New York residents might be interested to hear that the number of deaths caused by distracted driving, such as operating a cellphone while driving, is underreported. According to the National Safety Council, an advocate group for safety in general, a recent analysis of state and federal crash data reveals that the number of crashes that may have been caused by distracted driving was seriously underreported.
The study reviewed nearly 180 fatal car accidents from 2009 through 2011. The cases that the study reviewed suggested strong evidence that cellphone usage may have been a cause of many of the accidents. Only half the crashes indicated that cellphone usage was involved in the crashes. The National Safety Council even went on to state that even when drivers admitted to the authorities that they had been using their cellphones during the crash, the cases were not recorded that way in the state and federal databases.
Accuracy in reporting is important, especially in cases such as car accidents. When people are involved in car accidents, oftentimes personal injury lawsuits are filed. Accurate statistics are essential for ensuring that people receive due compensation. People may file personal injury lawsuits when their conditions are caused or made worse by the negligence of other people. In order for those lawsuits to stand the best chance of success, however, the claims should be supported with evidence. If it is recorded that the other driver was distracted at the time of the accident, then the claimant stands a better chance of winning the lawsuit.
In New York, people considering filing personal injury lawsuits might want to consider seeking the representation of personal injury lawyers who may explain their rights and options and recommend courses of action. Personal injury lawyers may also help them gather evidence to prove their claims and then help them present those claims.
Source: CBS News, “Study: Distracted driving deaths underreported“, May 07, 2013
