The loss of a loved one is a devastating experience for anyone, but reading news stories about it can also be triggering for the surviving family members. One new study aims to address reporting issues linked to injury accidents.
Professional safety researchers often make the point that media reports quietly blame victims and ignore some of the systemic issues associated with traffic violence. A new pilot in New Jersey, however, is trying to stop this trend by reviewing more carefully the language in police press releases that journalists use for coverage of these accidents.
A total of 45 police officers were recently involved in this new study to get more information about why police officers do not always accurately or publicly report all the factors associated with serious or deadly vehicle collisions. Some of these factors include things like the speed of the driver or the design of the road. The researchers carrying out this study argue that framing of stories is extremely important, particularly since these reports are used to help journalists tell stories in the future.
Irrelevant details or confusing details, such as the dark clothing of a pedestrian may instead shift blame about the accident in a problematic way. If you or someone you know has already been involved in a serious vehicle accident in San Francisco, it is in your best interests to retain legal counsel sooner rather than later. This may be the only way for you to fight for compensation.
If you lost a loved one in a preventable accident, you might be able to recover compensation through a wrongful death claim. Talking to a San Francisco personal injury lawyer is a good first step to evaluate your rights and determine what to do.