What Are the Odds of Dying in a Car Crash?
Traffic accidents are harrowing experiences, especially because so many people lose their lives in crashes. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, this worst possible outcome happened to 42,795 people in 2022.
Since traffic collisions are a leading cause of death among U.S. citizens, you may want to know your personal odds of dying in a car crash. No one can predict your exact chances, but some data may help you determine your risk and make informed decisions. If you or a loved one have been in an accident, you should contact a car accident attorney for legal help.
What the Statistics Say About the Chances of a Car Accident Death
Car accident deaths have been well studied throughout the United States. Many cities, counties, and states keep track of granular data about car crashes, which makes it easier for federal agencies and national organizations to gather this information and crunch numbers.
According to the National Safety Council, your odds of dying in a crash are 1 in 93. This translates to just over a 1% chance over your entire lifetime of not making it out of a car accident alive or succumbing to your injuries at a later date.
It’s important to put this statistic in perspective. Though car accidents are a leading cause of death in the United States, several other issues and events put you at an even greater risk of dying.
The following causes of death are more common than car accidents:
- Heart Disease: 1 in 6
- Cancer: 1 in 7
- Accidental Overdose: 1 in 55
- Falling: 1 in 92
The National Safety Council’s statistics are limited to motor vehicle occupants. The odds of dying in a pedestrian accident are 1 in 468, while motorcycles contribute to 1 in 722 deaths.
What Can Be Done To Lower the Risk of Car Accident Fatalities?
Motor vehicle crashes are one of the top causes of preventable injuries and deaths.
Though not every car accident fatality can be avoided, there are some things you can do as a driver and a passenger to lessen the odds of dying in a crash:
- Wearing a Seat Belt: Reduces the chances of fatal injuries by 45%
- Using Car Seats for Children: Reduces the chances of fatal injuries by up to 71%
- Not Driving Under the Influence: Could save over 9,000 lives per year
- Not Driving While Tired: Could save about 800 lives annually
Additionally, speeding is responsible for killing over 12,000 people per year. To keep traffic moving along at a predictable pace while ensuring the safety of others, drivers should not exceed the posted speed limit.
Finally, every driver should follow all traffic safety rules in the jurisdiction in which they drive. Traffic lights and signs are there to help everyone navigate the roads safely. Disobeying them can startle other drivers and lead to serious traffic crashes.
What Happens If You or a Loved One Dies or Is Injured in a Texas Car Accident?
Traffic accidents can have a devastating impact, especially if they result in serious injuries or death. If you have recently been injured or a loved one has lost their life in a car accident, it may be time to call an attorney. These cases are notoriously complicated, especially when it comes to determining who was at fault and the extent of a victim’s damages.
All drivers have a duty to protect others on the road. However, the laws in each state treat car accident claims differently. For example, Texas is a modified comparative negligence state. This means that if you are deemed to be more than 50% at fault for the accident, you may be denied the right to recover compensation.
For these reasons, it’s best not to tackle your car accident case alone. During this difficult time, you’ll appreciate knowing that someone is fighting for compensation for your hardship. Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer for assistance.
Contact the Bedford Car Accident Lawyers of Parker Law Firm Injury Lawyers for Help Today
For more information, please contact an experienced car accident lawyer at Parker Law Firm Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation today. We have convenient locations in Fort Worth and Bedford, Texas.
Parker Law Firm Injury Lawyers – Fort Worth
209 N Hampton St,
Fort Worth, TX 76102
(817) 510-9400
Office Hours: Open 24 hours, 7 days a week
Parker Law Firm Injury Lawyers – Bedford
2317 Plaza Pkwy #100,
Bedford, TX 76021
(817) 503-9200
Office Hours: Open 24 hours, 7 days a week
