By Emily Mapp Brannon, Eastern Shore Car Accident Injury Attorney

The Department of Motor Vehicles reported in 2005 that the car accident death rate in and around the Eastern Shore of Virginia (VA) was 0.67 per 1000 licensed drivers. That may not sound like a lot, but when compared to the statewide average car crash death rate of 0.22 per 1000 licensed drivers reported that year, it is a disturbingly high number — actually three times higher than the statewide average.

You might be asking yourself, “Is there a particular reason so many serious car wrecks occur on Eastern Shore highways like U.S. 13?” To be honest, no one has been able to pinpoint a singular reason why the Eastern Shore is more prone to car wrecks resulting in serious injury or loss of life.

Maybe it’s due to the Eastern Shore being a vacation destination and there are more people prone to drinking and driving while headed to the beach. It could also be due to commuters going back and forth from the Eastern Shore to other parts of Virginia like Hampton Roads or Northern Virginia. During long commutes, some drivers may be inclined to engage in texting while driving, which causes them to be distracted and much more likely to be involved in a major car crash.

If you or a loved one was involved in an Eastern Shore car accident that was caused by another driver’s carelessness and you had to miss time from work or racked up large medical bills due to your injury, consult with an attorney to discuss your legal options. Keep in mind that if you are from another state like Maryland or North Carolina, you can still file an injury claim against an at-fault Virginia driver, and vice versa for VA residents.

About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper Lewis & Appleton is a Virginia injury law firm whose attorneys handle Eastern Shore, Virginia (VA) injury lawsuits. Our lawyers have provided legal advice and representation for thousands of victims of car and truck accidents, including many on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. We are familiar with the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel and with the towns along Route 13, including people from Accomack, Onancock, Chincoteauge, Wachapreague, Cape Charles, Bloxom, Eastville, Exmore, Greenbackville, Machipongo, Mappsville, Melfa, Nassawadox, Onley, Tangier, Temperanceville, Wachapreague and Wallops Island. Check out our case results to see for yourself. Rick Shapiro and James Lewis were included in the 2011 issue of Best Lawyers in America. They, along with fellow attorney John M. Cooper, were also named 2011 Virginia Super Lawyers for Personal Injury Law, an honor which fewer than 5 percent of outstanding lawyers receive. Our injury attorneys also host an extensive injury law video library on Youtube. Rick Shapiro and James Lewis were included in the 2011 issue of Best Lawyers in America. They, along with fellow attorney John M. Cooper, were also named 2011 Virginia Super Lawyers for Personal Injury Law, an honor which fewer than 5 percent of outstanding lawyers receive. Though not every case meets our criteria, we offer free, confidential initial consultations. Give us a call at (800) 752-0042. If you can’t get through due to high call volume, please leave a message and we will return your call.