Accidents can happen in an instant, and sometimes they unfortunately lead to fatalities. As unsettling as it is to think about, knowing which types of accidents commonly result in death can help you be more aware and hopefully avoid becoming a victim yourself. In this blog post, personal injury attorneys will explore some of the most deadly types of accidents and what you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Motor Vehicle Crashes

One of the leading causes of accidental death is motor vehicle crashes. According to legal cloud software provider CloudLex, unintentional injuries are the third leading cause of death in the United States. A significant portion of those are from car, motorcycle, and truck accidents. We all know vehicles can be dangerous, but it’s easy to become complacent about driving or riding safely every single time. Be sure to always wear your seat belt, obey the speed limit, and avoid distractions like cell phones when you’re behind the wheel. Also, never drive while impaired. One mistake is all it can take for a collision to turn fatal.

Poisoning

Accidental poisoning is another major contributor to unintentional injury deaths. Children are especially vulnerable when toxic substances are improperly stored and accidentally ingested. But adults are also at risk of accidentally overdosing on medication or mixing substances that shouldn’t be combined. To prevent poisoning accidents, be vigilant about keeping all medications, cleaners, chemicals, and other hazardous household products locked up and out of reach of kids. Carefully read warning labels and dosing instructions. Also, never take medications in the dark or when you’re extremely sleepy, as making a medication error could prove deadly.

Drowning

Drowning is one of the most common causes of accidental death for young children. It only takes a small amount of water for a child to drown, so supervision around bathtubs, pools, ponds, and any other bodies of water is extremely important. Adults should also take precautions around water by avoiding swimming alone, refraining from drinking alcohol before swimming or boating, and wearing a life jacket when appropriate. It’s also wise to keep yourself updated on swimming skills and water safety techniques.

Suffocation and Strangulation

Suffocation and strangulation are some of the most devastating yet preventable causes of accidental death. Babies are at risk if they are put to sleep on their stomachs or with loose bedding, so always place infants on their backs without any pillows or blankets. Keep plastic bags away from kids and check on elderly relatives regularly, as suffocation can happen quickly. Adults are also susceptible to accidental strangulation and suffocation in confined spaces or from materials like ropes, wires, or fabrics. So remain aware of hazards when working in a tight area or with anything that could possibly wrap around your neck.

Falls

Slipping and falling may seem harmless, but it’s actually a common cause of unintentional injury deaths. Spills, clutter, steep stairs, improper lighting, and unsecured rugs are just some of the common tripping dangers around the home. Install grab bars in showers and banisters on stairs to improve stability. Use non-slip mats in tubs and wipe spills immediately. Improve lighting throughout your home and wear shoes instead of just socks to give your feet more traction. Being cautious on ladders, roofs, and other high surfaces is also extremely important to avoid a deadly fall.

Medical Errors

You likely put a high level of trust in doctors, surgeons, pharmacists, nurses, and other medical professionals. However, they are in fact human, and accidental medical mistakes do transpire. Surgical errors, medication mix-ups, misdiagnoses, and hospital-acquired infections are some of the ways medical accidents occur. While you can’t completely control mistakes made by your healthcare providers, you can try to be proactive. Vet your doctors thoroughly, speak up if you have concerns about a medication or procedure, and have an advocate with you for surgeries and hospital stays. Being informed and asking questions may help reduce your risk of being affected by a medical error. If you've been the victim of medical errors, reach out to personal injury attorneys right away.

Accidents may be unplanned by definition, but many can be prevented with proper precautions. While some accidents are true freak occurrences, there are steps you can take to minimize risks from numerous types of accidents that commonly prove fatal. Being aware of the hazards, following safety protocols, mitigating risks, and using common sense could help protect you or your loved ones from becoming part of the sad statistics. If a loved one has passed away due to someone else's actions or neglect, reach out to our personal injury attorneys at The Law Offices of Michael F. Mahoney today for a consultation.