Columbia, SC Car Accident Lawyer at Matthews & Megna LLC Comments on Report about ‘Safer’ New Vehicles
Columbia, SC (PRWEB) February 14, 2015 -- While a report finding that improved vehicle designs bring down death rates is certainly good news, Columbia, SC personal injury lawyer Ben Matthews of Matthews & Megna LLC, today said drivers must understand they are ultimately responsible for preventing car crashes.
Matthews commented on a Jan. 29 report published by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (“Saving lives: Improved vehicle designs bring down death rates”). The IIHS conducted a study that found the chances of a driver dying in a crash in a late-model car or truck fell by more than one-third over three years, and nine car models had zero deaths per million registered vehicles. The study looked at fatalities in 2011 model year vehicles.
“As a personal injury attorney who has represented people injured or who have lost loved ones in car accidents, I am thrilled to find out that fatalities are dropping because of improved technology in new vehicles,” Matthews said. “At the same time, I know that someone who has been drinking or who chooses to send or read text messages while driving can put everyone at risk, even if they have the ‘safest’ vehicle on the road. That’s why it’s important for all drivers to stay alert and sober and observe the rules of the road.”
The IIHS noted that improved vehicle design was not the only factor in pushing down fatalities. In recent years, a weak economy has resulted in less driving.
The vehicle changes that improved safety include better structural designs and more safety features, according to the Institute, which reported there were 7,700 fewer deaths in 2012 than there would have been had vehicles remained unchanged since 1985.
Attorney Matthews said wrongful death claims from car accidents are among the most difficult cases his law firm handles from an emotional standpoint.
“One of the big reasons why we advocate for road safety is because we have represented families that were absolutely devastated by the loss of a loved one,” Matthews said. “We listen to them and get to know about the impact their loved one had on his or her family, community, co-workers and so many others. We realize no amount of money can make up for the loss of someone, but our job is to help people get justice. They need compensation for the real financial losses they’re facing after a spouse, a child, a parent or some other family member is suddenly taken away. Our job also is to help them send a message to the community that negligent behavior by drivers will not be tolerated.”
About Matthews & Megna LLC
Serving the Columbia, Florence, Darlington and all of South Carolina since 1985, attorneys Ben Matthews and Tony R. Megna have handled thousands of cases and won major settlements for clients, whether settling out of court or going to trial. Matthews & Megna LLC’s areas of practice include bankruptcy law, auto accidents and workers’ compensation cases. They also handle truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, golf cart accidents and moped accidents. The law firm handles personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. As a result, clients only pay for legal services if they win.
Along with an office in Darlington, the law firm’s main office is located at 3400 West Avenue, Columbia, SC 29203. To schedule a free case evaluation or for more information, call (877) 253-7705 or visit the law firm’s website: http://www.matthewsandmegna.com.
Jacob M Del Hagen, Big Voodoo Interactive, http://www.bigvoodoo.com, +1 (413) 650-0593, [email protected]
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