Between 2016 and 2017, crash fatalities were down for a number of different types of collisions. According to the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), which the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) oversees, fewer pedestrians died in car crashes as well as those in passenger cars or light vans. While the overall trend was seen as good news, traffic fatalities did not decline for large truck drivers or in urban areas.
However, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) pointed out that many large truck collisions involved vehicles that were not monitored by the agency. The increase was partly blamed on the fact that, as the economy improves, there are more vehicles on the road. Economic strength means that more people will need to travel for work or other reasons. With more cars and trucks on roads and highways, there is a greater chance of accidents occurring.
Increased pedestrian and vehicle density also tends to explain why there are more crashes in urban areas. In past years, rural areas tended to see the highest numbers of fatal crashes. In addition, the latest FARS data shows that drivers are increasingly getting into accidents while marijuana is in their system. Drivers are also getting into crashes while impaired by prescription drugs.
Victims of car accidents may sustain significant injuries that may make it harder for them to live a high quality of life. Those who are hurt by drivers who were impaired or distracted at the time of an accident may be entitled to compensation, which could cover medical bills and make up for lost wages as well as lost future earnings. Individuals may be allowed to go to court to pursue damages if settlement talks are not successful.