Personal Injury Firm
Election day is just around the corner and emotions are already running high. 2020 has been a year for the books, between the coronavirus pandemic, the outbursts of civil unrest and police violence, and the political standoffs between the different ideological parties. Least to say, when it comes to politics and this year’s presidential election, situations can become dangerous quickly, resulting in accidents, personal injury, and wrongful death.
According to NRP, A study conducted about a decade ago revealed that on election day, there tends to be an increase in car accidents, compared to other days. The researchers analyzed data for car accidents over 32 years, from 1972 to 2004, and found that on election day, there tended to be an 18% increase in crash rates.
However, just why the increase in accidents is unsure. The studies speculate that speeding could be to cause, though the reason for the speeding is unclear. Speeding might be related to rushing to get the voting polls, aggressive driving, or even distractions.
While millions of people have already voted through mail-in and drop-off ballots, many others are choosing to vote in person. However, there have been reports of people waiting in lines for hours on end which many speculate to be a form of voter suppression.
The New York Times reports that this year’s election has created tension not since the Jim Crow Era, in the times of segregations when Black voters were explicitly intimidated at the voting polls. Multiple organizations, such as the NAACP, have trained volunteers to monitor voter intimidation at the polls.
The tension surrounding voting and the election can place everyone on high emotions and releases of adrenaline can cause people to partake in reckless and negligent behavior that endangers the physical and emotional well-being of those around them. Such behavior can result in personal injury and possibly even death.
Neal Kelley, the Orange County election registrar, states that this year’s election is the most intense one he’s witnessed in his 17 years in his position.
Remember to take care these last couple of days of the election – keep calm, and out of harm’s way. If you are subjected to the dangerous, recklessness, or negligent behavior of others that leave you injured, give West Coast Trial Lawyers a call and we’ll listen to your case in a free consultation. You can reach us by phone at (213) 927 – 3700 or by email at [email protected].