Most sources agree that the most dangerous time of year to be driving is during the end-of-the-year holidays, when drivers may have been drinking at holiday parties and when Ohio weather can be harsh. However, car accidents can happen in any weather, and other times of year can also be dangerous. This includes the summer.
In fact, statistics from the Ohio Department of Public Safety suggest that, after the holiday season, the number of accidents on the state’s roadways dips in the springtime, only to come back for the period of June through August.
Some studies attribute the increase in traffic accidents during the summer months partly to teenage drivers, who may be out of school and engaging in irresponsible behavior. Some in the insurance industry refer to the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day as “The 100 deadliest days of summer.”
To break down these statistics further, the nonprofit National Safety Council has found that in summertime, nonfatal accidents are more likely to happen in the afternoon before 4 p.m., while fatal accidents most commonly happen between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Still, the greatest single factor behind fatal car accidents remains alcohol. In fact, studies show that more than a third of all fatal traffic involve alcohol.
Dealing with the aftermath of an accident
You probably already know everything you are supposed to do to prevent summertime accidents. You avoid distractions, avoid driving after you have been drinking, follow all safety laws, wear your seatbelt and so on. If you have teenagers at home, no doubt you encourage them to exercise caution.
All of these actions are important, but the unfortunate truth is that responsible drivers must share the roads with drivers who are not always so careful. The result can be an accident in which you or someone in your family is hurt, or even killed.
Personal injury and wrongful death
If you are injured in an accident caused by a negligent driver, you can hold the driver liable for your damages through a personal injury lawsuit. Damages can include your medical expenses and the wages you lost while you were unable to work, as well as harder-to-define losses such as pain and suffering. Given the high cost of medical care today, the dollar amount of damages can be very high in a case involving a serious motor vehicle accident.
A wrongful death lawsuit is a specialized type of personal injury suit that is filed on behalf of the dead person’s estate. This can help their surviving family members to cope with the loss of their loved one’s income and support.