Report: Washington traffic deaths increased in 2023

The preliminary estimate of the National Safety Council, or NSC, predicts that there were 788 deaths on Washington’s roads in 2023. This is an 8% increase from the estimated 733 deaths in 2022.

While Washington did not fare as poorly as other states, our state was unfortunately behind the national trend.

Nationally, fatalities decreased 4% between 2022 and 2023 according to the NSC’s estimates. The NSC predicts a total of 44,450 fatalities in 2023. If this estimate holds, it will be an improvement over 2022.  Nevertheless, this number is still a significant 13.2% higher than the number of fatalities in 2019.

Most fatal motor vehicle accidents are preventable

The NSC said at the time it released its estimate that distracted driving, speeding and driving under the influence continue to play a role in the ongoing spike in fatal motor vehicle accidents.

Although the NSC’s report did not break these numbers out, there is no doubt that many of these fatalities involved districted or impaired drivers killing innocent victims in other vehicles. Likewise, motorists driving way too fast can rob the lives of others who were simply going about their business in their vehicles.

The point is that many people, including many in the Seattle area, would still be alive and with their families and friends today if it were not for others operating their vehicles irresponsibly and even dangerously.

In such cases, the families of victims may have the option to file a lawsuit against the driver who caused a fatal accident. In fact, it may be the single best way to hold that driver accountable for their actions.

The family can make claims for funeral expenses, medical bills and lost wages as well as other non-economic damages.

Matthew D. Dubin

Matt Dubin has spent more than 20 years honing his skills as one of the top personal injury lawyers in the State of Washington. In his career, Matt has focused on protecting consumers from dangerous household products, medical mistakes, roadway accidents, and many other causes of injury. Matt has recovered nearly $20 million on behalf of his clients.

Education

• University of Washington School of Law, Seattle, Washington – J.D.
• Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut – B.A.

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