Whether it is due to road conditions, inclement weather, dangerous intersections or negligent drivers, certain areas in the state of Montana might experience more accidents than other regions. As for negligent and distracted driving, this is a dangerous behavior and could easily cause a serious accident.
Residents of Billings should be more careful on the road. According to the latest statistics, the number of road fatalities across the state increased by 10 percent in 2013.
According to the Montana Highway Patrol, from January 1st to December 30th, 224 people died in 198 crashes that occurred in the state. This was a slight increase from the 191 crashes that killed 204 people in 2012.
The MHP's Billings district reported 38 traffic fatalities, second after Kalispell's, which reported 39 fatalities. A MHP official indicated that law enforcement officials have helped reduce the number of alcohol-related deaths, which decreased by 30 percent in 2013.
There was also an increase in auto-pedestrian and motorcycle deaths. Fatal pedestrian accidents increased by more than 200 percent statewide. According to an official, there has been a steady increase in this number, and there is no single reason why. The increase in motorcycle accident deaths can be attributed to the increasing number of motorcyclists who travel in the state.
Losing a loved one because of someone's negligence is tragic and can cause undue hardship to the surviving family. While still grieving, the family may need to pay medical expenses and funeral costs.
The MHP's report confirms that accidents can happen at any time due to multiple reasons. However, drivers should always keep their responsibilities in mind and drive carefully.
A victim's family is eligible to receive compensation if the negligence of another driver contributed to a fatal accident. The family may file a wrongful death lawsuit and consider seeking the help of a legal professional to help establish the fault of a negligent party and receive compensation.