It is important for states to keep track of the number of motor vehicle accidents there are in any given year as well as the number of people who suffer serious injury and fatality. In Minnesota, the Office of Traffic Safety keeps a record of these statistics. At the latest counting from the OTS, there were more than 200 fatalities through August 8. While this is an improvement from 2016, it is still a worrisome number. Those who have lost a loved one in a fatal auto accident should be aware of these trends, the causes and other factors so they can take steps to consider a legal filing in the aftermath.
In total by the above date, there were 203 fatalities in these accidents. That is a reduction by 23 from the same time in 2016 when the 200th person was killed on July 25. When categorizing the accidents, there have been 144 people who died in motor vehicle accidents; 32 were motorcyclists; 20 were pedestrians; one was a bicyclist; and six were in other kinds of vehicles.
In 52 of the deaths, alcohol was said to have been a factor. Speed was referenced in 48. Forty-one people were reported not to have had their seat belts on. Seven had distracted driving as a factor. As for gender, 27 percent of those killed were women while 73 percent were men. Overall in 2016, there were 392 fatalities on the road.
Since there are still slightly more than four months remaining in 2017, there will unfortunately be other fatal crashes on state roadways. Those who are involved in an auto accidents must make certain that there is a full accident investigation to determine how and why it occurred. This is true whether there is moderate injury, serious injury or a fatality. These types of incidents can have a significant influence on a person’s financial, emotional and physical life. A legal filing may be able to account for these matters. Discussing a case with an attorney who is experienced in car accidents is an option.
Source: Star Tribune, “Traffic deaths in Minnesota surpass 200 for the year,” Tim Harlow, Aug. 9, 2017