car crashes than are those individuals who are considered to be financially well off. A car accident attorney lawyer in Rio Grande Valley can assist you if you have been injured due to another driver’s carelessness or disregard for safety.
The Reality of Car Accident Fatalities
The new research indicates that fatality rates among people ages 25 and older with less than a high school education have increased over time, while the biggest declines in car accident fatalities have occurred among the most highly educated.
Are Advancements in Automobile Technology Saving Lives?
It is not education levels alone that affect a person’s chances of being involved in a fatal wreck. Those who are more educated tend to make more money, and they can afford to buy newer cars and pickup trucks that have more safety features and crash warning systems.
- Extra safety features;
- Side airbags;
- Automatic warning systems;
- Rear cameras; and
- Excellent crash test ratings.
Technological advances, when added as standard features to vehicles, do save lives. Consider how many lives have been saved by seat belts and air bags, safety features we now take for granted that were once cutting edge technology. To increase awareness about technological innovations and driving safety, Herrman & Herrman, P.L.L.C., is sponsoring an essay contest to help young people further their education.
Bad Cars, Bad Healthcare, Bad Infrastructure
The researchers found that in addition to driving cars with fewer safety features, those who are economically disadvantaged are also more likely to live in areas with fewer trauma centers. This means that after a collision occurs, a person living in a rural community in the Rio Grande Valley may have decreased access to good healthcare as compared to a person living in a more affluent area. Rural communities also tend to have less infrastructure such as crosswalks and traffic lights designed to prevent traffic accidents and pedestrian accidents.
CONTACT HERRMAN & HERRMAN IF YOU HAVE BEEN INJURED IN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING TYPES OF ACCIDENTS:
We can help you if you have been harmed by the following:
- Car accidents – Our lawyers have extensive experience handling car accident cases. We will work to identify the party or parties at fault for the crash and build a case to demonstrate persuasively how the parties caused the accident and your injuries. We will seek fair and full compensation through a negotiated settlement or at trial if necessary.
- Truck accidents – Thousands of large commercial trucks travel the roads of Texas every single day. Unfortunately, careless truck drivers and trucking companies disregarding safety put innocent people at risk of serious injuries. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, let our experienced Texas personal injury lawyers stand up to the trucking companies and insurers on your behalf.
- Motorcycle accidents – Motorcycle riders often suffer grievous injuries in crashes caused by other motorists. Too many motorcycle accidents in Corpus Christi are caused by careless drivers who don’t look for motorcycle riders or violate their right of way. Our personal injury lawyers will work to cut through the bias and stigma against motorcycle riders. Our goal is to seek the financial compensation that you’ll need to recover from a serious motorcycle accident and injuries such as bone fractures, road rash, or traumatic brain injury.
- Product liability – Product manufacturers have a legal obligation to make products that are safe for their intended uses and to warn consumers of any risks that may come with the product. When products have design or manufacturing defects or undisclosed dangers, the product manufacturer may be legally responsible for injuries suffered by consumers. Our attorneys can help you evaluate whether you have a valid product liability claim.
- Brain injury – Brain injuries can leave accident victims with disabilities that leave them unable to work or perform many tasks of daily living. Seeking compensation for a brain injury in an accident often proves incredibly complex. The brain injury survivor may seek compensation for anticipated future medical care and the medical care already provided. Our personal injury lawyers can help you through the difficult recovery process following a brain injury and will fight to make sure you have the resources you need.
- Spinal injury – Spinal cord injuries could cost millions of dollars of care over the course of the victim’s lifetime, especially when those injuries result in partial or complete paralysis, such as paraplegia or quadriplegia. If you or your loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury, you deserve compassionate legal representation. Our attorney can help you determine whether you may be entitled to claim compensation for your injury and expenses related to living with the disability, such as making a home more accessible.
- Wrongful death – If you have lost a loved one due to the negligent or reckless actions of another party, your family deserves to seek accountability and compensation from those at fault for the wrongful death. Our caring and dedicated attorneys can help guide you and your family through this difficult and painful time and seek justice for your loved one.
ABOUT HERRMAN & HERRMAN PERSONAL INJURY LAWYERS
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