With all of the advances in medicine and technology, one might assume that humans are living longer these days. It turns out that’s not the case in the United States, where the Centers for Disease Control says life expectancies are declining for the second straight year. Much of the downturn on how long we live appears to be caused by drug use and the ongoing opioid epidemic. But traffic accidents also remain a leading cause of death across the country. Crashes come in all shapes and sizes and are an unfortunate risk for anyone who gets on the road.
Unintentional injuries are the third-leading cause of death in the country, according to the CDC. That’s a broad category, which includes drug overdoses, car crashes and a wide range of other accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has more specific data: Some 33,000 people are killed in car crashes each year, including more than 3,000 Floridians. More than a quarter of traffic deaths nationwide come from alcohol-related collisions. Aggressive driving, speeding and texting behind the wheel are all common types of negligent behavior that also lead to collisions and fatalities.
Compensation for Car Accident Victims
No amount of money can ever properly compensate a person for the loss of a loved one. Florida law, however, gives the family of a person killed in an auto accident the right to seek money damages from those responsible for the crash. That money won’t bring your loved one back, but it can ease some of the financial burden. That includes compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering and other damages incurred by the deceased person in the time following the accident and leading up to the time of death.
The family members of a person killed in a car crash can also seek compensation for financial losses related to the death by suing for wrongful death. That usually means the future earnings that the deceased person was expected to make, as well as compensation for “loss of consortium,” or the loss of the deceased person’s love and companionship.
To obtain those money damages, you may have to haggle with insurance companies or file a lawsuit in court. It is vital that you don’t do it alone. Central Floridians are well advised to seek the counsel of an experienced The Villages accident attorney. A lawyer can help you consider your options, gather the necessary evidence, and present the most clear and compelling case for compensation.
Contact a The Villages Accident Attorney Today
The Central Florida personal injury attorneys at the Babiarz Law Firm represent people in The Villages and across the state who have been injured in a wide range of accidents, including fatal car crashes. Contact us to speak with an attorney today.
