From 2007 to 2009, there were 112,565 deaths from fatal auto accidents. Though loss of life is by far the steepest price to be paid, it is not the only loss to bear from an automobile accident. That and other valuable information can be found here.
Medical Costs & Lost Wages
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, there was an estimated 2.24 million injuries from traffic collisions. Approximately $170 billion was spent on medical care and employment compensation related to these injuries. California, Texas and Florida lead the country in combined medical and work loss costs from automobile accidents for a total of more than $10 billion. These medical costs include emergency room visits, follow-up care with specialists, including orthopedic care for broken bones, therapy and rehabilitation and medical supplies for ongoing care. These figures also include victim’s lost wages during their recuperation and rehabilitation.
Huge costs from auto accidents don’t just occur in states with large metropolitan cities. Tennessee, North Carolina and Georgia also made the list of the top 10 states for high medical costs and loss of productivity. All accident victims are entitled by law to seek compensation for those tangible and intangible losses suffered as a result of their accident, if another party is at fault. Medical bills, lost income from being out of work, damage to or loss of an automobile are all tangible losses that can be recovered from the person causing the accident or their insurance carrier. Pain and suffering and permanent loss of mobility are additional intangible losses that may possibly be recovered as well.
Loss of Life
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that there were 25,580 fatal auto accidents in 2012. While Mississippi, Montana and Alabama topped the list of the most dangerous states in America in terms of fatal auto accidents per capita, Texas, California and Florida lead the way in overall fatal auto accidents. The majority of fatal auto accidents can be attributed to driving under the influence (32%) and speeding (31%), while less than a third are related to distraction (16%) or bad weather (11%). This means that in a majority of fatal auto accidents, someone is at fault. Every state in America has laws addressing penalties for negligent drivers and outlining their liability to those they harm. Those who have been injured or lost loved ones in fatal auto accidents should get prompt medical attention, keep accurate records of the event (medical bills, police reports/report numbers, insurance information) and consult an attorney as soon as possible after the accident.
Whatever the damage incurred or the loss suffered, it is important to get sound and accurate legal advice for your particular situation. In the case of fatal auto accidents, it is important to consider seeking legal advice before initiating any wrongful death action or accepting any settlement. Accident victims and their loved ones need to receive competent and timely information and advice available in order to make the best decisions. Attorney Group can help with this. Attorney Group can help answer your legal questions, help you decide what legal action you wish to take, if any, and connect you with an experienced attorney that can handle your case, all at no upfront cost to you. So contact Attorney Group today for your free consultation.
