Motor vehicle accidents have the potential to cause serious harm to those involved in them. Unfortunately, many car accidents result in death. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 36,560 people were killed in car accidents in the United States in 2018.

Based on this and other data, the National Safety Council puts the odds of dying in a car crash at 1 in 107. These odds are slightly lower than one’s odds of dying from a fall (1 in 106) or an opioid overdose (1 in 92). In reality, everyone’s chances of dying in a car crash will be slightly different. The odds will be influenced by how often one drives, the distance they drive, and other factors like vehicle safety.

A wide range of factors can impact whether an accident will be fatal. You may be able to recover compensation if you lose your loved one in a car accident.

Factors Influencing the Odds of Dying in a Car Crash

It would be impossible to list all the factors that could cause a fatal car accident.

However, the following are a few noteworthy examples:

  • The size of the vehicles involved
  • The speed at which the vehicles were traveling when the accident occurred
  • Whether victims were wearing their seatbelts
  • The physical condition of those involved in the accident

It’s vital that you protect yourself and others by practicing safe driving habits. Sadly, you can only control your own choices behind the wheel. There’s still a chance you’ll be harmed in an accident because someone else was negligent.

Car Accident Deaths: Less Common Than Car Accident Injuries

Hopefully, you will never be involved in a car accident of any kind. That said, it’s worth noting that your odds of losing your life in a car accident are lower than your odds of being injured. NHTSA data reveals that 2,710,000 people were injured in car accidents on America’s roads in 2018, significantly more people than are killed each year due to the same.

If you’re injured in an accident, the odds are good you will need to undergo medical treatment. Paying for treatment may be difficult, particularly if your injuries prevent you from working and earning an income.

Severe injuries can also have a permanent impact on your overall quality of life. They could impact everything from your employment prospects to your ability to participate in activities you once enjoyed.

If your car accident resulted from another party’s negligence, you deserve to be compensated for your losses. You can pursue compensation by filing a claim to collect from the negligent party’s insurance. Alternatively, you can file a lawsuit to seek damages in court.

Car Accident Fatalities & Wrongful Death Claims

If a driver’s negligence caused your loved one’s fatal car accident, you might be entitled to compensation.

You’ll likely have extensive financial losses after your loved one’s death, including funeral costs, loss of support, and loss of consortium.

You might be able to seek compensation for your losses by filing a wrongful death claim or lawsuit. However, you’ll have to demonstrate that a negligent party caused the accident that killed your loved one. 

A personal injury attorney can help you determine whether you’re eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit and what damages you can expect to recover. They can investigate your loved one’s car accident to gather evidence of the other party’s negligence and identify other liable parties. Seeking legal representation is the best way to protect your wrongful death claim.

Contact the Houston Car Accident Lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers For Help

For more information, contact the Houston car accident law firm of Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers by calling (713) 500-5000

Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers
3120 Southwest Freeway, Suite 350
Houston, TX 77098
United States

Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers – East Fwy
11811 East Fwy, Suite 630-06
Houston, TX 77029
United States

Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers – South Loop
2600 S Loop W, Suite 293
Houston, TX 77054
United States