It is sometimes possible to use the analysis of collected statistics to reduce your risk. Policymakers often use statistics to determine the best options in a situation, such as how to allocate government resources or how to change laws to reduce the risk to certain populations. People can do the same thing by avoiding particularly dangerous times of day or sections of the road.
The overall statistics for motor vehicle crashes in Pennsylvania are somewhat positive, with fatal crashes seeming to be on a downward trend, despite an increase in 2018. However, just because the statistics indicate a slightly reduced chance for deadly crashes doesn’t mean that you can ignore the risk for a collision on the roads near Pittsburgh.
Every day, there are about 352 reportable crashes in Pennsylvania in which three people on average lose their lives. There are roughly another 214 people who get hurt in traffic collisions each day across the state. In other words, no matter how safe you are, there is always some amount of risk.
Every driver in Pennsylvania has some degree of driving risk
When looking at crash rates across the population in Pennsylvania in 2018, which is the most recent year that Pennsylvania Department of Transportation provides analysis for, it becomes clear that the average person does have to worry about motor vehicle collisions.
With a population nearing 13 million people, the rate of daily collisions across Pennsylvania means that one out of 44 people in the state experienced a traffic crash that required police or medical response. One person out of each group of 164 Pennsylvania residents in 2018 suffered a noteworthy injury in a motor vehicle collision.
While a safe driving record could be an indicator of your careful driving practices, your safety on the road isn’t entirely in your own hands. Every day, you cross paths with people who drive while texting or get behind the wheel after drinking or doing drugs. No matter how safe you may be, those other people create a substantial risk to you for a collision.
You have rights after a crash caused by another driver
When another driver makes questionable decisions at the wheel that contribute to your experiencing a serious crash, you have the right to take legal action against that driver. The same is true if you lose a member of your family due to dangerous driving practices.
Anytime that the negligence or wrongful act of another contributes to a crash, you have the right to hold the other driver accountable. Vehicle insurance can cover some of your costs. However, in the many catastrophic crashes, additional compensation may become necessary depending on your total lost wages, property damage and medical expenses.
Civil lawsuits, including personal injury lawsuits or wrongful death lawsuits, often become an important part of the strategy of families when dealing with the consequences of a serious vehicle wreck.