According to the National Safety Council, as of 2022, the traffic-related fatality rate among Virginians was 12.5 deaths among 100,000 people. Overall, 1,086 residents of Virginia died in motor vehicle accidents.
However, only 1,008 of traffic deaths happened within Virginia. Presumably, most of these victims lived in Virginia at the time they died.
Compared with other states, Virginia’s numbers are not the worst. Per 100 million miles traveled, Virginia recorded only 1.2 deaths, slightly below the nationwide figure of 1.3 deaths.
One disturbing trend, though, is that Virginia’s fatality rate per population has been heading in the wrong direction. The rate consistently hovered at or slightly below 10.0 until 2017.
The 2022 figure of 12.5 is the high-water mark since 2010. Moreover, both 2021 and 2022 saw significant jumps in the fatality rate.
Court cases have a prominent role in promoting traffic safety
Virginia lawmakers and officials are making efforts to address traffic safety concerns in this state. Hopefully, the state’s leadership can get the number of deaths due to fatal motor vehicle accidents heading downward.
However, the family members of fatal accident victims already can hold negligent drivers accountable by filing a wrongful death case against those responsible for the loved one’s untimely death.
No lawsuit can bring a family’s loved one back. Still, these sorts of cases do help family members cover their financial and other losses associated with a preventable motor vehicle accident.
Compensation can include funeral expenses, outstanding medical bills and lost income, as well non-economic damages that cover those losses that are hard to put an exact dollar figure on.
These court cases also provide a real service to the public. Negligence lawsuits over time will both directly and indirectly encourage motorists in this state to drive more carefully.
A Danville family that has lost a loved one to a motor vehicle accident may have legal options available to them, and they should evaluate these options.