Accidents can result in injury, ranging from minor to critical, as well as damage to the property. However, some accidents have a higher chance of resulting in death than others. Car accidents, for instance, are estimated to have over 40,000 fatalities every year. As such, they have a greater chance of ending in death.
If you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, you can file a claim and secure compensation for your losses. Families and loved ones can work with wrongful death lawyers to get justice for the deceased.
In this article, we will discuss the types of accidents that have high fatality rates in the country.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
As mentioned, accidents are among the leading causes of accidental fatalities. This includes crashes involving motorcycles, trucks, pedestrians, cyclists, and cars. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2023, there were 4,970 deaths from truck accidents, 40,990 fatalities from motor vehicle car crashes, and 6,218 motorcyclist deaths.
Factors such as speeding, distracted driving, weather conditions, and driving under the influence significantly increase the risk of fatal outcomes. Pedestrians and cyclists are also very vulnerable, especially in urban areas with heavy traffic.
Workplace Accidents
Some working conditions are more risky than others. Workplace accidents have high fatalities, especially in the construction, manufacturing, and agricultural industries. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), common injuries from the workplace that lead to death include:
- Falls from heights
- Being hit by objects
- Electrocution
- Machine-related injuries
Construction sites, in particular, are very risky because of the lack of proper safety measures and equipment. In the same way, agricultural workers face the risks of accidental pesticide exposure and injuries from machinery that can lead to deaths.
Drowning Incidents
Drowning is another common cause of accidental fatalities, especially among children and people who like water activities. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), drowning is a major cause of accidental deaths for children between ages 1 and 4.
These accidents mostly happen in pools, lakes, and oceans when there is no adult supervision and a lack of life jackets and safety equipment. For adults, drowning incidents are mostly because of alcohol consumption. Rough water conditions and currents pose another risk even for well-experienced swimmers.
Fire and Explosions
Fires and explosions claim thousands of lives every year. Most fatalities from these accidents are the result of:
- Burns
- Smoke inhalation
- Buildings collapsing
The common causes of residential and industrial fires include faulty electrical wires, malfunctioning heating equipment, mishandled flammable materials, and cooking. Industrial areas are more at risk because of the chemicals used or gases in the air.
Medical and Surgery Complications
Medical complications like misdiagnosis, poor administration of anesthesia, surgical mistakes, and infections from hospitals lead to thousands of deaths every year. In many cases, these fatalities are because of negligence or failure to follow the correct protocol.
For example, not following sterilization standards can lead to infections that result in deaths. Patients undergoing high-risk surgeries or emergency treatment are more vulnerable to these situations.
Recreational and Sporting Accidents
Recreational and sporting activities also lead to fatal accidents, especially in high-risk activities like skiing, scuba diving, rock climbing, hiking, and extreme sports. These activities involve physical challenges in risky environments. If you lack the required specialized equipment or when it is misused or malfunctions, it can lead to severe injury.
Lack of proper training, failure to use safety gear, and harsh weather conditions also contribute to fatalities. Even safe activities like boating and hiking can become deadly because of unforeseen accidents like falls or capsizing.
Conclusion
Fatal accidents can happen in many different scenarios. These are mostly a result of negligence, lack of proper equipment, or safety to follow the correct protocol. By knowing these risks, people can ensure they protect themselves and follow the right protocols.