Statistical Trends in U.S. Automobile Accidents & Personal Injury Claims

The good news and the bad news about automobile accident statistics

Accidents caused by negligence deserve to be covered for damages by the negligent party. Los Angeles personal injury attorneys help thousands of accident victims attain justice every year in the form of damages, which are monetary payments awarded to the victim by the negligent party's insurance company as compensation. In Los Angeles, one of the most common causes of personal injury are automobile-related accidents. This city is highly vehicle-oriented, as automobiles are the most convenient mode of transportation for most of the city's residents. This means that unfortunately, there will always be a high chance of car accident victims suffering injuries. But the numbers are promising in terms of automobile accident statistics.

The good news regarding automobile accidents is that in 2009 the number of car accident fatalities was down almost 10% from the previous year. This is the least amount of fatal automobile accident injuries since 1950. This statistic is also encouraging because there are thousands more vehicles being drive on the road today than in 1950. For the numbers to drop so significantly in an automobile-centered time period is encouraging. Driver safety education has become stronger, and more drivers are aware of the potential dangers that negligent driving can have on potential personal injury victims. Strictly-enforced seat belt laws have prompted more drivers to wear protective seat belts. There is more anti-drunk driving education that is available to drivers. But this news has not reached everybody.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration study, the same study that calculated 2009's decline in automobile accident fatalities, approximately one-third of all car accident fatalities were caused by drunk driving. This means that as long as there is alcohol in society, there will always be someone who will take that chance and drive behind the wheel while inebriated, knowingly breaking the law. A little over 33,000 automobile accident fatalities occurred in 2009, with more than 5 million injuries. These numbers, while in a decline from 2008, are still staggering. With 5 million car accident injuries occurring every year, Los Angeles personal injury attorneys work countless hours to help these victims attain their damages.

While the declining numbers of automobile accidents and fatalities are encouraging, it is important to remember that they still do occur. Getting behind the wheel makes one a potential car accident victim. If you or a loved one has sustained injury due to a car accident that was caused by negligence, do not hesitate to contact a Los Angeles personal injury attorney. The lawyers of the Pacific Attorney Group are knowledgeable experts of personal injury law, including automobile accident law, and will help you attain your compensatory damages. Do not be alone in your recovery from injury.