According to a recent article published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, the number of fatal motor vehicle accidents involving alcohol and drugs are considerably under-reported on U.S. death certificates. Researchers used information from death certificates across the nation with data from U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System to compare the number of death certificates that included alcohol as contributing factor in car accident fatalities. They discovered an estimated 18% of motor vehicle accidents involving alcohol and drugs go unreported.
There are several reasons for this discrepancy noted by the study’s authors. Not all states across the U.S. require blood alcohol testing for victims of fatal crashes. Even for the 25 states that do require this testing, less than three-fourths of them actually perform the test. A standard death certificate is issued on average within five days of a fatal motor vehicle accident. Data on the NHTSA’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System includes information obtained from a complete blood analysis, which can be noted after the death certificate has been issued.
Researchers caution those gathering information on alcohol-related deaths to be aware of the discrepancy between numbers obtained from the NHTSA database and those from state-issued death certificates. Relying on information and statistics from death certificates alone can be misleading and inaccurate when assessing the role that alcohol plays in fatal accidents. For those injured or killed in a drunk driving auto accident, accurate blood alcohol information may be relevant to claiming just compensation.
Philadelphia Car Accident Attorneys at Geoffrey B. Gompers & Associates Represent Victims of Drunk Driving Crashes in PA and NJ
When you or a loved one are involved in a serious or fatal car accident resulting from a drunk driver, you need to consult with an experienced auto accident attorney like those at the Philadelphia personal injury law firm of Geoffrey B. Gompers & Associates. Our experienced car accident attorneys possess the knowledge and skill necessary to help you claim the maximum compensation for your injuries or loss of a loved one. With offices in center city Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Cherry Hill, New Jersey, the lawyers at Geoffrey B. Gompers & Associates represent clients throughout both states in all types of motor vehicle accident cases, including truck accidents, motorcycle accidents and pedestrian accidents. Call us today at 215-567-6600 or complete our online contact form to schedule your free consultation. Our team of successful and highly skilled personal injury lawyers will review the details of your accident and advise you of the best legal strategy available.