• 20
  • December
    2011

The loss of a loved one in a car crash is devastating to any family. What makes this type of tragedy even worse for many families is when the crash was caused by someone else's negligence. Because of another party's actions or inactions, an avoidable collision robs a family of their loved one. Seeking compensation for the loss feels terribly inadequate, because no amount of money can replace a lost family member.

However, it is important to recover the compensation that is available so that the family does not suffer the double burden of the loss of a loved one and the monetary losses associated with a person's deaths. Even more important, Baton Rouge wrongful death attorneys know that families can gain some sense of closure when the people who caused a fatal car accident are held responsible for their actions.

Although fatal car accidents are still a serious problem in Louisiana and across the country, the good news is that the total number of fatal vehicle accidents has been declining. In 2009, fatal crashes were at their lowest numbers in 60 years. 2010 has seen a further decline. Total traffic fatalities nationwide were at 32,885 for 2010, which was a drop of 2.9 percent year-over-year from 2009.

Since records began to be kept in 1899, there has never been a five-year streak of continuing declines in fatal traffic accident numbers, at least until now. As of 2010, there have been five years in a row of declining traffic fatalities. This decline has come despite an increase in the number of miles driven. The best part of this news is that fewer families are dealing with the consequences of the loss of a loved one in a fatal car crash.

Source: Newsday "U.S. traffic deaths drop to historic low" Dec. 19, 2011