There are countless factors that can contribute to a motor vehicle collision. From drunk driving to mechanical failure to distracted driving, a crash can lead to serious injuries and costly property damage. Many families struggle for years to recover medically, emotionally and financially after a severe motor vehicle collision.
While traffic deaths have shown a declining trend since 2016, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that there were 36,120 fatalities in 2019. With the COVID-19 outbreak, officials are unsure if it will mean less traffic deaths (with fewer cars on the road) or more (drivers on the road are more erratic).
The Insurance Information Institute has compiled statistics that separate fatal accidents into numerous categories as a percentage of the total traffic deaths for the year 2017. The following totals do not account for unknown or unreported collision categories.
Collisions involving another motor vehicle:
- Collisions at an angle: 18.6%
- Head on collisions: 10.1%
- Rear end collisions: 7.2%
- Sideswipe collisions: 2.8%
Collisions with a fixed object:
- Shrubbery/tree: 7.2%
- Culvert/curb/ditch: 7.1%
- Pole/post: 4.2%
- Guardrail: 2.8%
- Embankment: 2.6%
- Bridge: .6%
Collision with an object, not fixed:
- Pedestrian: 16.2%
- Bicyclist: 2.3%
- Parked motor vehicle: 1.2%
- Animal: .6%
- Train: .4%
Additionally, 8% of the total fatal crashes were considered non-collision accidents. These involved rollover accidents.
While fatal accidents were being specifically tabulated, motor vehicle crashes can result in a wide range of devastating injuries, also. From traumatic brain damage and spinal cord damage to paralysis and amputation, victims might face multiple surgeries, a lengthy hospital stay and grueling physical therapy.
If you were injured or lost a loved one in a motor vehicle collision, it is crucial that you work with an experienced personal injury attorney. With the proper guidance, you can fight to recover the full and fair monetary compensation you are owed.