Mississippi auto accident attorneys note that between 2007 and 2009, Mississippi had the highest rate of automobile fatalities in the country. The infographic here is a great illustration of the valuable information pertaining to auto accidents in 2007-2009. There were 26.7 fatalities per 100,000 people, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). More recent data from the CDC shows a lower number of fatal auto accidents in Mississippi, but that number is still relatively high. By 2010, the rate of fatalities from auto accidents had dipped to 22.98 but Mississippi still had over 630 deaths as a result of traffic accidents as recently as 2011; this is according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The rate of fatal auto accidents in Mississippi may be compared to the rate in the state with the fewest automobile-related fatalities, Massachusetts. The rate of driving deaths in Massachusetts was only 4.79 per 100,000 people.
Reasons for the High Number of Fatal Auto Accidents in Mississippi
There are several reasons behind the high rate of auto accident fatalities in Mississippi, including the state’s busy road system. There are multiple high-traffic roads and interstates crossing the state. Another potential factor in Mississippi’s rate of accidents is the fact that there is no mandatory ignition lock on vehicles belonging to individuals who have been convicted of drunk driving. Mississippi also does not require booster seats for children under the age of eight. Much of the improvement in the state’s accident rate lies in the zealous enforcement of traffic laws on the part of the state’s police force, not necessarily a widespread change in driving habits.
The Cost of Fatal Auto Accidents in Mississippi
Mississippi auto accidents cost the state more than $800 million in lost productivity hours in 2009, but that is nothing compared to the toll that they take on the accident victims. Those who have been injured together with the surviving family members of those who have been killed suffer emotional and physical trauma because of the accidents. Along with the psychological scars, they also face financial costs such as medical bills, funeral expenses, and lost wages.
How a Mississippi Injury Attorney Can Help
A Mississippi personal injury lawyer may be able to help the victims of accidents or their families, seek and recover financial compensation for their losses. In doing so, they will also be making those responsible for the accident accountable for their negligence. Additionally, punitive damages may be recoverable against drivers who cause auto accidents while driving under the influence. While no amount of money can truly compensate for the losses that result from fatal car accidents, an award or settlement from a lawsuit may help to alleviate the resulting financial burdens.
Fatal auto accidents in Mississippi are all too common. If someone close to you has died as a result of someone else’s negligence on Mississippi’s roads, an experienced Mississippi accident attorney can help you to get the compensation you deserve. Find one with the help of Attorney Group for Mississippi. They can put you in touch with an experienced attorney who will provide answers to your legal questions, all at no cost. So contact Attorney Group for Mississippi today for your free consultation.
