North Dakota Leads the Nation in Traffic Fatalities

North Dakota Shares Top Spot on List of States With Highest Traffic Fatalities

A university study has identified the states in which the likelihood of dying in a car collision is high, and North Dakota tied for first place. The ranking was based on the proportion of deaths in motor vehicle accidents to deaths from all other causes within each state. The study results allow for several conclusions to be drawn about fatal motor vehicle accidents.

The most dangerous roads, in terms of the risk of dying in a car accident, appear to be in less populated states. For example, states that are high in population density, such as those on the East Coast, seem to have fewer car accident deaths than in states where motorists can travel at or above posted speed limits without being slowed by traffic congestion or urban areas.

While on the subject of speed, states with high maximum speed limits seem to be the most dangerous in terms of highway deaths. North Dakota has a maximum speed limit of 75 mph on its interstate and 70 mph on paved four-lane highways.

Although traffic accident deaths can be devastating to surviving family members of the deceased, the chances of dying from a heart attack and several other diseases are greater than dying in a car accident. Besides heart disease, death by one of the following diseases or medical conditions occurs more frequently than fatal car crashes:

• Cancer
• Lung disease
• Stroke
• Alzheimer’s disease

The fact that your chances of dying from cancer are greater than your risk of being the victim of a fatal car collision is little comfort to families that must continue on without the support provided by the deceased loved one. When the death is caused by the negligence of another party, family members of the deceased might be entitled to compensation.

Wrongful death lawsuits filed by or on behalf of family members authorized by statute to do so can seek to recover damages including:

• Funeral and burial costs
• Loss of support and income
• Medical expenses for care provided to the victim
• Loss of companionship
• Mental anguish and emotional distress

The Minot North Dakota accident attorneys at Larson Law have earned a reputation as dedicated advocates for the rights of accident victims and family members. For a free consultation, contact us today by calling 701-484-4878, or use the online contact form.