Which State Has the Safest Drivers?

Whether or not you end up in an accident on the road is often only partially up to you. A driver can practice safe habits and carefully pay attention to their surroundings and still end up in an accident with another car, truck, or someone else on the roads. When that does happen, you may be able to get the compensation that you are owed with the help of a Charlotte truck accident attorney. However, it is interesting to note where the safest drivers are.

States With the Safest Drivers

There are a number of different ways we might evaluate a state as having safe drivers. However, each of them has their own unique flaws. For instance, we might look at the number of accidents. Of course, this would need to be adjusted based on the number of residents.

This is still somewhat imprecise as the rate of accidents should really be compared to the number of hours that someone spends in a vehicle on the roads. That would tell us the likelihood of an accident. Unfortunately, those numbers would be impossible to calculate and more of an estimation.

It may not be right to consider all accidents as equal, either. A fender-bender is very different from a rollover. One of the ways to address this is to look at the fatalities involved since that’s the worst possible outcome of an accident. If we look at the fatality rate per 1000 drivers, we would find that the safest of states are generally all of the northeastern and New England states, primarily making up the top ten, such as Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York, and New Jersey.

However, it’s not entirely clear that results are indicative of safe driving activity either. Safe drivers may get unlucky and end up in an accident, while unsafe drivers somehow avoid one. One might then consider whether or not the fatalities are the result of some kind of unsafe driving practice, such as drunk driving or distracted driving. If we look at that data, we find that, again, it is generally the same states that have the fewest rate of fatalities attributed to these things.

What Makes for Safe Driving

It appears that while we might consider the northeastern states as those with the safest drivers, accidents do still happen there. No matter how safe or not safe the drivers in an area are, it’s never a good idea to let your guard down. All it takes is for one driver to make a mistake or a risky decision to cause trouble. The safest thing you can do on the road is remain alert and aware of the cars around you at all times.

FAQs

Q: What Should I Do if I Get in an Accident?

A:If you get in an accident, there are a few different things you may want to do to help with a future civil claim or in a settlement. None of those things are as important as ensuring that your health is okay and that any injuries are treated, so it’s important to make sure you are checked out by any paramedics at the scene of the accident.

If your injuries will allow, it can often be a good idea to get documentation of the scene of the accident. Photos and video of the vehicles, signs, skid marks, and other relevant factors can be helpful. If there are any witnesses to the accident, you may want to get their contact information as well. Once you have the chance, it’s important to talk with a lawyer soon so that you understand what your options are for seeking compensation.

Q: How Can a North Carolina Car Accident Lawyer Help?

A:If you’ve been in a car accident caused by someone else, a North Carolina car accident lawyer could help you get the compensation that you deserve. Insurance companies are often not eager to pay what they should, but after an investigation of your case, a lawyer can help you fight to get what you deserve. In some cases, this might be found through a negotiated agreement, and in others, it could be through taking a claim to court.

Q: What Kind of Compensation Is Awarded After a Car Accident?

A:The compensation awarded after a car accident is only to cover those costs which are a direct result of the accident.

Generally, this will be limited to two kinds of damages:

• Economic Damages. These damages address things like property damage, medical bills, lost wages, and anything with a clear financial component. It also includes future costs like future medical bills and lost earning capacity.
• Non-economic Damages. These damages are meant to cover and address those costs that don’t have a clear financial component and are generally more psychological or emotional. Pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment in life, and mental anguish are all addressed through these damages.

Q: How Long After an Accident Do I Have to File a Claim?

A:The statute of limitations sets the deadline for when you must submit a car accident claim. Under most circumstances, this deadline is three years. There are some situations that lengthen the potential opportunity to file, such as if a minor is involved, and there are others that could shorten the window, for instance, if the government is the liable party.

Get Help Seeking Restitution After You’ve Been in an Accident

Even the safest of drivers in the safest of states could still end up in an accident from one unsafe driver taking an unnecessary risk out on the road. Given that North Carolina is not generally one of the safest states for drivers, you could find yourself in need of help from a Charlotte car accident lawyer.

At Ayers, Whitlow & Dressler, we help our clients pursue the restitution that they need after an accident to cover things like their medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Whether through a settlement or taking the claim to court, we can help you seek fair compensation. Contact us to discuss your situation.