According to the CDC, the number of fatal car accidents in the United States in 2017 was approximately 40, 231. Each of these people had a loved one they left behind. The loved one could be a relative, a friend, or a spouse. Picking up the pieces after the loss of a loved one can be a very emotionally draining process.
If you have lost a loved one in a car accident in Fall River, MA due to the negligence of another driver, you have the right to file for a wrongful death claim. A Fall River wrongful death lawyer can help you recover compensation for:
- Property damage
- Funeral costs
- Medical expenses
It’s advisable that you file for a wrongful death lawsuit with the help of a wrongful death lawyer near you if you hope to get the maximum amount possible. Our team at Kevin P Landry Law Offices will assist you to obtain the compensation you need to move forward after the loss of a loved one.
What Causes Common Car Accidents in Fall River, MA?
While it’s not easy to predict when a car accident will happen, there are instances where these accidents may have been prevented. Below are some of the causes of car accidents not just in Fall River, MA, but in other areas as well.
Distracted Driving
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately 3000 die every day in the United States because of accidents caused by distracted driving. Common distracted driving situations include:
Visual Distractions
These include distractions that cause you to momentarily take your eyes off the road. For example, glancing at your phone to see who is calling, responding to texts, changing radio stations, and so on.
Manual Distractions
These are distractions that cause you to momentarily take your hands off the steering wheel. Examples include adjusting your GPS, eating, and so on.
Cognitive Distractions
These are distractions that take your mind away from the wheel. This is a little harder to prove because others may not identify them.
Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately 30 people die every day in accidents caused by drivers under the influence of alcohol. Believe it or not, the rate at which people die in drunken-driving accidents has reduced by a third in the last thirty years. However, the numbers are still high. In 2018, for example, 10,511 people died from drunken driving accidents. Alcohol and other drugs impair someone’s judgment while they are on the road.
Road Rage and Aggressive Driving
Massachusetts does not have a specific anti-rage law but it is illegal to accelerate at a high speed in order to compete with another motorist on the road. Dangerous and explosive driving behavior can lead to serious accidents. A few signs that a driver poses a risk on the road include:
- Overspeeding in bad weather conditions or in heavy traffic
- Cutting off drivers while on the road and then excessively slowing down
- Weaving excessively through traffic
- Throwing stuff outside the car while on the road
- Ramming or sideswiping other cars
Negligent Career Drivers
Some of the causes of wrongful death accidents involved overworked truck drivers. Remember that we share our roads with companies that own commercial cars. It’s the duty of these companies to ensure that their drivers are properly trained and their vehicles are properly maintained.
Should You Speak to Insurance Adjusters after a Loved One Dies in a Car Accident?
An insurance adjuster might contact you requesting a statement. We always advise victims of car accidents to avoid talking to insurance adjusters without a reliable Fall River wrongful death lawyer present. Unfortunately, insurance companies care about making profits and they will do anything to ensure they pay out as little as possible.
If the accident involved a ride-sharing company, you should also avoid speaking to any of their representatives without proper legal representation.
How a Fall River Wrongful Death Lawyer Can Help
Dealing with the loss of a loved one and pursuing a wrongful death lawsuit at the same time can be emotionally draining. Pursuing a wrongful death lawsuit after the death of a loved one is complicated and a Fall River wrongful death lawyer can help you pursue fair compensation. Call us today to book your initial consultation.
