Traffic Fatalities on the Rise in Illinois

 Posted on December 00,0000 in Car Accidents

As the state of the economy improves, gas prices decrease, and more Americans head back to work, morale throughout the country rises. Unfortunately, there is something else rising as well – traffic fatalities. In fact, statistics suggest the state of Illinois is experiencing the highest number of traffic deaths since 2008. What does this mean for drivers and other road users? The following explains.

The Trend of Rising Traffic Fatalities in Illinois

Records obtained by the Chicago Tribune show that traffic fatalities in Illinois have been rising for some time now. In 2013, crashes raised by 4 percent, reaching an average of 782 incidents per day and just a little more than 1,000 deaths for that year (1,043). Numbers decreased slightly in 2014, but not by much (898 deaths for the year). This year, the number of deaths has already reached 958 and is expected to exceed the 2013 total. Only time will tell, though, if the deaths will surpass those from 2008.

Not All Deaths Are Experienced by Motorists

While many of the fatalities were experienced by motorists, not all were. Pedestrians, motorcyclists, and bicyclists were also factored into the death counts from 2013 to 2015. These are typically smaller in numbers. However, the accident to death ratio for these individuals is typically higher than it is for motorists. As such, the families of pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists should know how to pursue compensation for a wrongful death accident.

Pursuing Compensation for Wrongful Death

Families are not always aware that they have options after a loved one has been killed in an accident. This can leave them vulnerable when trying to pursue compensation. They may be preyed upon by insurance companies who generally try to reduce the amount they pay out to victims. Final expenses, cost of living in the future, and loss of an income are not always valued appropriately. To prevent this from happening, every family should contact an experienced attorney.

Pursuing Compensation for an Injury

Like wrongful death accidents, those involving injury are often reduced in amount. Concrete expenses, like medical costs and lost time from work might be accurately valued (as long as you have the documentation to back up your claims). However, the insurance company may try to reduce your settlement in other ways, like shifting more of the blame over to you or limiting your amount for pain and suffering (if they offer it at all). Again, it is important to protect your rights and interests with help from an experienced auto accident lawyer.

Contact Our Lake County Personal Injury Lawyers Today

At Salvi & Maher, LLP, we fight to protect the rights of accident victims and their families. Whatever the situation, we aggressively pursue the most favorable outcome possible for their situation. If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in an accident, get the help you need and deserve. Call 847-662-3303 and schedule your consultation with our Lake County personal injury lawyers today.

Sources: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-traffic-accidents-2013-idot-met-20141223-story.html http://apps.dot.illinois.gov/fatalcrash/home/crashdata http://www.redeyechicago.com/news/redeye-data-shows-chicago-pedestrian-fatalities-on-the-rise-20160224-story.html http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2012-08-06/classified/ct-met-getting-around-0806-20120806_1_traffic-deaths-traffic-fatalities-traffic-crashes