Motor Vehicle Accidents During the Pandemic: Unveiling Alarming Rise
Amidst the unprecedented challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, an unexpected and alarming trend emerged on the roads. Despite a significant decrease in traffic due to people staying home, a New York Times’ analysis reveals a substantial uptick in motor vehicle accidents during the pandemic. The conditions on the roads worsened, leading to a surge in both fatalities and serious injuries.
From 2010 to 2019, the number of fatalities and injuries resulting from motor vehicle accidents had been on a downward trajectory. However, the trend abruptly reversed in 2020 and 2021, marking a stark contrast. In 2021 alone, 42,939 Americans lost their lives in motor vehicle accidents, the highest annual total in over 15 years. Shockingly, a considerable number of these incidents involved drivers under the influence, not wearing seatbelts, or exceeding speed limits.
The National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration’s statistics further underline the severity of the situation, reporting a nationwide increase of 16% in motor vehicle accidents during the pandemic. Experts interviewed for the study speculated that the frustration of being confined at home led many drivers to engage in reckless behaviors, such as speeding, disregarding traffic signals, and neglecting seatbelt usage.
Alarming Trends Echoed in Florida’s Data
The findings of the New York Times analysis find a troubling parallel in data compiled by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. In 2020, Florida witnessed 341,399 motor vehicle accidents, resulting in 3,332 fatalities. Shockingly, these numbers surged in 2021, reaching 401,540 total crashes and 3,741 fatalities. Fatalities in 2020 surpassed those of 2018 and 2019, despite the decreased number of accidents in 2020. This reinforces the impact of altered driver behavior during the pandemic.
As we grapple with the aftermath of the pandemic’s impact on road safety, it becomes crucial to address the legal implications for victims of motor vehicle accidents. If you, a family member, or a loved one have suffered injuries due to someone else’s negligence in a motor vehicle accident, slip and fall incident, or any personal injury scenario in Florida, seek guidance from the experienced personal injury attorneys at Schwed, Adams & McGinley, P.A. With over 200 years of combined legal practice, our dedicated team represents victims and ensures they receive the compensation they deserve.
Contact Schwed, Adams & McGinley
At Schwed, Adams & McGinley, P.A., our seasoned personal injury attorneys are ready to assist you. Whether you’ve been involved in a motor vehicle or pedestrian accident, slip and fall incident, or any personal injury situation, we are here for you. Contact us today at 877-694-6079 or via email at contact@schwedlawfirm.com for a free consultation. Don’t let negligence go unaddressed – let us fight for your rights and rightful compensation.