A Nashville Car Accident Attorney Discusses the Problem
Driving seems like a fairly routine activity for most of us. We drive to work, to the store, or out to a restaurant or someone’s house. Nobody expects to get into a crash. But some drivers on the road are negligent and cause car accidents that leave people seriously injured. And sometimes, those injuries are fatal.
According to data collected by the Tennessee Highway Patrol, as of mid-December, there were 1,280 fatal crashes in the state in 2021 – up from 1,160 the year before.
Fatal Crash Factors
Why is that number so much higher? The THP says they’ve noticed more risky driving behaviors since the start of the pandemic in March 2020.
“That includes impaired driving, includes speeding, specifically super speeding,” said Sergeant Andy Clendenen.
Officials said that there is also typically more traffic and speeding drivers during the holidays.
Knoxville police said there may be another factor in the number of fatalities – many drivers aren’t putting on their seatbelts.
“I know that's a cliche, but we remind people that, ‘Hey, it doesn't take any time to put on a seatbelt and make sure you're wearing that seatbelt before you get behind the wheel,’” said Scott Erland of the Knoxville Police Department.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) notes that seatbelts “are the single most effective safety technology in the history of the automobile.” An NHTSA study found that between 1960 and 2012, seatbelts saved 329,715 lives – more than all other vehicle technologies combined, including airbags, energy-absorbing steering assemblies, and electronic stability control.
A fatal car accident can have devastating consequences. Loved ones are left to grieve their loss. Families who lost a provider have to figure out a way to move forward.
Holding Negligent Drivers Accountable
When a negligent driver causes an accident that leads to the death of a loved one, family members deserve financial compensation. Recovering that compensation can be a complicated process, however.
The at-fault driver in a fatal crash may have been speeding, driving recklessly, texting, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs. But negligent drivers often deny doing anything wrong and won’t take responsibility for what happened.
Insurance companies are supposed to help, but they always keep one eye on the bottom line. There are many tactics they use to try to reduce compensation. They may argue a loved one was partially at fault for the accident. Sometimes they’ll make a settlement offer – one that falls far short of covering the damages suffered.
That’s why it’s important to have an experienced car accident attorney on your side if you lost a loved one in a fatal crash. The Law Office of Eric Beasley, Inc. understands the impact that a fatal car accident can have on families. We are focused on getting the results they need.
Our legal team investigates to gather and preserve evidence. We carefully review accident reports and medical records and interview witnesses. If needed, we consult accident reconstruction experts. Our lawyers build strong cases that insurance companies have to take seriously, and we know how to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Learn more about how we can help. Contact us to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Nashville car accident lawyer.