Maine roads were more dangerous in 2022 than any other year since 2007, according to a Press Herald article. At the end of 2022, there were 177 road fatalities in Maine, the highest number of crashes since 2007, when 183 people died.
Safety advocates concluded that driver behavior was the primary factor in causing the surge in Maine car accidents. Lauren Stewart, director of the Maine Bureau of Highway Safety, told the Press Herald that drivers are going too fast and not paying attention.
What causes fatal car crashes in Maine?
The Maine Bureau of Highway Safety states that speeding is a factor in most car accidents. One of the COVID-19 effects on driving is linked to speed. Many drivers started going too fast and operating aggressively when traffic was lighter than usual during the pandemic. Traffic volume has returned to pre-pandemic levels, but people are still speeding and increasing the risk of fatal car accidents.
Other top causes of deadly car accidents include but are not limited to the following:
- Driver distraction: People are looking at their phones when they should be focused on the road, or they are distracted by outside scenery or adjusting a radio.
- Drunk driving: Despite awareness about the dangers of driving while intoxicated, irresponsible drivers continue to get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol and increase the risk of a deadly crash.
- Driving while fatigued: Drivers who get behind the wheel while sleep-deprived can be as dangerous as drunk drivers.
Maine is not the only state to see a recent increase in traffic fatalities. According to the Press Herald, 2021 saw a 10.5% increase in road deaths from the previous year throughout the United States.
Traffic fatalities also include accidents involving pedestrians and bicyclists. The Press Herald article reports that 20 people in Maine died after being hit by vehicles in 2022
What to do if a loved one died in a car accident?
If your loved one died in a Maine car accident, you may need to file a wrongful death claim to obtain compensation for your losses. We understand how devastating and overwhelming life can become after losing someone in a fatal accident. The insurance company may make a lowball offer to settle the case. On your own, you may not know whether they’re treating you fairly or taking advantage of you during an extremely difficult time.
That’s why you need an experienced wrongful death attorney on your side. We can handle the complexities of the legal process while you focus on your family and getting through the grieving process.
By working with a Maine car accident attorney, you can have someone by your side throughout the claim process. Contact The Law Offices of Joe Bornstein for a free consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if we win your case. Talk to us today about your wrongful death claim. We will listen to you and discuss the best path forward.
