In New York and across the U.S., the number of car crash fatalities is increasing. The National Safety Council made a preliminary estimate back in February stating that there were 40,100 car crash deaths in 2017. The rate came to 12.28 deaths for every 100,000 people in the U.S. and 1.25 deaths for every 100 million vehicle miles traveled. While the number was lower than in the previous year, it wasn’t by much: There were 40,327 reported deaths in 2016.
Even worse, the 2017 statistic represents a 6 percent increase from 2015. The last time the number was this high was 2007. In addition, 2017 saw 4.57 million people incur serious injuries in car crashes. NSC calculates their total cost to society at around $413.8 billion.
NSC also reports that drivers in America traveled approximately 1 percent more miles in 2017. The NSC CEO states that the statistics are alarming and show how driver complacency is having fatal consequences. The CEO pushes for aggressive action in making the roads safe.
For reference, NSC utilized the monthly data that it gathers from all 50 states and Washington, D.C., in addition to data from the National Center for Health Statistics. Data includes deaths from accidents that occurred the previous year and deaths on both private and public roads like driveways and parking lots.
When auto accidents leave victims with vehicle damage, medical bills, emotional trauma and other losses, it may be a good idea to consult with a lawyer about gaining compensation. New York is a pure comparative negligence state, so victims are able to file a claim no matter how much they were at fault; however, any degree of fault will naturally lower the amount they’re eligible for. A lawyer may help negotiate for the maximum settlement and assist with litigation as a last resort.