Americans returning to the road in 2021 saw an increase in risky behaviors. The number of traffic deaths in the U.S. leaped to 43,000, and the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) blamed the increase on impaired driving, speeding and other unsafe behaviors like distracted driving.
The rise in personal injury claims and auto accidents
The question facing the U.S. is how to address the spike in auto accidents that took place in 2021. The lack of drivers on the road in 2020 led to a decrease in auto accidents and fatalities. The number of personal injury claims fell at the same time. The mass return to the road of 2021 brought a spike in personal injury claims of 10.5%, which is the largest spike in fatalities since records were kept beginning in 1975.
What to expect from a personal injury claim
In some cases, personal injury claims can be made following an auto accident. There is no generic formula for calculating the damages that can be claimed because everyone’s case is different. Some expenses that may be included in a claim include:
- Medical bills from the incident
- Future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
Distracted driving may lead to personal injury claims
Staying focused and driving defensively are two ways to avoid auto accidents and traffic deaths. Avoid cellphone use, and don’t eat while you’re driving. If you see another driver who is using a cellphone or who appears distracted, avoid them.
If you are involved in an auto accident, understanding personal injury claims is a good first step toward getting a handle on your options.