Number of Car Crashes Rising at Rate Not Seen in 50 Years

The number of car crashes in the United States is rising at the fastest clip in 50 years, according to a spokesperson for the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI), who spoke at a National Transportation Safety Board meeting in late April.

PCI noted that the number of car crashes rose 14% in 2014, while severe car accidents rose more than 12%. Pedestrian fatalities climbed even more in the same period, by 22%.

The blame was placed squarely on distracted driving. The spokesperson noted that smartphone ownership has doubled over the past five years, and that InsurTech, an insurance technology concern, has reported that Netflix and YouTube are two of the 10 most frequently used apps on smartphones while people are driving.

Concerns about distracted driving stemming from smartphone use has been on the rise for nearly a decade. Many states have enacted laws against it, Utah among them.

In Utah-state, it is against the law to drive and hold a portable electronic device such as a smartphone. This is true whether you are viewing apps, texting, e-mailing, playing games, viewing images, or talking on the phone. Violations are punishable with fines and points assessed on a driver’s license.

The PIA’s assessment is not universally shared, however. A spokesperson for the Consumer Federation of America was quoted in Bloomberg BNA as blaming the rise in accidents on an economy reviving from the Great Recession, which has give people more disposable income to spend on gas and driving.

Utah No-Fault Laws

Utah is a no-fault state when it comes to any vehicle collision. Any medical claim, under no-fault, it generally paid by your insurance no matter who was at fault for the accident.

However, Utah-state does allow accident victims to step outside of no-fault if the accident has caused certain injuries or conditions. In these cases, victims could bring a suit for damages on the basis of personal injury law or liability.

Car accident lawyers in Salt Lake State

Ipson Law Firm is a team of attorneys in vehicle crash laws in Utah-state. We can help in any vehicle accident. But because distracted driving law is complicated, it is prudent to consult a lawyer if you or a loved one believes distracted driving is at issue. We will fight for a decent and just settlement.

Our initial consultation is free; we will discuss your case and what next steps could be. Call 1-801-332-9655 for a free consultation with an expert car accident lawyer today.