wrongful death

Despite the reduction of total distance driven due to the pandemic, total traffic fatalities increased by about 12% in 2020.

Car accidents are one of the leading causes of premature death nationwide. And in Missouri, 2020 was a very deadly year. Despite the reduction of total distance driven due to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, total traffic fatalities rose 12% in 2020 compared to 2019 – rising to 989 deaths, compared to 881 in 2019.

Let’s take a look at some of the statistics released by MoDot related to traffic accidents and fatalities in St. Louis and Missouri, and discuss simple ways to stay safe on the road this summer.

The Statistics Behind Missouri Traffic Fatalities In 2020

As mentioned, a total of 989 people died on Missouri roads in 2020. Here are a few more statistics provided by MoDot about road safety and traffic fatalities:

• Speed-related and unbuckled fatalities rose by 25% compared to the previous year

• 67% of all drivers and passengers killed in crashes in 2020 were not wearing seat belts

• 389 people were killed due to speed-related crashes in 2020, according to preliminary reports. This includes excessive speed or speeds that were too high for weather conditions.

• 126 pedestrians were killed by vehicles in 2020, which is the highest number on record for Missouri 

Simple Safety Tips For Avoiding Accidents & Fatalities

With the above statistics in mind, here are a few tips that Missouri and St. Louis residents can take to stay safe while driving this summer.

• Wear your seat belt & use proper child seats – Not wearing a seatbelt was the single largest contributing factor to fatalities in 2020. Always wear your seatbelt and secure children and car seats properly.
  
• Slow down – Stay under the speed limit, and use caution when driving in poor conditions like snow, rain, fog, and other inclement weather.
  
• Avoid distracted driving – Never use a phone while driving. Avoid other distractions like fiddling with the radio, eating, smoking, or daydreaming. Pay attention and focus on the road.
  
• Never drive under the influence – Driving under the influence is illegal and dangerous. Even if you’ve only had one drink, never get behind the wheel. Protect yourself and other road users by being responsible.
  
• Practice “defensive driving” – Don’t drive aggressively. Follow best practices like looking ahead on the road, always checking your mirrors, keeping 3-4 seconds between your car and other cars, and being aware of your surroundings.

Speak With a St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer

Whether you’ve had a loved one die in a wrongful death car accident, or you have been injured in an accident in St. Louis and wish to pursue a personal injury suit against the responsible party, The Hoffmann Law Firm can help. Give us a call today to schedule a free case review with an experienced St. Louis car accident attorney.

While no amount of money can bring a loved one back, a wrongful death claim can provide a sense of justice and a fair settlement for a victim’s suffering.

We can’t even begin to comprehend the pain you might feel if you lost a loved one in a car accident. We know that no amount of compensation can make this ordeal disappear and bring hope back to your life. However, the person that caused you this pain and suffering may be held accountable for his or her actions.

If you decide to file a suit against the other driver, a St. Louis car accident attorney can help you build your case and educate you on what you should expect.

It Could Give You a Sense of Justice

People that have lost a loved one in a car accident generally don’t really care about monetary compensation.  No matter how big or small the settlement, they know that nothing can bring their family member back. However, by not taking any action against the responsible party, many feel as if they aren’t suffering any consequences for their actions.

Filing a wrongful death claim is a way of giving grieving families a sense of justice. By making them financially responsible, you get the courts’ admission of guilt, which can be at least a bit satisfying.

Payment for Past and Future Bills

In addition to the emotional trauma, the death of a loved one comes with dire financial consequences too. If they’ve spent a lot of time in the hospital before their passing, then you probably have lots of medical bills piling up. Not to mention that the costs of a funeral can go extremely high.

More often than not, the financial burden doesn’t stop here. If the victim was also the family’s main provider, then losing their income can take a significant toll on your wellbeing and sustenance. You are probably worrying about how you will be able to pay future bills, your mortgage, and provide for your kids.

By filing a wrongful death lawsuit, your St. Louis auto accident attorney will ensure that the responsible party will pay for both past and future bills. He will take into account your current and future needs and consider them for your settlement. An experienced lawyer can get you compensation for the medical bills you had to pay for your loved one’s injury and will ensure that the settlement will account for their lost wages too.

We will go beyond the financial aspects of your loss. Your family member wasn’t only the sum of his earnings, so you should also account for the emotional support and guidance that he or she would have provided if still around.

It’s difficult to quantify your pain and we know that no amount of money can make up for your loss. We hope that we can at least help you get a sense of justice as well as a fair settlement for your suffering. We are here to listen to you. Give us a call 24/7 at (314) 361-4242 for a FREE case evaluation.