According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), 2018 had the lowest rates of car crashes, injuries, and fatalities across the state since 2014.
Statistics in Guilford County followed the same downward trend in number of crashes and injuries, but had higher fatality rates than 2015 and 2016. All three categories, both state- and county-wide, saw a spike in 2017.
While a downward trend is good news, the 2018 numbers are still staggering:
Total Statewide Fatalities: 1,351
Total Statewide Crashes: 284,682
Total Statewide Injuries: 115,129
From April 1 through June 28, 2019, the NCDOT is waging a campaign to make the roads safer. Increased numbers of officers, in vehicles both marked and unmarked, will be patrolling NC highways.
What to do if you are in a car wreck
It can be jarring to suffer injuries, damage to your property, and the emotional distress of an accident. Many people calling Egerton Law after a car wreck have the same question: What do I need to do now?
First thing’s first: if you are in pain, get checked out. Whether you go to an emergency department, an urgent care center, or your primary doctor, a medical evaluation is the first step you need to take in order to make sure you get the treatment you need for your specific injuries.
Second, make sure you report the claim to your insurance company, and the insurance company of the at-fault driver. The insurance companies will assign adjusters to handle your claims — often one person will handle the property damage and another will handle any injury claim you may have. In the initial call to the insurance company it is best not to go too in depth about your injuries. Many injuries from car wrecks can have a delayed onset, and you will want to take some time after the wreck before discussing your injuries with anyone at the insurance company.
Third, contact an experienced injury attorney. If you will have medical treatment related to your car wreck, it is advisable to consult with an attorney to determine whether you might need legal representation. This might be your first car wreck; the attorneys at Egerton Law have handled thousands of injury claims and can help you understand what the claims process will be like so that you can make an informed decision about whether to hire an attorney.
How to avoid a collision when you are driving
There is no magic way to make sure you are not one of the statistics above, but there are safety measures you can practice to help reduce your chances of being in a wreck.
- Don’t follow too closely
- Obey the speed limit and other traffic rules
- Do NOT, under any circumstances, drive while impaired
- Practice defensive driving
- Use turn signals
- Ensure your car is in good working order
- Do NOT use your phone or electronic device while driving
The bottom line: be an attentive driver and demand the same of those who are driving you and your loved ones around.
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