AUTO ACCIDENT INFORMATION

Each year in the United States, far too many people are injured in auto accidents.  In 2005 alone, that number reached a reported 2.9 million injury cases and 42,636 car accident deaths.  This means that an average of 115 people die each day as a result of automobile accidents. 

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, a typical driver will have a near-hit auto accident at least once every month, and the average driver will have an actual collision about every six years.  Approximately 10 percent of all motor vehicle accident victims become disabled, according to most experts.
Automobile crashes can happen to anyone, any time, anywhere.  Following are some statistics you should be aware of:

• Eighty percent of crashes take place 20 minutes or less from home
• Nearly three out of four auto accidents happen between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m.
• More than half of vehicle crashes occur at speeds less than 45 MPH
• Thirty five percent of auto collisions take place at an intersection
• The highest fatality rates are in persons ages 16 to 20 years of age

Accidents can occur for a number of reasons.  In California, for example, the number of vehicles on the road is a factor in itself.  California is a popular destination for tourists and a busy place for its residents, making our highways an often overcrowded place to drive at times.  Driver fatigue, distraction due to cell phone usage, attention given to children in the car or other passengers, and driver negligence are only a few of the contributors to the many accidents that take place on our roads.  When you add the problems of faulty vehicle parts, vehicle instability, alcohol or drug use, or poor driving conditions due to weather or other unforeseeable factors, the possibility of auto accidents only increase.

No matter what causes an accident, it is the consequences of an auto accident that can be devastating to many victims.  Auto accidents can result in long-term injuries like whiplash, catastrophic injuries, permanent disability, and even death.  In some of the more recent cases of vehicle rollovers, for example, wrongful death suits have been filed due to lowered standards in roof strength.  In other cases involving vehicle rollovers, accident victims have been left paralyzed.

Of all the states, California had the highest number of fatalities reported in 2004.  Over fifty five percent of those fatalities were the drivers themselves, while just over twenty four percent were passengers.  The highest fatality rates were in the 16 to 20 year old age group.  Car accidents took place in a variety of places, with a surprising number of fatalities taking place close to home.
The economic cost of vehicle crashes in California in 2004 alone was a reported $20.655 billion.  The U.S. total was $230,568.  Forty percent of accidents with fatalities involved alcohol-related crashes with drivers having blood alcohol levels of .08 or higher.  Thirty two percent of crashes were speed related.  It was estimated that seat belts saved the lives of approximately 1762 persons that year. 

These statistics have been gathered from what we believe have been reputable sources in order to help you understand the seriousness of the situation facing drivers in California.  Auto accidents are a very real concern.  If you have been involved in a car accident and need the help of a qualified personal injury attorney, do report your accident to your insurance company immediately, but do not accept any settlement from your insurance company without first consulting the attorneys at Estey & Bomberger.  We can help. Call our office today for a free consultation. There are never any up front fees for us to handle your case. You pay only if your case is won.