Car Accident Injuries and Fatalities in Kansas and Missouri

Fatal Car Accidents in Kansas & Missouri 

As a Kansas City car accident law firm, we monitor trends in data and statistics that we can communicate to our clients and their families with the hope of improving traffic safety.

he National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that in 2017, nearly a thousand people died in traffic accidents in Missouri and nearly 500 died in car accidents in Kansas. The number of car accident deaths in both states continues to climb.  Since these deaths are almost always preventable, many are asking what can be done to reduce these traffic fatalities.

Causes of Traffic Accidents & Fatalities in Missouri & Kansas

Many factors can contribute to causing a car crash in Missouri and Kansas. Ultimately, human behavior and poor choices are determining factors in many car accidents, including:

• Drunk driving  NHTSA’s statistics for 2017 show that out of 930 fatal accidents in Missouri, 254 involved driving under the influence of alcohol. This equates to about 27% of all traffic-related fatalities in Missouri.  In Kansas, 461 people were killed in car accidents in 2017, and 102 of those deaths, or 21% of all fatalities, were related to drunk driving.
• Speeding and reckless driving  The NHTSA data shows that another driving factor in traffic-related deaths in both Kansas and Missouri is speeding and reckless driving.  A significant number of annual road fatalities is due to a driver exceeding the speed limit, driving too fast for conditions, or following too close to another vehicle.
• Texting and distracted driving  According to NHTSA nationwide statistics, in 2016 alone, over 3,450 people were killed due to distracted driving, and 391,000 people were injured. Texting is a significant contributor to distracted driving, but other activities, such as talking on the phone, eating and drinking, and using the radio, are also distractions that can cause accidents.

Get Legal Help After a Fatal Car Accident in Kansas City

These statistics should be wake up calls to drivers in Kansas City.  We all need to drive defensively, be alert and avoid bad driving behaviors. By deciding to never drive drunk, to follow posted speed limits, and to avoid using your cell phone while driving, you can greatly reduce your chances of being the potential cause or result of a tragedy on the road.

Of course, ultimately, we can only control our own behavior, and some drivers will continue to make bad decisions that put the lives and health of others at risk.  Car crashes happen every day in Kansas City and will continue to occur throughout Kansas and Missouri.

If you are injured in a car wreck due to someone else’s negligence, you should seek the advice of an experienced car accident attorney. Our Kansas City car accident lawyer can make sure that your rights are protected and help you pursue fair compensation for property damage, medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses.

Call Our Kansas City Car Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been injured in a car accident - or if you have lost a loved one at the hands of a reckless driver - please know that you are not alone.  You have legal rights and our Kansas City personal injury law firm is ready to help guide you through the process.

Our experienced legal team has the skills and experience to assist you. Contact us for a free case evaluation using the form below or by calling 816-203-0143. We would be honored to be of assistance to you.