The joyous New Year's holiday is often marred by fatal car accidents. In Pennsylvania this is due to many reasons including bad weather, slick roads and drunk drivers. The numbers regarding accidents this year, between December 30, 2011, and January 2, 2012, are in, and the results are mixed.

According to Pennsylvania State Police, across the state, 10 people died in car crashes. That is down one from last year, when 11 people died. Of the 10 people killed, six of them were not wearing seat belts at the time of the accident.

Though the number of deaths decreased this year, the number of people arrested for drunk driving increased. Of the 552 accidents investigated by the state police over the New Year's holiday, 79 involved alcohol. Of those alcohol related accidents, two resulted in death.

Another category of violations that increased involved child safety seats.

Of course car accidents occur throughout the year. The outcome of the accidents ranges from minor to severe depending on the circumstances surrounding the incident. When accidents result in serious injuries or death, a personal injury attorney may be of assistance. In some situations he or she may recommend that the injured party or family of the person who has died, try to recover compensation for the injuries or death by filing a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit.

Though these civil lawsuits can be legally complex and emotionally difficult, when successful, they can provide compensation for a wide variety of things such as medical expenses and pain and suffering.

Source: YNN, "PA State Police: Car accident fatalities over Near Year's decreased," Jan. 3, 2012