Car wrecks have become a regrettable and common event in Missouri. More than 880 people died in car accidents in Missouri in 2022. This was a horrific increase from the previous few years. These sobering statistics only emphasize how crucial it is to drive carefully and know your legal rights if you one of those unlucky people to be in an accident. 
Missouri's Position Relative to Other States
Given the size of the state, it's easy to write off these figures as typical, but the sad fact is that Missouri has a greater rate of road fatalities than many other states. Missouri has one of the highest per-capita traffic fatality rates in the nation. To put this into perspective, in 2022, there were almost 14.4 fatalities per 100,000 people in Missouri. The national average of 11.2 fatalities per 100,000 people is greatly exceeded by this.
The Effects of Texting While Driving
There are numerous contributing factors to Missouri's high rate of auto accidents. There are various elements at work, with distracted driving being one of the most prevalent. In Missouri, car accidents caused by distracted driving accounted for nearly 20% of all collisions in the preceding year, according to a report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
It's not just about texting and driving; additional distractions while driving include eating, donning makeup, and even changing the radio station. The risk has only grown as smartphone use has increased, making it more crucial than ever to maintain road focus.
The Function of Speeding and Drunk Driving
Another key cause of Missouri's high prevalence of auto accidents is speeding. A driver who was speeding at the time of the collision is involved in about one-third of all car accidents in the state. A considerable proportion of accidents are also caused by irresponsible driving, which includes tailgating, failing to yield, and performing lane changes improperly.
Getting Legal Assistance in Missouri After a Car Accident
You should obtain legal counsel as quickly as you can if you've been in an automobile accident in Kansas City or anywhere else in Missouri. It can be difficult to navigate the complexities of insurance claims and prospective litigation; a skilled personal injury lawyer can help make the process easier and more successful.
The physical, emotional, and financial toll a car accident can have on victims and their families is something we at Foster Wallace, LLC, are aware of. Our team is committed to standing up for your rights and assisting you in receiving the reimbursement you are due for your medical bills, lost earnings, and other damages like pain and suffering.
Being aware of how often vehicle accidents occur in Missouri, their typical causes, and your legal rights after one can be an important first step on the road to recovery.
Keep in mind that statistics are more than just numbers. They stand in for actual individuals whose lives have been affected by auto accidents. It serves as a reminder to all of us to drive defensively and responsibly and to be aware of our legal options in the event of a collision.
