Data and Statistics

Data about motor-vehicle accidents gives the big picture of the hazard on America’s roadways

Since motor vehicle collisions are a leading cause of injury and death for people across all ages, ethnicities, regions, and economic groups, the study and analysis of accident data is a primary goal of regional and national government agencies, to understand the hazards and take steps to reduce the risks of traveling on the nation's roadways.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2009 there were 10.8 million motor-vehicle accidents nationwide, and there were 35,900 fatalities. A more recent study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety states that there were 30,057 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the United States in 2013 in which 32,719 deaths occurred.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that motor vehicle crashes have a $871 billion economic and societal Impact on U.S. citizens annually, nearly $900 for each person living in the United States.This extraordinarily high number illustrates the toll that crashes is taking on our nation’s people and economy.

The NHTSA study found that drunk driving, speeding, distracted driving, and lack of seatbelt usage were the major causes of injuries and deaths in motor-vehicle crashes.

Given that fact that the majority of collisions are caused by human behaviors that are preventable, there is hope that these fatality rates can continue to be reduced. With better public education about driving safety, better road design and signage, better vehicle safety features, and better public transportation options nationwide, the trend is moving in the right direction.

While these statistics give the big picture, anyone who has been involved in an accident knows that it is a terrifying and stressful experience. To learn more about how to get legal help after a serious injury collision, it is best to talk with an experienced personal injury attorney who will explain your rights and options.