Deadly accidents involving large trucks went up an estimated 3% across the U.S. in 2018, according to preliminary numbers released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In addition, the agency reports that overall traffic deaths increased by around 4% in Connecticut and the rest of New England.
The NHTSA estimates that a total of 36,750 Americans died in traffic accidents throughout the U.S. in 2018, which represents a 1% decrease from 2017. It also marks the second consecutive year traffic deaths have declined after there were significant increases in 2015 and 2016. However, not every area of the nation experienced a drop in fatalities. For example, New England states actually saw a 4% increase in traffic deaths. On the flip side, some regions saw larger drops. For instance, the upper Midwestern states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio experienced a 5% decrease.
Meanwhile, the NHTSA found that deaths from large truck accidents apparently spiked by 3% in 2018 compared to 2017. In 2017, large truck-related deaths increased by 9% compared to 2016. Finally, pedestrian deaths jumped by 4% in 2018, while bicyclist fatalities increased by a whopping 10%.
Truck accidents and other types of motor vehicle accidents cause thousands of injuries in Connecticut every year. Common car and truck accident injuries include internal injuries, neck injuries, spinal injuries and traumatic brain injuries, which all require extensive medical care. In many cases, insurance policies do not cover all of a crash victim’s financial losses. As a result, victims may find it beneficial to contact an attorney familiar with accident claims for help. The attorney might investigate the crash and prepare a personal injury lawsuit seeking compensation for damages, including medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, property loss and more.
