Reckless Driving On The Rise During Covid-19 in the USA
The COVID pandemic has been an adjustment for all of us, affecting our daily lives in ways we never would have expected. Lockdowns, closed businesses, and telecommuting have led to a reduction in traffic and travel in general, but it may have also had one unintended effect. Reckless driving is increasing during the COVID pandemic.
If you were surprised by this revelation, you are not alone. You might think that fewer people on the road would mean fewer incidences of reckless driving, but some recent data shows that this is not the case.
There Has Been an Increase in Reckless Driving
The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) has been tracking driving behavior in all 50 states and found that speeding and other types of reckless driving are on the rise.
Big cities like Los Angeles and New York are seeing a major spike in speeding. In Los Angeles, cars are going as much as 30 percent faster in some areas, causing the city to rethink some of its traffic lights, including walk signals for pedestrians. In New York, speed cameras issued nearly double the number of speeding tickets in March as it did in February. This is in spite of the lower number of cars on the road.
Police from multiple states are reporting more speeding on highways as well. Cops in Colorado, Nebraska, and other midland states are catching more drivers traveling at speeds of over 100 miles per hour. Car crashes and related deaths are on the rise in Minnesota. Some states, such as Massachusetts, are seeing crash rates go down, but death rates rise up. Pedestrian deaths are also increasing in some areas of the country, such as in Nevada and Rhode Island.
Much of this carnage can be attributed to an increase in reckless driving behavior.
Fewer Cars Does Mean Motorists Are Driving Safely
As we can see from some of these statistics, having fewer cars on the road does not help us avoid the consequences of reckless driving. A speeding driver who ignores road rules can still be a major threat even when the highways are less crowded.
Reckless driving is a common cause of auto accidents. These accidents cause significant bodily harm and property damage. According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average auto liability claim for property damage was $3,841 in 2018. The average claim for bodily injury was $15,785.
Even with insurance, suffering an injury in an accident with a reckless driver may cause financial hardship. That is why drivers who have been harmed by another driver’s bad behavior or negligence might decide to pursue damages.
Victims of Reckless Driving Accidents May Pursue Compensation in the United State
If you are one of the drivers who suffered an injury due to reckless driving increasing during the COVID pandemic, you may have legal options.
Pursuing Damages
If insurance has not sufficiently covered the costs resulting from your accident with a reckless driver, pursuing damages in a civil lawsuit might help you get back on good financial footing. For more legal help contact the Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer.
Your compensation may cover your medical bills, which can add up quickly, depending on the extent of the injuries you have suffered. These damages may cover lost wages or paychecks that you missed because you were recovering. If your injuries prevent you from working, whether temporarily or permanently, your lost earning potential may also be covered by your compensation.
Other damages may cover property destruction and pain and suffering. A personal injury lawyer Fort Lauderdale can help determine what kind of compensation you are owed.
Hiring a Lawyer
While hiring a lawyer is not required, it can help. A lawyer can handle the legal aspects of your case for you, from filing your lawsuit to gathering evidence and identifying liable parties. Your lawyer may calculate the amount and types of damages you are owed and fight for you to receive compensation.
Get a Free Consultation with the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato
If you were in an accident with a reckless driver, see how the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato can help you. Call (954) 633-8270 for a free consultation today and learn more about your legal options. We do not charge you any attorney’s fees unless you receive compensation.
