If you have lost a loved one in an auto accident, you may be entitled to seek compensation well beyond the initial offerings of insurance companies. Bakersfield fatal car accident lawyer Mickey Fine has years of experience helping families navigate the often complex and frustrating legal system to secure maximum compensation. It costs nothing to meet with Mickey Fine to discuss your case, your rights, and the most effective way to get the justice you are due.
To schedule a your free consultation at the Bakersfield or Manhattan Beach office of Mickey Fine, please contact us online or call (661) 333-3333 today.
Fatal Accidents on the Rise
Fatal motor vehicle accidents are on the rise in the United States and much of this increase has been attributed to distracted driving. In fact, deaths from accidents caused by distracted drivers are now more common than those caused by drunk drivers, yet distracted drivers are not faced with anywhere near the criminal penalties of those who are intoxicated at the time of an accident.
A fatal motor vehicle accident can occur on a motorcycle, car, or truck. Unfortunately, too many people across California and the rest of the United States die each year due to these accidents leaving their loved ones behind wondering what to do.
Fatal Motor Vehicle Accident Statistics in California
Unbelievably, more than 32,000 people die in car accidents across the country each year. In 2014, California accounted for 3,126 of those deaths. A resident of Southern California is killed nearly every day of the year. In fact, according to the California Highway Patrol the following Southern California counties accounted for the most deaths in the state in 2014:
- Los Angeles County: 203
- San Bernardino County: 93
- Riverside County: 87
- San Diego County: 74
- Orange County: 66
- Kern County: 32
Nearly 55% of fatal car accidents that happen nationwide occur in rural areas. The opposite is true for California. In fact, nearly 62% of car accident fatalities that occur in California happen in urban areas and slightly less than 40% happen in rural areas.
California Has More Fatal Car Accidents Than Any Other State
There are more fatal car accidents in California than anywhere else in the United States. A contributing factor to this statistic is the fact that California has such a massive population with heavily trafficked roads. With that said, California is without a doubt the most dangerous state to drive in.
Common Causes of Fatal Motor Vehicle Accidents in California
When passing a car accident on the road, we often wonder what caused it. According to data from the California DMV, and the Insurance Institute, the leading causes of fatal motor vehicle accidents in California include:
Drunk Driving
Driving drunk has proven to be one of the most common causes of auto accident deaths nationwide. In 2015, nearly 596 residents of California were killed in an alcohol-related accident.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
Speed limits are posted to keep all drivers on the road safe. Unfortunately, not all California drivers abide by them. In 2015 alone, there were a total of 471 fatal motor vehicle accidents caused by speeding in California. If your loved one has been killed in a motor vehicle accident caused by a negligent driver who was speeding, contact us so we can help you pursue legal action.
Collisions with Commercial Trucks
Commercial trucks are much larger than the rest of the vehicles on the road. Because of this, accidents involving large commercial trucks are more likely to be fatal. According to the DMV, in 2015, there were 290 fatal accidents that involved trucks in California.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is extremely dangerous. In 2015, 3,477 people were killed, and 391,000 were injured in distracted driving accidents nationwide. It is against the law in California to use your phone under any circumstances while driving your vehicle. Even with this law, nearly 500 motor vehicle accident deaths occur in this state due to distracted driving each year.
Experienced Fatal Car Accident Lawyer
Regardless of whether or not a law was broken by a distracted driver, when they cause a serious fatal car accident, they are responsible for the damages. The best way to make sure a victim’s family is compensated for a wrongful death, is through aggressive legal action from a dedicated and experienced attorney.
Mickey is an experienced fatal car accident lawyer who is committed to helping families who have lost a loved one get compensation for all of their damages. This can include:
- End of life expenses
- Projected future earnings and financial contributions
- Lost retirement and investment income
- Loss of insurance
- Emotional pain and suffering.
If you have lost a loved one in a motor vehicle accident, you don’t have to face the future alone. Call Bakersfield wrongful death attorney Mickey Fine at (661) 333-3333 to learn how we can help. Or contact us online.
