While fatal car accidents increased statewide last year, the number of fatal collisions, including crashes involving stolen vehicles, declined in Milwaukee. According to data from Milwaukee law enforcement officials, 2016 was a much better year than 2015 when it came to crashes involving stolen vehicles. They credit this dip to police efforts in alerting the public to the potentially deadly effects of auto theft.
Statistics from Milwaukee police show the following:
- There were 57 auto accident fatalities in Milwaukee in 2015, compared to 64 deaths in 2015.
- The number of fatalities involving stolen cars decreased from 10 in 2015 to 5 in 2016.
- The 5 deaths involving stolen vehicles still account for roughly 9% of all fatal crashes in the city.
Officials state that carjacking and auto theft remain serious problems in Milwaukee. In addition to continuing enforcement efforts, police are also looking to spread the word on just how dangerous it can be for the community, especially when stolen cars are involved in police chases.
Involved in An Accident with a Stolen Car? Know Your Rights!
Over the years, Samster Konkel & Safranhas represented thousands of victims injured after they were harmed in preventable car wrecks, including a number of clients who, although not killed, suffered very serious injuries as a result of accidents where stolen vehicles were being pursued by local law enforcement.
In one particular case, one of our clients was thrown from the vehicle and found in the roadway. In some of these cases, the drivers and passengers in the stolen vehicles were found and arrested, but in others, the drivers and passengers managed to flee the scene, without rendering aid to our clients who were injured.
Although some cases result in drivers of stolen vehicles being criminally prosecuted and required to pay restitution for our clients’ damages, most of the victims are unable to recover the compensation they needed through these means. This is often due to the fact that drivers in stolen vehicles may not have insurance, are sentenced to prison terms, or are otherwise unable to pay much toward the restitution.
In situations like these, our clients are forced to make claims under their own auto insurance policies and may risk not being fully compensated for their losses and damages. Although our team works diligently to help clients recover compensation from every possible defendant who may have been responsible for the crash, we still strongly encourage people to understand the benefits of uninsured motorist coverage and underinsured motorist coverage. In cases involving stolen vehicles or when a motorist is simply uninsured or underinsured, this coverage can help ensure you recover the full amount of compensation you need to pay for your medical expenses and other damages.
If you have questions regarding a car accident in Milwaukee or the surrounding areas of Wisconsin, contact our lawyers for a free consultation. Our Milwaukee car accident lawyers are ready to help you!
