Most people get behind the wheel without thinking about the chances of dying in a car crash, yet it remains one of the most common causes of preventable death in the country. For families in Dayton and throughout Ohio, that risk is not abstract. Fatal crashes happen on familiar roads, at ordinary intersections, during routine commutes.
At Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz, our car accident attorneys work with surviving families who never expected to need a wrongful death attorney, and we understand how suddenly a crash can change everything.
The numbers put the risk in clear terms. According to the National Safety Council, the lifetime odds of dying in a motor vehicle crash are approximately 1 in 101 for the average American, covering all vehicle-related fatalities across a lifetime.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimated that roughly 39,345 people died in traffic crashes across the country in 2024, a 3.8% decrease from 2023. The chances of dying in a car crash increase substantially when specific risk factors are present, and nearly one person still dies on American roads every 13 minutes.
Ohio consistently ranks among states with higher absolute crash death totals, driven by its population size, heavy commercial traffic, and extensive highway network. In 2024, the state recorded 1,157 traffic fatalities, down from 1,242 in 2023 and marking the third consecutive year of decline, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol Crash Dashboard.
That progress is real, but 1,157 deaths in a single year still means 1,157 families facing loss. Montgomery County, home to Dayton, has historically ranked among Ohio’s higher-fatality counties. If you have lost someone, speaking with an attorney early preserves your ability to act before evidence disappears.
Certain behaviors raise the chances of dying in a car crash well above the statistical average. The Ohio State Highway Patrol identifies roadway departure, unsafe speed, impaired driving, and failure to yield as the leading contributors to fatal crashes statewide.
Speed is a consistent factor. The OSHP Speed Dashboard tracks speed-related crashes and violations across all Ohio counties, and the data confirm that excessive speed rarely goes without serious consequences when a collision occurs. Alcohol and drug impairment, distracted driving, and failure to use a seat belt each compound severity in ways that are entirely preventable.
Contact us online or call us at 1.937.222.2222 for a free case evaluation.
Interstate 75 and Interstate 70 rank among Ohio’s deadliest routes, and both run directly through the Dayton region. The Ohio State Highway Patrol Crash Dashboard shows I-75 and I-70 each recorded among the highest fatal crash counts of any routes statewide between 2019 and 2023. US Route 40 and rural two-lane roads throughout southwestern Ohio also carry elevated risk, particularly after dark and in adverse weather.
Losing someone in a crash leaves families managing grief, financial pressure, and questions about accountability all at once. Ohio law provides a path forward. Under Ohio Revised Code § 2125.02, the estate’s personal representative may file a wrongful death claim on behalf of surviving spouses, children, and parents. Recoverable damages can include lost financial support, loss of companionship, funeral costs, and the mental anguish the family has endured.
The deadline to act is two years from the date of death. That window may feel distant in the immediate aftermath, but evidence fades, and insurers move quickly. Contacting an attorney as soon as you are able helps ensure your family’s rights stay protected.
No family should navigate a wrongful death claim while grieving. Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz has helped Ohio families pursue accountability after fatal crashes for more than 30 years, and our attorneys understand both the legal complexity and the human weight these cases carry.
Call 1.937.222.2222 for a free consultation and let us help you understand your options.
Before establishing Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz L.P.A., Doug Mann, a top Ohio Injury Attorney served as a bodily injury claims adjuster at a major insurance firm. With over 40+ years of experience, Doug’s background has proven invaluable in securing maximum cash settlements for his clients swiftly. Since leaving the insurance industry, Doug has devoted his entire legal career to assisting injured clients during their times of greatest need.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Doug Mann who has more than 30 years of legal experience as a practicing personal injury attorney.
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