What State Has The Most Car Accidents?
Data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) suggests that Mississippi has the highest number of fatal car accidents. In a recent study, Mississippi saw 687 fatal crashes, resulting in 752 deaths. When compared to the state’s population, that was about 25 deaths per 100,000 people.
Florida also sees its fair share of fatal car accidents, with 15.4 collision-related deaths per 100,000. The Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato advocate for injured claimants in the Sunshine State. If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a crash, our personal injury team can seek financial recovery for your losses. Call (954) 633-8270 to learn more.
Mississippi Has the Most Car Accidents
Here’s some more data about Mississippi traffic accidents:
- Most collisions happen in rural areas. Sixty-eight percent of crashes in a recent year happened in rural areas, while the remaining 32 percent happened in cities.
- IIHS data suggests that seatbelt use in Mississippi doesn’t make certain collisions less fatal. Forty-one percent of car accident decedents wore seatbelts, while another 42 percent did not.
- Most fatal collisions (61 percent) were single-car accidents. That means drivers collided with stationary objects, like light poles, trees, and fences.
Other States Have High Car Accident Rates
Mississippi isn’t the only state with a high number of car accident fatalities. The IIHS notes that these states also see their fair share of collisions:
- Wyoming
- Arkansas
- South Carolina
- Alabama
- Montana
- New Mexico
Many of these collisions have one thing in common: human error. In fact, sources report that human error accounts for 98 percent of all collisions. Every five seconds, human error causes an accident.
What Are the Leading Causes of Car Accidents in Mississippi?
The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) notes that some leading causes of collisions include:
Intoxicated Driving
While drunk driving is illegal in all 50 states, that does not stop some motorists from engaging in the practice. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that Mississippi has more drunk drivers than the national average. What’s more, in a recent 10-year period, 1,755 people lost their lives in drunk driving accidents.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving isn’t just texting. It’s anything that takes a motorist’s full attention off the road. Examples of distracted driving include:
- Conversing with passengers
- Tending to pets
- Reaching for an object
- Eating or drinking
- Smoking
All motorists have a duty of care to prevent accidents. That means being fully focused on the road while a car’s in motion.
Speeding
Speeding is an issue on roadways throughout the nation. Every motorist must heed the posted speed limit or adjust their driving to meet various conditions, like heavy rainfall. Speeding gives less time for drivers to react to sudden hazards or otherwise drive defensively.
Not All Mississippi Accidents Stem From Drivers’ Negligence
Mississippi doesn’t have a great reputation for having immaculate roadways. Potholes, overgrown trees, and other hazards contribute to many collisions each year. When these incidents happen, injured victims have the right to file a claim or lawsuit against the municipality responsible for roadway maintenance.
These cases come with some complexities, though. For instance:
- Claims and lawsuits against the government generally have tight filing deadlines. You could have just 180 days to file your claim. Lawsuits against individuals generally have three-year filing periods.
- Government agencies have top-notch Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyers at their disposal. This means, without legal guidance, you could face an uphill battle when seeking damages.
- A successful injury claim or lawsuit can yield compensation for a host of injury-related losses, including pain and suffering.
No matter where you live, if you suffered injuries in a collision, you have legal options. One of those options involves partnering with a Miami car accident lawyer. They can investigate your accident, itemize your losses, and pursue the damages you deserve.
Recoverable Damages in a Car Accident Case
Compensable losses in a car accident claim depend on the injured party’s circumstances. Generally, the severity of their injuries correlates with how much they can recover. The more serious one’s injuries, the more funds one could seek.
If you were in a car accident, you could recover these losses:
- Healthcare expenses
- Lost income, tips, bonuses, and benefits
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage expenses, including vehicle replacement costs
- Emotional distress
- Temporary transportation costs
- Assistive mobility aids
You can also recover the cost of anything you spent out of pocket regarding your injuries. For example, if you hired a nanny to supervise your children during your recovery, you could include those expenses in your claim’s value.
Connect With the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato for More Information
If you suffered injuries in a South Florida collision, you can seek financial recovery with our legal team’s help. The Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato offers free, no-obligation case reviews where we can listen to your story and explain your next steps. Contact or call us at (954) 633-8270 to get started.
