When it comes to car accidents, each crash is unique. Some may involve a head-on collision, while others leave a pedestrian or bicyclist seriously hurt. In Baltimore, and cities all over Maryland, these accidents happen because of drunk drivers, distracted drivers, people who fail to follow traffic safety laws, reckless speeding and many other reasons. Sadly, the physical, financial and mental consequences of a motor vehicle accident can upend a victim’s life.
Over the course of 2013, the costs associated with traffic accident fatalities, which include lost work and medical expenses, totaled $44 billion, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For those between the ages of one and 54, traffic accidents are one of the 10 primary causes of death. In fact, more than 30,000 Americans lose their lives in these accidents on an annual basis.
Although auto accident fatalities are devastating and remain a major concern, far more collisions leave victims with all sorts of injuries. The CDC reports that for every auto accident fatality, eight people require hospitalization due to a motor vehicle accident, on average. In fact, people across the U.S. are hospitalized for a combined total of over one million days each year due to injuries they sustain in car accidents.
On top of physical pain and mental trauma, traffic collisions can leave victims with expensive medical bills, lost wages due to an inability to work and other financial hardships. As a result, it is essential for those who have been hit by a negligent driver to examine all choices as they move forward.