Thousands of people lose their lives in fatal crashes in the United States, and Oklahoma drivers might worry about their risks on the road. Defensive driving skills may help, but reckless drivers might present dangers that make some collisions unavoidable.
Deadly traffic accidents
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP), roughly 3,700 people die in car accidents every day worldwide. The number adds up to around 1.5 million people killed annually. Injury statistics are surely high, and many injured victims could suffer life-changing, catastrophic harm.
Young persons face significant threats, as traffic fatalities rank as the number one cause of death for persons between ages five and 29. Several reasons may factor into those figures. Young children might not be secured in proper safety seats, and teen drivers could lack the experience to avoid reckless behavior.
Not wearing a seatbelt might result in tragic consequences. In some accidents, a victim could have survived the crash had they worn a seatbelt.
Actions after collisions
A negligent driver could face legal repercussions for their behavior. A driver who speeds and tailgates creates hazards for other drivers. Such drivers may not miss an otherwise avoidable accident because of their actions.
Reckless, drunk and distracted driving play a role in many collisions. Poor maintenance factors into some crashes, as well. These are other examples of negligent behavior, and victims could file an insurance claim against drivers liable for collisions. However, concerns may arise about underinsured collisions.
Uninsured and underinsured drivers do not carry sufficient liability coverage to pay for a victim’s losses. The victim may sue above the policy limits or file a claim against their policy’s uninsured/underinsured motorist provisions. Policyholders could consider raising the limits on their uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.