What You Should Know: Accident Stats from an Injury Lawyer in Rapid City, SD

An injury lawyer in Rapid City, SD, can help if you have been injured in an accident. Whether you were in a serious car accident or a minor fender-bender, it is wise to seek legal help in ensuring that your rights are protected.  You could be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries but you only have a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit, so schedule a consultation as soon as possible.

To protect yourself from getting in another accident, it helps to understand some of the basic accident data.  Knowing who is the most likely to be in a fatal car crash can help you to avoid one.  According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Safety Administration in 2014:

• 2.3 million people were injured in a car accident
• 32,675 people were killed
• 49 percent of passengers killed in a car crash were not wearing a seatbelt
• 31 percent of fatal car wrecks involved alcohol
• In 28 percent of fatal car crashes, the driver was speeding
• 6.1 million car crashes were reported to the police

Good news from an injury lawyer in Rapid City, SD!  The number of people dying in a car crash has been steadily declining.  From 2005 to 2013 there was a 25 percent decrease in the number of crash fatalities.  That means that car safety measures, the higher use of seatbelts and driver education have been helping to make the roads safer for everyone.

As an injury lawyer in Rapid City, SD, I recommend doing specific things to increase the likelihood of you remaining safe if you are in an accident, or avoiding one altogether.  First, it is necessary to follow the rules of the road.  Things like driving the speed limit, using your turn signals, using your lights from dusk on, and staying off the road after midnight, will all decrease the likelihood of you being in a car wreck and becoming seriously injured if you are.  You will also want to remember to wear your seatbelt and ensure that your passengers do as well.

During the holidays, it is more important to be diligent while driving.  Statistically, more people are in alcohol-related accidents during the holiday season.  With meetings and parties turning festive, people tend to drink more and earlier in the day.  The police simultaneously increase their patrols but, still, you need to practice defensive driving in order to stay safe.  Watch for any cars that are speeding up and slowing down, swerving in and out of lanes, stopping suddenly or driving erratically.  When you see them, slow down and stay far enough behind the vehicle to stop suddenly or to move out of the way if needed.  You may even want to get off the road and call 911 if there is no way to safely drive on the same road as them.  It is better to be late to wherever you are going than to be in a car wreck.

If, after being diligent, you are still in a wreck, speak with an injury lawyer in Rapid City, SD.