Car accidents are, unfortunately, a widespread occurrence. There were at least six million car accidents in the United States in 2017 alone.
And while many of these accidents are minor fender benders, many results in serious injuries or even death.
You may wonder about your chances of being injured or killed if you get caught in a car accident.
To help answer that question, we’ve compiled statistics on car accidents and their outcomes.
How often do car accidents happen?
Car accidents are included among the top causes of death and injury in the United States.
In 2016, there were 6.3 million car crashes, resulting in 3.2 million injuries and 37,461 deaths. That averages out to about 17,000 car accidents and 100 fatalities per day.
Many factors contribute to car accidents, but some of the most common include distracted driving, speeding, impaired driving, and weather conditions.
If you or someone you know is in a car accident, it’s essential to understand your rights and options under the law.
It is particularly vital when you live in a state with comparative negligence laws like Illinois. If ever you get involved in a car accident in the state, you first should seek medical attention, even if you feel okay.
Once a doctor has seen you, your next step should be to call an experienced auto accident attorney in Illinois to help you decide what legal actions to take.
An experienced and capable auto accident attorney can help you recover the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages.
Contact an auto accident attorney in Springfield, Chicago, Champaign-Urbana, or other cities in Illinois today to learn more.
What are the most common causes of car accidents?
Car accidents are, unfortunately, all too common. In 2015, there were over six million car accidents in the United States alone.
Of those six million car accidents, almost three million resulted in injuries, and over two million resulted in property damage.
There are various causes of car accidents. Ultimately, any time a driver engages in risky behavior or fails to follow the rules of the road, an accident can occur.
However, some causes of car accidents are more common than others.
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents.
When a driver averts their eyes off the road, even for a second, they increase their chances of being involved in an accident.
Distracted driving can involve talking on the phone to fiddling with the radio.
Speeding is another common cause of car accidents. When a goes over the speed limit, they have less time to react to hazards on the road.
This can lead to them rear-ending another vehicle or losing control of their own vehicle.
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is also a major cause of car accidents. Drugs and alcohol impair a person’s ability to drive, making it more likely to be involved in an accident.
These are just a few of the usual causes of car accidents. If you are involved in an accident, you must speak with an experienced car accident lawyer who can help you understand your rights and options.
How often do car accidents result in injuries or death?
Car crashes are the leading cause of death for young people aged 16-24 in the United States. On average, six teens die every day from motor vehicle injuries.
In 2020, there were 38,824 drivers involved in fatal crashes, and about 3,583 were teenagers. So it is no wonder that car accidents are a statistic you might want to check out.
Here are some more facts and figures about car accidents in the U.S. that might interest you:
In 2013, there were 6 million car accidents in the United States.
Of these, around 3 million resulted in injuries, and 2.3 million resulted in property damage only.
However, some car accidents are more serious than others. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 32,719 fatal car accidents in the United States in 2013.
This means that, on average, there were about 90 deaths from car accidents daily.
Car accidents are a leading cause of death for people aged 1-54 in the United States. In fact, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teenagers aged 16-19.
So if you or someone you know has been involved in a car accident, it is important to seek legal help as soon as possible.
An experienced car accident lawyer can help you get compensation for your injuries and damages. Contact us today for a free consultation.
What are the most common injuries from car accidents?
Car accidents are, unfortunately, all too common. And while we all hope that we’ll never be involved in one, the reality is that they can happen to anyone at any time.
That’s why it’s important to know about some of the most common injuries that can result from a car accident.
One of the most common injuries from car accidents is whiplash. Whiplash occurs when the head and neck are suddenly and violently whipped back and forth.
This can damage the ligaments, muscles, and discs in the neck and lead to pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.
Another common injury from car accidents is traumatic brain injury (TBI). A TBI can occur when the head is suddenly and violently thrown forward or to the side, causing the brain to bounce around or collide with the skull.
This can lead to various symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, confusion, and memory problems.
Broken bones are also common injuries from car accidents. The most commonly broken bones in car accidents are the arms and legs.
This is because they’re often the body parts thrown forward or to the side during a collision.
Cuts and bruises are also injuries that commonly occur in car accidents. These can be caused by the impact of the collision, by flying glass or debris, or by contact with the steering wheel, dashboard, or other parts of the car.
If you’re involved in a car accident, you must see a doctor as soon as possible. Even if you don’t think you’ve been injured, some injuries, like whiplash, may not become apparent until days or weeks after the accident.
So don’t delay in getting checked out by a medical professional.
Knowing these statistics may help you to be more cautious on the road and help you to avoid being involved in an accident.
But if you are involved in an accident, don’t hesitate to seek medical attention and contact a car accident lawyer to discuss your legal options.