Car Accident Fatalities on the Rise: What You Need to Know

The numbers behind car accident cases in the United States are shocking, to say the least. One study found that the number of fatal car accidents in the country had increased by more than 16% from 2018 to 2022. 

In 2021 alone, there were about 6.1 million car accidents in the country, 39,508 of which were fatal. Even more shocking is the fact that a National Safety Council study found that car accidents were the leading cause of death for people aged between 1 and 54.  

On average, at least 100 people lose their lives to car accidents daily in the United States. The year 2021, in particular, had one of the highest daily average cases of car accident deaths; about 118 people lost their lives every day that year.

At Morgan and Morgan, we believe that zero is the only acceptable number of car accident deaths or injuries. That is why our attorneys have dedicated their careers to fighting for the rights of the injured, including families whose loved ones have died in such accidents. If that’s the kind of legal representation you’re looking for, contact us today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.

What Are the Different Types of Car Accidents?

Car accidents can vary widely in terms of their nature and severity. Some of the different types include:

• Rear-end collisions, where one vehicle hits the back of another.
• Head-on collisions, involving the front ends of two vehicles.
• T-bone or side-impact collisions, occurring at intersections.
• Sideswipe accidents, where the sides of two vehicles make contact.
• Single-vehicle accidents, involving only one vehicle hitting an object or rolling over.
• Multi-vehicle pile-ups, involving several vehicles, often on highways.

No matter the circumstances, our client intake team is ready to review your case for free. If they determine that you may be owed some form of compensation, our auto accident lawyers might be able to fight for you.

What Are Some Common Causes of Car Accidents?

Some of the most common causes of car accidents throughout the United States include: 

• Distracted driving, such as texting or using a phone.
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Speeding and reckless driving.
• Poor weather conditions, like rain, ice, or fog.
• Running red lights or stop signs.
• Driver fatigue, especially when operating commercial vehicles such as trucks. 
• Vehicle malfunctions or tire blowouts.

What Should I Do After a Car Accident?

After a car accident, you can take certain steps to ensure your rights are protected further down the road. Here’s is an overview of the steps to follow:

• Ensure your safety and the safety of others; move to a safe area if possible.
• Call 911 if there are any injuries or significant vehicle damage.
• Request a police officer at the accident scene. 
• Exchange information with the other driver(s), including names, contact details, and insurance information.
• Obtain the contact information of any witnesses at the scene. 
• Take photos of the accident scene, including vehicle positions and any visible damage.
• Seek medical attention, even if you don’t think your injuries are that serious. 
• Do not admit liability, even if you feel partly responsible for the accident. 

Next, contact Morgan and Morgan for a free case review. This step is especially important if you suffered serious injuries, lost a loved one, or if liability is disputed.

What Damages Are Accident Victims Entitled To?

It depends on the individual case. That said, in the past, we’ve been able to help the injured recover the following damages in similar cases:

• Medical expenses for current and future treatment.
• Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity.
• Property damage, including vehicle repair or replacement.
• Pain and suffering, including physical and emotional distress.
• In some cases, punitive damages if the at-fault party’s conduct was egregious.

To find out the specific damages you may be entitled to, get in touch with us for a free case review.

Let Morgan and Morgan Fight for You

You should be focusing on getting treatment after a car accident, not fighting insurance companies. That’s a role best suited for an auto accident attorney from our team. Contact us today to learn more about how we might be able to help.