WRONGFUL DEATH Chris Stolmeier
Has a Family Member Died in a Car Accident?
A family member who has died in a car accident is one of the most painful experiences a person can ever have. Car accident deaths are all too common. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), car accidents are the leading cause of death in the United States for people age 1-54. Yet, despite car accidents being the leading cause of death in the US for people between age 1-54, most car accidents are avoidable.
According to the National Highways Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the leading causes of car accidents are intoxicated driving, distracted driving, speeding, and drowsy driving.
Intoxicated Driving
Drunk driving car accidents killed over 10,000 people in 2010. This means that 30 people died every day in the United States as a result of a drunk driving accident. The total cost of drunk driving accidents in 2010 was $44 billion. Additionally, drugs can be a contributing factor to drunk driving accidents. Some drugs that impair driving are:
- Marijuana. Marijuana can negatively impact coordination, judgment, and reaction time.
- Cocaine and methamphetamine can drivers more aggressive and reckless.
- Prescription drugs can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and other aide effects that can impair driving
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is another cause of car accidents and car accident fatalities in the United States. In 2018, 2,841 drivers were killed solely because of distracted driving. The NHTSA determined that the number of distracted driving fatalities could be much higher because car accident deaths often occur for a multitude of reasons. The NHTSA estimates that the number of distracted driving deaths will increase in the future as more and more drivers use distracting technology such as cell phones while driving.
Speeding
In 2018, speeding killed 9,378 people in the United States. Speeding is so dangerous because it can lead to:
- An increased risk of losing control of the vehicle
- The reduced effectiveness of safety equipment in a vehicle
- Increased stopping distance
- Increased degree of crash severity
Drowsy Driving
Drowsy driving killed an estimated 797 people in the United States in 2017. Drowsy driving crashes:
- Occur most frequently between midnight and 6 a.m., or in the late afternoon.
- Often involve only a single driver (and no passengers) running off the road at a high rate of speed with no evidence of braking.
- Frequently occur on rural roads and highways.
Damages For A Car Accident Death
If a loved one has died in a car accident it is important to know the damages that are available to the estate, spouse, or children. These damages include:
- Medical costs prior to death.
- Pain and suffering prior to death.
- Lost earning capacity.
- Lost benefits.
- Loss of consortium.
- Loss of enjoyment of activities.
- Funeral and burial costs.
Contact Stolmeier
Stolmeier Law has over 35 years of experience serving wrongful death car accident victims and other personal injury victims in San Antonio and South Texas. We know what it takes to take on the high priced defense lawyers and get you the maximum compensation you deserve. So if a loved one has died in a car accident do not wait to contact Stolmeier Law. Let this family fight for you.