Traffic safety officials say Minnesota last year saw its first increase in traffic accident deaths since 2007.
The final car crash report shows Minnesota had 395 traffic deaths in 2012. That's a 7 percent increase from 2011, when 368 deaths were recorded. But officials say it represents a 40 percent drop in deaths from a decade ago.
Officials cite a mild winter, a slight increase in miles traveled and a jump in motorcyclist deaths in 2012 as reasons for the increase.
The 2012 car accident fatality count is the second-lowest annual death figure since 1944 when 356 people were killed.
The most common factors in 2012 all crashes are in order of frequency: driver inattention/distraction; failure to yield right-of-way, and illegal or unsafe speed.
395 fatalities involve motorists (276); motorcyclists (55); pedestrians (40); bicyclists (7); ATV riders (9); farm equipment occupants (2); commercial bus riders (2); snowmobile riders (1) and three unknown vehicle types.
The most common factors in 2012 all crashes are in order of frequency: driver inattention/distraction; failure to yield right-of-way, and illegal or unsafe speed.
29,314 injuries, of which 1,268 were severe and life-altering.
86 deaths (72 percent) occurred in the 80 counties of greater Minnesota, while 109 deaths (28 percent) occurred in the Twin Cities’ seven-county metro area.
What can Family Members do if a Loved One was involved in a Fatal Car Accident?
Family members may be entitled to bring a wrongful death claim against the person or company responsible for the death of their family member.
Although speaking with an attorney may not be a priority for those who have lost a loved one, it is important for survivors to consider retaining a wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible.
Wrongful death claims and lawsuits seek to compensate the victim's family for the terrible loss they have suffered. Examples of wrongful death damages include lost wages and lost earning capacity, loss of companionship, comfort, advice, guidance, counsel, aid, assistance, and protection.
In some instances punitive damages may be available. Punitive damages are not meant to compensate the family; they are intended to punish wrongdoers and to send a message to the rest of society that certain behaviors will not be tolerated. For example, a fatality caused by a drunk driver or an extremely over-worked semi-truck driver may involve a claim for punitive damages.
Contact an Experienced Wrongful Death Lawyer
Our wrongful death lawyers understand the tremendous hardships and loss family members experience when they lose a loved one. Our wrongful death attorneys will be with you and your family every step of the way to make sure you and your family understand your legal rights.
612-ASK-DAVE