Vehicle/Traffic Accidents
There are approximately 6.5 million car accidents every year in the United States. These crashes cost more than $200 billion in damages, and worse, injure almost 3 million people and kill more than 40,000. If you include injuries to pedestrians, motorcyclists and bicyclists, the numbers just go higher.
The best way to stay safe is to:
- Wear a seatbelt
- Strap your children into approved safety seats
- Stay alert
If you’re on a motorcycle or bicycle, wear a helmet and any other safety clothing, and obey traffic laws. If you are a pedestrian, don’t assume cars will yield to you. Look both ways and maintain caution at all times.
Unfortunately, even when people follow all the necessary safety precautions, there is no guarantee other drivers will. Drunk drivers cause 39 percent of traffic fatalities each year, and uninsured motorists cause millions of dollars in damages. Also, defective tires, airbags, brakes and other car parts cause thousands of unnecessary injuries.
The scariest aspect of all is that insurance and automotive companies often have a team of high-powered lawyers working for them who will try to settle claims for as little money as possible. This leaves victims of traffic collisions and victims of defective automobiles with expensive medical bills and years of physical and emotional suffering. If you experience a traffic injury of any kind, it is important to contact a personal injury specialist to represent you and fight for what you deserve.