Fatal Car Accidents in Ohio Are On the Rise

According to data from the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP), fatal car accidents are on the rise. Even with the COVID-19 pandemic forcing residents to stay at home for most of 2020, Ohio still saw a record number of fatal accidents last year. If you have lost a loved one in a car accident, you should speak with a Columbus wrongful death attorney about your family’s legal rights. Your family may be entitled to significant compensation, and hiring an experienced attorney is essential for holding the at-fault party accountable following a fatal collision.

Fatal Car Accident Statistics from the OSHP

The OSHP published updated fatal car accident statistics on July 9, 2021. Here are some of the most notable figures:

• There were 1,153 fatal car accidents in Ohio in 2020. This is the highest total in the past five years, surpassing the previous high of 1,094 fatal accidents in 2017. The 1,153 fatal car accidents in Ohio in 2020 resulted in 1,229 deaths, which is also the highest number reported by the OSHP.
• About half of all motorists killed in car accidents were unbelted. Of the 1,229 individuals killed in auto accidents in Ohio last year, 1,045 were motorists. Of these motorists, nearly half were unbelted at the time of the fatal collision.
• More than half of all fatal car accidents in Ohio involved OVI. In 2020, 637 fatal car accidents – just over half – involved drivers who were operating a vehicle under the influence (OVI). While there is no excuse for drunk driving, it is clear that far too many people get drunk and then get behind the wheel.
• A pedestrian is killed in Ohio about every other day. Pedestrian fatalities increased by nearly 30 percent in 2020 compared to 2019. As a result, a pedestrian was killed in a motor vehicle accident in Ohio about every other day last year.
• About 10 percent of fatal accidents involve commercial vehicles. Of the 1,153 fatal car accidents in Ohio in 2020, about 10 percent involved commercial vehicles. Notably, this is one of the few figures that has dropped over the past few years.

What are Your Family’s Rights After a Fatal Car Accident in Ohio?

Under Ohio law, families who lose loved ones in fatal car accidents can file claims for just compensation. While this often involves filing a claim under an at-fault driver’s insurance policy (i.e. in the case of a drunk driving accident), there are other possibilities as well. The financial and non-financial costs of a fatal car accident can be substantial, and an experienced Columbus wrongful death attorney can help make sure your family receives the compensation it deserves.

Talk to a Columbus Wrongful Death Attorney for Free

If you need more information about pursuing a claim for a fatal car accident in Ohio, we encourage you to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation at Malek & Malek Law Firm. To speak with an experienced Columbus wrongful death attorney in confidence, call 888-444-7440 or contact us online now.