Last month we talked about the devastating outcomes of medical errors in Clark County hospitals. As it becomes clearer how these facilities are being held accountable for the impact their breach of care, hospital under-staffing, and medication errors have on the general public, our Las Vegas, Nevada attorneys at Bertoldo Carter Smith & Cullen are shedding light on the additional causes of wrongful death cases throughout our state.
Wrongful Death is the result of negligent actions or inactions that caused the death of another, and medical institutions are not the only ones to blame for the lost lives of our residents and the physical, emotional and financial fallout that occurs within their families.
Wrongful death can occur immediately on impact during car, truck, motorcycle, bicycle, and pedestrian collisions, or after any type of personal injury occurs. When these traffic-related crashes happen because of distracted driving, the loss is completely preventable, and someone must be held responsible for negligently operating a vehicle causing death — even if s/he is not prosecuted in criminal court.
How Common Is Distracted Driving in the United States?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, or NHTSA, reported 3,450 distracted driving deaths last year alone and listed texting while driving as the most alarming distraction occurring behind the wheel.
Statistics show that when drivers are reading or sending a text message while operating a vehicle, their eyes are off the road for five whole seconds. When this person is driving 55 MPH, the distance covered over that time is the length of an entire football field — and the dangerous equivalent of driving that distance with their eyes closed.
Other shocking statistics provided by the NHTSA include:
- 80% of all vehicle collisions are attributed to distracted driving
- Approximately 25% of all motor vehicle crash fatalities are caused by distracted driving
- Nine people are killed each day in the U.S.as a result of crashes involving a distracted driver
These deaths all stem from a cause that is completely preventable.
If you have lost a loved one in a vehicle collision that was caused by a negligent driver, contact our wrongful death attorneys in Las Vegas, Nevada at Bertoldo Carter Smith & Cullen at (702) 505-8115 to learn about your rights to pursue compensation for your losses. We have an exceptional track record in delivering financial recovery settlements and jury verdicts for family members who have lost a loved one unexpectedly due to the negligence of another and can pursue similar results on your behalf. Our accomplished attorneys are available to discuss your unique circumstances during a free consultation today.