A new report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that Florida is one of the deadliest states to drive. Falling third on the list, just behind California and Texas, Florida saw nearly 2,800 motor vehicle accident-related deaths in the first nine months of 2022. Lee County, which includes Fort Myers, saw the highest number of fatal crashes, accounting for 123 deaths, nearly double the fatality rate of any other county in the state.
State officials suggest aggressive and impatient driving play prominent roles in Florida car accidents. Distraction is another primary cause. According to local officials, these crashes are often made fatal due to improper seat belt use. Many of the victims of these accidents were not belted at the time of the crash.
Georgia is Not Much Better
Coming in at number four on the list, Georgia saw 1,353 fatal motor vehicle accidents in the first nine months of 2022. This marks a 3.8% increase over 2021. To make these fatal accidents even more tragic, 32 fatalities occurred over the Holiday Travel Period, with a shocking 19 occurring on New Year’s Eve/Day alone.
The Georgia Department of Public Safety is working on programs to curb intoxicated driving. However, distraction and aggressive driving remain primary causes of these accidents as well.
What can You do When You Lose a Loved One?
If you have lost a loved one in an auto accident, you may be entitled to seek compensation through a wrongful death claim. These claims seek compensation for end-of-life expenses, projected financial losses, personal suffering, and more. The best way to learn if you are entitled to file suit is through a one-on-one consultation with one of the experienced attorneys at Kelleher Law. During this consultation, we will listen to your story, discuss your legal rights and options, and help you decide on the best path forward.
Kelleher Law maintains offices in Atlanta, Georgia as well as Naples and Ft. Myers, Florida. We have an additional office in Rose well, Georgia, and welcome clients from all nearby areas. Please call us at 833-546-3675 to schedule your free case review and learn more about your rights today.
