Auto accidents and the injuries and fatalities that result from them are a constant concern throughout Minnesota. While there are certain fundamental issues that lead to these crashes like inclement weather and they are difficult to effectively prevent, there are others that can be addressed to make the roads safer. That includes distracted driving, speeding, reckless behavior, drowsy driving and drunk drivers. State agencies track these accidents to grasp how and why they occur to try and forge solutions. Part of that is accruing the statistics and analyzing them. The most recent numbers for 2021 show troubling signs for road safety and people who head out should be aware of them.
Minnesota heading for the worst year for road fatalities since 2007
According to the Minnesota Department of Safety, the most recent statistics said the state had more than 400 road fatalities for 2021. If that pace continues, it would be the worst year for road deaths in the state since 2007. The DPS says people are increasingly fearful of even taking to the roadways because there are so many elements that can cause a collision. Various strategies have been implemented to emphasize the need for adherence to safety. One included a public service announcement from a driver who was jailed because he drove distracted and killed another driver three years ago.
The current health situation is an ongoing factor in the perception of dangerous roadways. Because there was less traffic and law enforcement was stretched in what it could and could not investigate, drivers took advantage of emptier roads to drive at excessive speeds. Not only is it difficult to control a vehicle that is traveling at speeds beyond what people are accustomed to, but it is harder to avoid a crash and the accident itself will have greater severity. Officials fear that the total for 2021 may come close to 500 fatalities. Agencies, legislators and law enforcement are planning to increase enforcement to try and stop drivers from misbehaving and placing others at risk.
People should have advice in dealing with the aftermath of an auto accident
Whether there are serious injuries or fatalities in an auto accident, it is important for people to understand the value of experienced and comprehensive advice with how to proceed. Simply contacting a random legal representative could be a mistake as having assistance tailored specifically to the case itself can be crucial to a positive outcome. Given the potential challenges that arise after a crash including medical expenses, lost wages, the need for long-term care and a dramatically different life for the injured person and his or her family, there will be a litany of factors to think about. If the accident results in a fatality, these problems are multiplied. Knowing the details of a claim, how long it will take to make a financial recovery, what to do if there is a dispute and more are essential. In these cases, it is wise to have experienced assistance from the beginning to have a good chance for full personal and financial recovery.
