Wrongful Death

Experienced Pennsylvania Wrongful Death Attorneys

National data shows that over 90% of crashes are caused by driver behavior. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation reported recently reported in May 2020 that the commonwealth has hit a new low in 2019 for crash fatalities dating back to 1928. That may be due to the advancements in vehicle safety features, driver education, use of seat belts, and even medical care advancements across the commonwealth. While this could be considered a great statistic, sadly there were still 1,059 reported crash fatalities, and even one life lost is one too many.

If you’ve lost someone you love to another driver’s negligence, the wrongful death attorneys at Rick Law can help you seek justice and compensation.

Eye-Opening Auto Accident Fatality Statistics

Metrics show:

There were 129 fatalities in aggressive driving crashes in 2018 compared to 95 in 2019.

Fatalities in crashes involving a driver 65 or older dropped from 330 in 2018 to 281 in 2019.

Pedestrian fatalities decreased from 201 in 2018 to 154 last year.

While those metrics are positive, other statistics show:

There were 174 motorcyclist fatalities last year, up from 164 in 2018.

Fatalities involving stop-controlled intersections increased to 92 from 67 in 2018.

Fatalities in vehicle failure-related crashes increased from 45 to 52.

Many fatal accidents are attributed to causes that an individual can control. Trends show that the top five fatal-crash factors are:

Single-vehicle, run-off-the-road crashes

Not wearing seatbelts

Crashing into a fixed object (all types)

Crashes involving an impaired driver (all substances)

Crashes involving a driver aged 65 and over

Pennsylvania has seen a loosening of alcohol sales laws in recent years, but the commonwealth has also increased penalties for repeat DUI offenders as of the end of 2018. Learning how common collisions occur could help drivers avoid these situations. The most prevalent causes are speed, aggression and failure to follow at a safe distance behind other vehicles. In congested traffic areas, these collisions lead to multiple vehicle accidents with several collisions following.

Who Can Sue For Wrongful Death?

Individuals who are injured as a result of the negligence of another driver can file a personal injury lawsuit. In the event of a fatality, surviving family members of victims who lost their lives may have a claim for a wrongful death lawsuit. The best way to navigate personal injury or wrongful death actions is by seeking the support and guidance of an experienced Pennsylvania Wrongful Death Attorney.