There is good news and bad news for Massachusetts motorists. The good news is traffic fatalities dropped in 2012. The bad news is numbers have climbed nationwide and still too many are killed each year in Massachusetts’ accidents.
A report issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found traffic deaths in Massachusetts reached 349 in 2012, down from 374 in 2011. Over 120 of those deaths occurred in alcohol related accidents, which was a slight decrease from 2011. Yet, nationwide statistics show that motorcycle deaths have risen for the third year in a row and drunk driving deaths increased 4.6 percent. So, while the decreased deaths in Massachusetts is a good sign, far too many of our residents still suffer from the wrongful death of a loved one.
When a family loses a loved one to a car accident, they can seek help from a Massachusetts attorney. The lawyer will gather evidence in an effort to prove a negligent driver caused the victim’s death, which in turn will, hopefully, lead to the recovery of compensation.
Though recovering from a wrongful death lawsuit does not bring the loved one back, the awards can help cover many of the family’s damages. Medical expenses incurred as a result of the accident, pain and suffering, and lost wages may all be recoverable from the negligent or distracted driver. Thus, the family will hopefully be able to get out of undeserved debt, make life a little more comfortable, and be able to move on with life in remembrance of their loved one.
Whether one suffers a serious injury or dies in a car accident, a lawsuit can not only help attempt to recover compensation, but it can also send the strong message that negligent driving will not be tolerated in Massachusetts. Perhaps then the number of traffic fatalities will be driven even lower.
Source: The Woburn Patch, “Traffic Deaths Decrease in Massachusetts,” Lee Masterson, Nov. 19, 2013