With the ongoing health crisis sparking fundamental changes in how Arizona residents and people around the globe live their lives, one of the expected byproducts of closed businesses, schools and people working from home was reduced traffic. Surprisingly, statistics indicate that the number of fatal accidents on state roadways has been consistent when compared to 2019.
The similarity of the numbers indicates that those who take to the roads as drivers, passengers, bicyclists and pedestrians should remain vigilant and understand what steps to take after there has been a crash involving injuries or fatalities.
AZDPS releases information about 2020 auto accidents
Since the health challenges became widespread and led to fundamental changes in daily life, there have been fewer vehicles on the road. The Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) said there has been a reduction in serious accidents. Fatalities were around the same in 2020 as they were in 2019, however. This has been evident in other states as well.
Fortunately, accidents in which people were uninjured reduced by approximately 7,000. From September 2019 to the start of 2020, Arizona had 278 fatal accidents. With the accumulated statistics at the time the information was released for 2020, there were only 269. Slowly, as restrictions were relaxed beginning in June, traffic in Arizona started returning to what it was before the lockdowns began.
Addressing common challenges after an auto accident
When there is an auto accident, broken bones, head trauma, spinal cord damage and other injuries must be treated immediately. Soft tissue injuries, back pain, whiplash, neck pain and internal damage can be more difficult to pinpoint and may take time to manifest. These injuries can lead to financial problems due to medical expenses, lost income and more. Families could need to take care of an injured loved one for an extended period.
In the event of a fatality, there will be significant emotional, personal, and financial concerns. Legal action may be the only way to recover sufficient compensation.
Consulting with an experienced legal firm can help
Many drivers are using the diminished traffic as an excuse to drive at excessive speeds, behave recklessly and violate traffic laws. Even though the statistics show some positive signs for road safety in 2020, they stem from circumstances, not necessarily a change in driving safety.
If you or a loved one suffers an accident, it is imperative to consult with an experienced legal professional as soon as possible. Doing so can be a key factor for successful claims after car accidents.
