Most Missourians look forward to the summer when the weather will be warm, there will be time for leisure activities and it is easier to relax. Still, the inherent risks when out on the road are magnified during the time from Memorial Day to Labor Day, as there are more people on the road in general. Specifically, there are more teens who are not as experienced or vigilant when driving. These are known as the “100 Deadliest Days of Summer” and it is a time where accidents are known to spike. Those who have had an auto accident and suffered the consequences must be cognizant of their rights to seek compensation.
According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, there were 307 deaths on the roads in those 100 days in 2018. The DOT and the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety are encouraging drivers in the state to be safer this summer. Because there is so much to do during these months, people tend to think about things other than the road. With more vehicles on the road, this increases the chance of a crash with injuries and death. Another concern is that there are more bicyclists and pedestrians. The combination of more vehicles, distractions and more people can raise the number of injuries and deaths.
There were 107 motorcycle deaths in the state in 2018. More than 50 percent happened during this time-period. Since the winter was especially rough, road crews add to the mix of concerns as they will be making repairs. The head of the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety encourages drivers to be safe, wear their seatbelts and be prepared. Since the maximum number of days that passed without a fatal accident in 2018 was two, there are clear areas for improvement. Regardless, it is almost unavoidable that there will be auto accidents with injuries and death. Those who have been involved or lost a loved one must know what steps to take in the aftermath.
When there is an auto accident, the medical costs, lost income and long-term needs of the victim can be significant and costly. People can face a dramatic change in their everyday life after such an accident. When there is a fatality, these factors are compounded. A law firm that understands how to investigate motor vehicle accidents and file a legal claim is a key part of securing sufficient compensation for all that was lost. Those who have been in motor vehicle accidents or lost a loved one should call for help immediately.
