Car accident fatalities in Maine soared 52 percent earlier this year, mainly due to reckless drivers. That's according to a recent study conducted by the National Safety Council, which analyzed car accident deaths nationwide.
"Traffic violence plagues our communities, and thousands of lives lost each month is simply unacceptable," said Mark Chung, executive vice president of roadway practice at NSC.
Maine car accident deaths skyrocket
The recent NSC study compared car accident fatalities for the first six months of this year to the same period last year. Such statistics are based on car accident deaths compiled nationwide by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Overall, car accident fatalities have decreased so far this year. Specifically, 21,340 people nationwide died in car accidents during the first six months of 2022, a 1% decrease compared to the same period in 2021. Then again, last year was one of the deadliest years on record for car accident deaths nationwide, reaching a 16-year high of 42,915 deaths, according to the NHTSA.
Unfortunately, car accident deaths have been higher in certain states this year. And leading the way is Maine, which experienced the single largest percentage increase in car accident fatalities during the first half of this year compared to the first half of last year. Statewide, car accident fatalities in Maine increased by 52% (28 deaths) during the first six months of 2022 compared to the first six months of 2021.
Why did car accident fatalities increase?
There are many reasons why certain states like Maine have more car accident deaths. For instance, drunk driving and speeding have fueled a steady increase in car accident fatalities in Maine and many other states. Speeding, in particular, was blamed for last year's record car accident fatalities nationwide.
Other reasons why car accident fatalities have continued to climb higher for many years in Maine include reckless driving and drivers or passengers not wearing their seatbelts, according to WMTW 8 News in Portland, Maine.
Pedestrians and cyclists are also at risk on the road in Maine and many other states. According to the NSC study: "U.S. roadways are still supremely dangerous, especially for those walking, biking, and rolling."
How a Maine car accident attorney can help you
Many car accident claims and lawsuits quickly become complicated legal cases. Sometimes, it's because the other driver denies doing anything wrong. Other times, it's because the at-fault driver's insurance company does everything possible to reduce or deny your injury claim. Having an experienced car accident lawyer on your side to build a strong case and deal with the insurance company can make a dramatic difference in the outcome of your case.
Don't underestimate the complexity of your car accident claim. At the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein, our dedicated legal team can answer your questions, explain your legal options, and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Contact our law firm and schedule a free case evaluation. We have seven offices conveniently located throughout Maine. In addition, we work on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay no fees unless we secure a financial settlement or verdict for you.
