The roads, conditions, and drivers across the states come in shocking variety. Take one driver from the narrow, busy, and crowded streets of Washington D.C. and they’ll be taken aback by the wide, open, long roads of Mississippi. These different conditions, populations, and lifestyles also produce a varying number of annual car accidents.
In 2014, The United States saw over 30,000 driving fatalities. There are a number of factors that determine the reason for this high number and the likelihood of being involved in a car accident:
- Population: In states with a high population, roads are often narrow and crowded, requiring lower speed limits and more careful driving. For states with a low population and more space, drivers are threatened by the high speed limits and a lot of time on the road.
- State Size: A bigger state means more distance between locations and longer roads. Speed limits are often raised in these areas, threatening the safety of drivers.
- Traffic Control: Licensing, traffic control, and state regulations can also play into driver behavior, vehicle conditions, and the chances of being involved in an accident.
- Drug Consumption: States with a high percentage of drug consuming citizens have higher traffic accidents and fatalities.
The Three Worst States for Car Accidents
Car accidents are the leading cause of death for Americans under the age of 34. The U.S. Department of Transportation estimates that the total cost of car accidents throughout the nation exceeds $230 billion dollars annually. Here are the top three worst states for car crashes and car-related fatalities.
- North Dakota: North Dakota ranked highest, showing between 24 to 26 car accident-related deaths for every 100,000 residents.
- Montana: Montana, unlike most states, does not require vehicle emission test or periodic safety inspections, resulting in the threat of unsafe vehicles. In addition, this large state has a relatively small population, demanding that citizens spend more time traveling. Montana’s extreme weather conditions also play into the final count of 22 to 24 car accident deaths for every 100,000 citizens.
- Wyoming: Wyoming has long been the scene of many car accidents, and nothing has changed. With a matching rate of 22 to 24 fatal car accidents per 100,000 citizens, Wyoming holds a record for being one of the worst states for car crash fatalities.
Recovering from a Car Accident
If you or a loved one has been involved in a painful or fatal car accident, you know that the experience is very traumatic. The grief of watching a loved one suffer through pain or lose their life is tremendous. Yet, in the midst of emotional pain, there are tasks that demand your attention: Talking to insurance agents, conversations with medical personnel, stacks of paperwork, medical bills, and more.
One of the best ways to handle an overwhelming situation like this is to get help from experienced, capable people you trust. At Russell and Hill, PLLC, our experienced car accident attorneys can help you work with insurance companies, discuss payment plans with doctors, manage your paperwork, arrange medical specialists, and talk with experts and inspectors.
File a Personal Injury Claim With a Car Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident where you were not responsible, then you have the right to pursue financial compensation for your medical bills, property damage, and personal pain and suffering. With the help of a car accident attorney, you can file a claim describing and totaling the sum of your damages and submit it to the insurance company.
If the insurance company is unwilling to comply, then you have the opportunity to take your claim to court. However, the insurance company is likely to hire trained, educated, and experienced attorneys to defend themselves and the negligent party from your claim. When the time comes, you will want an equally skilled and capable attorney to provide evidence and support for your claim.
At Russell and Hill, PLLC, our attorneys are trained, aggressive, and experienced in dealing with personal injury cases. We can help you recover the full and fair compensation that you justly deserve. For more information about our personal injury services, contact us today at 888-757-4738 or by filling out our contact form.