Any car accident can be a frightening and stressful experience, but a collision that results in a loved one’s death can be even more devastating for his family. According to the National Safety Council, approximately 40,000 individuals were killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2018. If your family member died as a result of his injuries in an accident, you may be entitled to compensation from the negligent driver under Virginia’s wrongful death laws.
Common Causes of Fatal Car Accidents
Many auto collisions that result in fatalities are preventable, which can make them feel even more tragic for the family members left to cope with the loss of their loved one. Common reasons that drivers cause these crashes include:
- Intoxication. When drivers are intoxicated due to drug or alcohol use, their reaction time, judgment, vision, and other driving skills are impaired. They can engage in reckless behaviors, such as driving the wrong way on a street or highway, driving at excessive speeds, weaving between lanes, or tailgating another driver, and cause a catastrophic wreck.
- Distracted driving. Talking on a cell phone, texting, and eating and drinking when driving are a few of the distracted driving practices that can take a driver’s eyes and mind off his driving and his hands off the steering wheel. In a few seconds, a motorist can drive the length of a football field without being conscious of his driving before it is too late to prevent a deadly crash.
- Speeding. When a person is speeding, it will take him longer to stop or slow down. In addition, the force of impact will be greater when a vehicle is traveling at a faster speed, increasing the chances that someone will die in a collision.
- Driving too fast for weather conditions. If a driver fails to slow down for snow, heavy rain, ice, or fog, he can easily lose control of his vehicle. There can be even more fatalities and injuries if an accident occurs on a highway and the driver causes a multi-vehicle pileup.
Types of Injuries Most Likely to Lead to Fatalities
There are many catastrophic injuries that can cause victims to suffer long-term injuries or death. Common injuries that can be fatal include:
- Head and brain injuries
- Neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Burns
Did you lose a family member in a car accident in Norfolk that was caused by a negligent driver? Our experienced car accident attorneys can investigate the cause of your collision, file your claim with his insurance company, and negotiate your settlement so that you receive the compensation that you deserve. Call our Norfolk office or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation to learn more about how we can help you obtain justice.
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