Understanding Motor Vehicle Crash Statistics

By Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. on May 7, 2012

Motor vehicle accidents are not uncommon on U.S. roads. Nearly everyone knows someone who has suffered a motor vehicle accident and/or has been in one. Nationwide, the numbers paint a sobering picture – but motorists can help prevent serious accidents.

Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death among U.S. residents ages 5 to 34, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In 2009, over 2.3 million adults were treated in emergency rooms for injuries related to car accidents.

Traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and other serious damage can all occur in a car accident, and the costs are high. According to the CDC, the estimated lifetime cost for all motor vehicle accidents and injuries in 2005 was $70 billion. These included both the immediate costs of treating an injury after an accident, the costs of rehabilitation and therapy, lost wages due to disability, repairs to damaged vehicles and other property, and other losses related to motor vehicle accidents. Even a relatively minor car accident can drive these costs up, placing an additional burden on a person already trying to recover from injuries.

Although the statistics can look grim at times, the CDC considers the fight against motor vehicle accident injuries and deaths a “winnable battle.” When a driver is negligent, however, serious accidents can still occur. If you’ve been injured in a crash, the experienced auto accident lawyers in Seattle at Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. can help. Call us today at (888) 228-3860 for a free, confidential consultation.