Every driver in Louisiana is responsible for following the rules of the road when behind the wheel. Unfortunately, there are a lot of people who do not take this responsibility very seriously. These drivers increase the likelihood of being involved in a car accident for you and everyone else.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that approximately 3 million people suffer car accident injuries in the United States every year. Not everyone survives such collisions either. Approximately 3,700 people die in car crashes every day.
What causes deadly accidents?
Drunk driving is the most common cause of deadly accidents. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that drunk drivers kill an average of 10,142 drivers a year. Other common causes of fatal accidents include:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Drowsy driving
Speeding causes almost as many deaths as drunk driving, around 9,380 annually. Distracted driving is another big issue. Drivers who are paying more attention to their phones, eating or even talking with passengers are more likely to cause fatal collisions.
Surviving a car accident
Not all car crashes are deadly though. While some accident victims might count themselves lucky to have survived, the reality is that life after a car accident can look very different. Physical injuries are only part of the problem.
Emotional distress is fairly common after serious car accidents. Victims may be fearful of using cars in the future, either as a driver or passenger. Some even develop post-traumatic stress disorder as a result.
The financial fallout
It is no secret that medical care is expensive. The average car accident victim can end up with tens of thousands of dollars in medical bills for injuries that were not even their fault in the first place. If you are financially disadvantaged or one unexpected bill away from financial disaster, this can be absolutely devastating.
After a car accident, addressing things like medical bills, lost wages, and even pain and suffering can feel like an overwhelming task. Many victims would prefer to focus solely on their recovery. However, being able to fully focus on recovering from your injuries is often contingent on dealing with related financial damages, which is why pursuing compensation via a personal injury lawsuit may be in your interest.