Death toll in Missouri car accidents highest on July 4th

Every year, Missouri motorists are urged to take proper care while driving over the Fourth of July weekend. However, every year a high number of car accidents claims the lives of many and also sends multiple injured victims to hospitals. According to an analysis done on highway safety that was recently released, more road accident fatalities occur on July 4th than any other day of the year.

The report also indicates that fatalities involving motorcycles are double the average figure on this day, and alcohol plays a significant role in the death toll. In 2014, this holiday weekend claimed the lives of nine people and 121 were injured in Missouri. These numbers increased to 10 deaths and 140 injuries last year.

Authorities underscore the importance of buckling up. MoDOT reported that 60 percent of the 385 people that had lost their lives on Missouri roads so far this year were not wearing safety belts. With the fuel prices as low as they currently are, authorities expected high traffic volumes across the state. Unfortunately, with more vehicles on the roads, more lives were likely lost over the recent holiday weekend.

Injured victims of car accidents — and also the surviving family members of those who were killed on Missouri roads this year — may pursue financial relief if the accidents were caused by the negligence of other parties. Personal injury and wrongful death claims may be filed in a Missouri civil court, and once negligence is established, the court will consider documented claims. Valid claims may lead to the entry of monetary judgments to cover emotional and financial damages.

Source: stltoday.com, “Record number of drivers expected on roads this holiday weekend“, Leah Thorsen, July 1, 2016