Published by Despite significant improvements in automobiles and in the design of roads, car accidents remain quite commonFree Car Accident Case Evaluation: If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a car accident lawsuit and we can help.
Table Of Contents
What’s the problem?
Car accidents are a leading cause of unnecessary deaths in the United States and therefore the number one source of personal injury claims in the nation. According to a recent crash test data report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 6,087,000 cars were involved in traffic accidents in the year 2005 alone. This comprised 56.1 percent of all motor vehicle crashes. In that same year, fatal automobile accidents took the lives of 18,440 people, and injury accidents harmed another 1,573,000.
In car accident lawsuits, the case is usually against the driver who caused the accident. In multiple-party accidents, there is usually one driver who is at fault. Car accident lawsuits are typically brought forth against the negligent driver in order to gain compensation for damages either to a person or property. The person injured in the accident has to prove that the injuries were caused by the accident and by the driver’s negligence. Here are some main differences between a Misdemeanor Hit and Run and a Felony, which are typical and common.
Other external causes, such as poor road conditions, broken traffic signals, and other unsafe driving conditions can cause auto accidents that are not the fault of the driver or drivers involved. While city or state governments can be held accountable in accident lawsuits of this kind, it is often difficult to make such lawsuits stick in court. A personal injury attorney experienced in auto accidents can help determine the merit of a case against a city or state transportation official.
Car Crash Death Rates
From 1913 to 2021, the number of motor-vehicle deaths in the U.S. increased 1,018%, from 4,200 deaths in 1913 to 46,980 in 2021. However, the role vehicles play in daily life is much different now than when statistics first began being gathered.
In 1913, there were about 1.3 million vehicles and 2 million drivers on the road, and the number of miles driven was not yet estimated. In 2021, by contrast, there were 282.4 million vehicles, 228 million licensed drivers, and approximately 3,140 billion miles driven annually in the U.S.
By any criteria, motor vehicle safety has improved significantly over the last century. Driver attitudes and behaviors have changed substantially, as has vehicle safety technology, which makes car travel safer.
The per capita motor-vehicle death rate reached its peak in 1937 with 30.8 deaths per 100,000 population. The current rate is 14.3 per 100,000, marking a 54% improvement.
In 1913, 33.38 people died for every 10,000 vehicles on the road. In 2021, the death rate was 1.66 per 10,000 vehicles, a 95% improvement.
In 1923, the first year miles driven was estimated, the motor-vehicle death rate was 18.65 deaths for every 100 million miles driven. Since 1923, the mileage death rate has decreased 92% and now stands at 1.50 deaths per 100 million miles driven.
Related Articles:
- Truck Accident Attorneys
- Fatal Texting While Driving Accident Lawsuit
- How Long Does a Lawsuit Take For a Car Accident?
- What are My Rights as a Passenger in a Car Accident?
- Hit and Run Parked Car
- Hit By A Car While Walking?
FAQs
What types of compensation can I seek after a car accident?
You can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and other related costs. The specific compensation depends on the details of your case.
Can I still file a claim if the car accident was partially my fault?
Yes, you can file a claim even if you were partially at fault. Compensation may be reduced based on your level of fault, depending on state laws regarding comparative negligence.
Should I contact my insurance company after a car accident?
Yes, notify your insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident and start the claims process. Provide them with all necessary information and documentation.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a car accident?
The statute of limitations for filing a car accident lawsuit varies by state but typically ranges from one to three years from the date of the accident. It’s important to act quickly to preserve your rights.
See all related personal injury lawsuits our attorneys covered so far.
Do I have a Car Accident Lawsuit?
The Personal Injury Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus exclusively on the representation of plaintiffs in car accident lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new car accident cases in all 50 states.
Again, if you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, you should contact our law firm immediately by using the form below. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a car accident lawsuit and we can help.