One may naturally assume that car accidents are more prevalent in busy and congested urban settings with fast-moving traffic than in rural areas with more sedate surroundings. However, it might surprise you to learn that the opposite is true. Rural areas see more auto accidents in a year as compared to urban settings. If you or someone you love was injured in a rural or urban car accident, you should speak with a reliable car accident attorney as soon as possible since time is of the essence.

Why Do More Vehicle Accidents Occur in Rural Florida?

City driving is linked to large volumes of traffic, high-speed highways, honking horns, public transportation vehicles, and numerous traffic signals. The roads are also used by bicyclists and pedestrians in addition to cars and motorcycles in urban areas. The sheer volume of motorists and other road users may compel you to think that urban roads witness more accidents.

However, statistics collected by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show that the opposite is true. A greater number of traffic accidents and related injuries/fatalities occur on rural roads. About 20% of the US population lives in rural areas as per data from the 2010 United States Census.

Despite rural areas being a distinct minority, 16,340 people died in 2019 on rural roads. Those living in rural areas are at a higher risk of life-threatening and serious injuries in car accidents as compared to motorists on urban roads. Various differences in car accident risk factors for both rural and urban areas were published in a study by Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.

Research shows that rural counties had 22 fatalities per 100,000 cars as compared to urban counties where the figure stood at 14 fatalities per 100,000 cars. This observation made by the researchers supports findings and data from other sources too.

Factors Contributing to Fatal Auto Accidents in Rural Areas

Several factors play a role in causing a higher number of fatal auto accidents on rural roads:

Not Wearing a Seatbelt

Drivers and passengers frequently remove their seatbelts when driving on rural roads. This is usually because there are no checks on these roads. Failure to wear a seatbelt increases the risk of injury and death in an auto accident.

Speeding

Drivers on rural roads are highly likely to exceed the posted speed limit. These roads are not usually patrolled by police officers. Motorists feel they can reach their destinations quicker by driving over the speed limit.

Lack of Stop Signs and Red Lights

Urban roads can stretch for miles without a traffic light or stop sign. Drivers often drive recklessly without these devices to slow the flow of traffic and the speed of vehicles. The risk of meeting with an accident increases at higher rates of speed.

Substance Abuse

Drinking and driving is a big problem in both rural and urban areas. Urban areas usually have public transportation and cabs for drunk individuals to get home. This is usually not the case in rural areas. Additionally, substance abuse is more rampant in rural settings than in urban areas.

Lack of Safety Features

People in rural areas don’t purchase a new model till their existing car has become too old to drive. This leaves them with older vehicles that don’t have modern safety features. In a car accident, not having modern safety features can cause a greater number of traumatic deaths and injuries.

Unsafe Roads

Rural roads are typically unpaved. They have steep drop-offs and large holes. Motorists can easily lose control of their car, especially if they are driving recklessly or speeding.

Steps to Take After Your Car Accident

Whether you experience an auto crash in a rural setting or an urban road, there are several steps you need to take.

If your accident was the result of negligence on the part of an at-fault party, you may be able to file for compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. You should speak with a car accident attorney to understand your rights and obtain maximum compensation. These are people who have been down the legal corridors before and know what can be lurking in the shadows.

Here are some aspects to consider:

See a doctor right after the car accident.
Take photos and make videos at the accident scene.
Call 911 and get a copy of the police report if a law enforcement official comes to the accident scene.
Get contact information of the at-fault driver and eyewitnesses.
Speak with a car accident attorney.

How a Seasoned Car Accident Attorney Can Help?

Your auto accident lawyer can take care of the legal legwork while you focus on recovering from your injury. Car accident attorneys can help by:

Investigating the accident.
Gathering evidence of losses and negligence.
Filing all necessary paperwork related to the lawsuit and claim.
Obtaining witness testimonies to help your claim.
Meeting statute of limitations and other deadlines.
Representing you in a trial.

Our Car Accident Lawyers are Ready to Fight for You

At Whibbs Stone Barnett Turner, PA, our seasoned car accident attorneys can help you obtain the compensation you deserve for covering medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. You can count on us to go above and beyond to prove the liability of the negligent parties and fight for maximum financial compensation on your behalf. To schedule your free consultation, call us at 850-434-5395 or fill out this online contact form.

Are Auto Accidents More Common in Rural or Urban Areas?