In 2010, 32,885 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes in the United States. This was a 2.9 percent decline in the numbers of people killed from 33,883 in 2009 according to NHTSA’s 2010 Fatality Analysis Reporting System. In 2010, an estimated 2.24 million people were injured in motor vehicle crashes, compared to 2.22 million in 2009
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If you think about it, the highway offers the perfect recipe for accidents and collisions. The speed limit on these roads is usually higher than streets within the city. There are also more lanes. This means, there is more traffic going at faster speeds. The numbers for highway accidents were at historic lows in the early 2000’s, but they have been steadily going up. There could be a number of reasons for this, like:
- Drivers are in more of a hurry and have less patience
- Drivers are distracted by cell phones and texting
- Drivers have too much on their mind and don’t pay attention
Highway accidents happen very frequently in the United States, and since vehicles are usually driving at a higher rate of speed, the number of severe injuries and fatalities are higher than on other types of streets. Additionally, large trucks generally use highways to transport their goods, and this could lead to more collisions between passenger cars and tractor trailers.
Since the US Department of Transportation released those numbers, other studies show the number of highway accidents, injuries, and fatalities has continued to go up when compared to past years.
The Reasons for Accidents
Highway accidents can happen for virtually any number of reasons. However, the most common causes include distracted drivers and drivers who are intoxicated. All it takes is a driver to cross the line and they could immediately cause a collision. Other causes of highway crashes could include: obstacles in the road, overcompensating, and weather. Generally, the types of collisions on the highway include:
- Head on collisions
- Rear end collisions
- Side impact collisions when two cars are passing on a multiple lane highway
Because cars on highways are traveling at a higher rate of speed, these accidents could be more dangerous and more fatal.
Injury from Highway Accidents
Injuries from highway accidents can vary drastically. Depending on the type of collision, the vehicles involved, and the high rate of speed, the injuries to one party could include:
- Scrapes and bruises
- Broken bones
- Internal organ damage
- Spinal injuries
- Brain damage and head injuries
- Permanent disability
- Death
In addition to the injuries, lost wages, and medical bills, a victim of highway accidents could also deal with thousands of dollars in damage to their vehicle. The costs can add up very quickly.
MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT LAWYERS YOU CAN TRUST
Depending on your situation, if you are a victim of a highway accident, you may have the right to compensation from a liable party. This is certainly the case if the other driver was negligent or was under the influence of alcohol or distracted by a cell phone. However, the only way you will receive your compensation is if you have a quality attorney working for your rights.
When you need an attorney because you have been involved in a highway accident, make sure you contact the right one. Not just any lawyer will do. Experience, knowledge, and aggressive plans of dealing with the case are all a must if you want to receive the compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a highway accident, call the attorneys at Thompson Injury Law toll free at 888.707.1294 to speak with a personal injury lawyer today