Recent data from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows a promising reduction in car crash fatalities across Pennsylvania during the first quarter of 2024. After a challenging year in 2023, where deaths rose by 4.2%, the state recorded a 1.6% drop in fatalities, with 242 deaths from January to March 2024, compared to 246 in the same period in 2023. This decrease comes as part of a larger national trend, with U.S. traffic deaths down 3.2%, marking the lowest figures seen since the onset of the pandemic in 2020.

While this is a positive sign, it’s important to acknowledge that Pennsylvania’s highways were still particularly dangerous in 2023, with a 13.2% rise in traffic deaths compared to 2022. This increase was in sharp contrast to the national decline, where 35 other states saw reductions in fatalities.

Understanding the Risks on Pennsylvania Roads

The 2023 spike in fatalities indicates that Pennsylvania drivers faced unique challenges on the road. With 1,229 deaths reported in 2023—up from 1,179 in 2022—the Keystone State was grappling with serious road safety issues, despite broader national improvements. While efforts to reduce fatalities through PennDOT's Strategic Highway Safety Plan have been ramped up, the persistence of driver behavior issues continues to be a significant factor in crashes.

According to a 2022 study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, dangerous driving behaviors such as speeding, running red lights, texting while driving, and driving under the influence of alcohol or cannabis have been on the rise. These risky actions contribute to preventable accidents, many of which lead to severe injuries or fatalities. Additionally, driving while fatigued has emerged as another growing concern, increasing the likelihood of accidents on Pennsylvania's roads.

For victims and their families, these trends underscore the importance of pursuing legal action when an accident occurs. Holding negligent drivers accountable is crucial to not only secure financial compensation but also to encourage safer driving habits statewide.

How Frischman & Rizza Leverages Crash Data for Victims

In the aftermath of a car crash, victims are often left facing significant financial, physical, and emotional burdens. From medical expenses and lost wages to long-term rehabilitation or disability, the consequences of an accident can be devastating. For those who have lost loved ones in fatal crashes, the impact is even more profound.

This is where Frischman & Rizza, a leading personal injury law firm in Pittsburgh, comes in. The firm specializes in representing victims of motor vehicle accidents and uses crash data, like those provided by the Pennsylvania Crash Information Tool (PCIT), to build strong legal cases. This tool provides valuable insights into accident trends, including the number of crashes, fatalities, and contributing factors such as reckless driving behaviors, speeding, or impaired driving.

By analyzing this data, Frischman & Rizza can identify patterns that demonstrate negligence. For example, if an accident occurred in a high-risk area known for frequent crashes or if the driver involved has a history of risky behavior like texting or driving under the influence, this information can strengthen the legal case for compensation.

The firm's comprehensive approach to accident cases means that no detail is overlooked. By working with medical professionals, accident reconstruction experts, and leveraging available crash data, Frischman & Rizza ensures that victims receive the most thorough representation possible.

Pennsylvania’s Safety Efforts and Their Impact on Legal Cases

To combat the rising number of fatalities, PennDOT has been actively promoting its Strategic Highway Safety Plan, which includes education campaigns, adjusted speed limits, changes to road designs, and improvements in road signage. These efforts are geared toward reducing the number of serious accidents and fatalities, with a focus on changing dangerous driver behaviors and improving roadway infrastructure.

Despite these efforts, driver behavior remains a critical factor. Speeding, distracted driving, and impaired driving are persistent issues, often resulting in serious accidents. For victims, proving that another driver’s negligence directly led to their injuries or the death of a loved one is essential for securing compensation.

At Frischman & Rizza, the use of crash statistics becomes a vital part of the case-building process. The firm’s attorneys use these statistics to demonstrate that a particular type of accident is not an isolated incident, but rather part of a wider trend of negligent behavior or unsafe road conditions. This can be crucial for successfully pursuing claims for damages related to medical costs, loss of income, emotional trauma, and other impacts of a car accident.

Seeking Justice and Compensation for Victims

Whether an accident results from a reckless driver, unsafe road conditions, or failure to follow safety regulations, the consequences can be life-altering. Frischman & Rizza offers personalized legal representation for victims of car accidents and their families, helping them navigate the complex legal system and secure the compensation they deserve.

For those injured or for families who have lost loved ones in motor vehicle crashes, pursuing legal action can help alleviate the financial burden and bring a sense of closure. The attorneys at Frischman & Rizza are well-versed in Pennsylvania’s traffic laws, and they use state crash data to provide clear, compelling arguments in favor of their clients.

The firm has a track record of successfully securing compensation for victims, whether through settlements or court verdicts. Compensation can cover a wide range of damages, including:

Medical bills: From emergency treatment to ongoing rehabilitation.

Lost wages: For time missed from work due to injury or recovery.

Pain and suffering: Compensation for emotional and physical trauma.

Wrongful death: For families who have lost a loved one due to a fatal crash.

The decline in Pennsylvania's traffic fatalities in 2024 is encouraging, but accidents still claim hundreds of lives every year. For those affected by serious accidents or fatalities, legal action may be the best way to seek justice and secure compensation for the challenges ahead.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident in Pennsylvania, don’t wait to take action. Contact Frischman & Rizza for a free consultation. Let the firm’s experienced attorneys evaluate your case and guide you through the legal process, ensuring that your rights are protected and that negligent drivers are held accountable.