Which State Has the Most Fatal Car Accidents Per Capita?

Which State has the Highest Number of Fatal Car Accidents Per Capita?

Thousands of people die yearly from fatal car accidents across the country. Yet, recent data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) states that Mississippi has the most fatal car accidents per capita. Behind Mississippi, Wyoming, and South Carolina also have high fatality rates compared to other states. 

If your loved one passed away from their injuries, a Florida accident attorney could help you recover compensation for your losses. To explore your options in greater detail, call the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato at (954) 633-8270. 

Top Three States With the Most Fatal Car Accidents Per Capita

The IIHS notes that these states have the highest fatal accidents per capita: 

Mississippi

The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) states that 77.9 percent of Mississippians wear seatbelts. This is compared to the 90.1 percent of Americans who wear seatbelts every time they ride in the car. With some of the lowest seatbelt rates in the nation, car accidents result in more fatalities.

On top of some Mississippi citizens not wearing seatbelts, high drunk driving rates contribute to collisions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that Mississippi has a higher rate of drunk driving than the national average. 

Wyoming

Wyoming comes in second place with the most fatal car accidents per capita across the United States. Bad roads and poor weather conditions cause catastrophic accidents throughout the state. 

South Carolina

South Carolina has the third most fatal accidents in the United States. According to recent data from the South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS), one in every eighteen drivers in the state got into an accident in a single year.  

Many drivers in South Carolina speed excessively, which factors in the number of fatalities the state sees. Also, poor road conditions account for a significant factor. Some reports describe South Carolina as having some of the worst roads in the United States.

Common Causes of Fatal Car Accidents in the United States

If you seek help from a Miami car accident attorney, they can investigate the accident to determine its cause. By determining how the accident happened, they can identify the liable party. Some possible causes of fatal accidents include: 

Distracted Driving

The CDC describes distracted driving as anything that takes the driver’s attention off the road. There are three types of distractions, and they include: 

• Visual distractions: Any activity that can take the driver’s eyes off the road. Examples could include texting, manipulating a navigation system, or talking on the phone. 
• Manual distractions: Any activity that can take the driver’s hands off the wheel. Examples could include eating or tending to children in the car.
• Cognitive distractions: Any activity that can take the driver’s attention off the road. Examples include talking to passengers in the car or talking on the phone.

Thousands of people get killed in car accidents yearly because of distracted driving.

Reckless Driving

When someone engages in reckless driving, they drive with willful disregard for the safety of themselves and others. Reckless actions could include the following:

• Speeding excessively
• Racing other vehicles
• Driving without turning headlights on when it rains or when it’s dark outside
• Cutting other vehicles off
• Tailgating the vehicle in front of them

If someone caused a fatal car accident because of reckless driving, and your loved one passed away, you could file a claim against the liable policy.

Driving While Intoxicated

Everyone knows that driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol can cause fatal accidents. These drivers are more likely to run red lights, swerve into the wrong lane, or not see a person or object on the road. 

Drunk driving increases the likelihood of fatal collisions. When someone causes a fatality because of drunk driving, they could face more than criminal charges; they could face civil liability. 

Vehicular Malfunction or Poor Roadway Conditions 

Driver error isn’t the only cause of fatal accidents. Other contributing factors include: 

• Vehicular malfunction. Tire blowouts, brake failure, and faulty steering systems can cause serious collisions. In these instances, a product manufacturer could hold liability. 
• Poor roadway conditions. Local municipalities must keep roads in good condition. This involves filling potholes, maintaining traffic lights, and clearing roadway debris. 

An Attorney Could Help You Recover Compensation After a Fatal Collision 

Unfortunately, fatal car accidents occur in every state across the country. If your loved one passed away from their injuries, you could recover compensation for the loss of companionship and financial support they provided. The Fort Lauderdale car accident attorneys at the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato can guide you through the claims process. We can demand compensation from the liable party and negotiate to reach a fair settlement. 

Contact us today for a free consultation by calling (954) 633-8270. During the consultation, we can listen to your story and explain your options.