As car accident attorneys, we know all too well that the effects of a car accident linger long after the accident has happened.
It has a devastating effect on the victims, their lives, and their family members.
Car Accident Related Statistics
A study conducted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals some shocking road accident statistics.
In the U.S., a car accident occurs approximately every 13 minutes, equating to a whopping estimate of 6 million passenger car accidents; around 43,000 of these car crashes are fatal.
A brief overview of these statistics clearly indicates the immense impact road accidents have in several ways.
Let’s look at the most common effects road accidents have on accident victims and their families.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
Road traffic injuries and road traffic deaths caused by car accidents occur due to several reasons.
However, let’s reference a few common indicators as to what causes most road traffic crashes.
Road Traffic Accidents are widely by Distracted Driving
Road traffic deaths are often the result of distracted driving. Worldwide, distracted driving is a main contributor to road accidents.
Speeding Causes the most Road Traffic Deaths
Speed limits exist for global road safety and for everyone’s safety and must be respected.
Speeding is still the leading cause of death in a road accident of any kind.
Drunk Driving is another Leading cause of Traffic Accidents
The effects of road accidents caused by drunk driving are often more severe due to the fact that it was caused by pure driver negligence.
Middle-income countries are especially susceptible to car accidents caused by drunk driving.
Road Traffic Crashes due to Reckless Driving
Every year, a high number of accidents and road traffic fatalities occur due to reckless driving.
Speeding, swerving in and out of traffic, tailgating, and other dangerous actions are considered reckless driving.
Reckless driving is a serious traffic offense that can lead to various penalties, including fines, points on your license, and even imprisonment.
Disregarding Safety Measures
Traffic signs, traffic lights, road safety management, and other traffic calming measures are paramount for road traffic injury prevention. To protect vulnerable road users from road traffic accidents.
Vehicle Safety
Unsafe vehicles are another leading cause of road traffic accidents.
Various world-wide agencies such as The World Health Organization, vehicle manufacturers, and other road safety management bodies are keen supporters of raising public awareness of road safety, which has helped prevent accidents to some degree.
However, vehicle owners are obligated to ensure that their vehicle is road-worthy and complies with road safety standards.
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Effects of Road Traffic Collisions: Road Traffic Injuries & Consequences
The risk factors of a road traffic crash do not only result in physical injuries. There are serious consequences that road accident victims deal with after an accident.
Let’s look at a few of these relating to car accidents.
Physical Injuries
A road traffic accident can cause severe physical injuries that more often than not result in future pain and suffering for the victims.
Serious injuries include back or spine injuries, traumatic brain injuries, soft tissue injuries, spinal cord injuries, neck injuries, mental injuries, and injuries causing permanent disabilities.
Other Serious Road Traffic Injuries
- Head trauma
- Spinal injuries
- Broken bones
Emotional Trauma & Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Effects of road accidents include Emotional distress and post-traumatic stress disorder, which also require medical treatment.
The emotional effects of road accidents are far-reaching and at times not immediately apparent.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can occur after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. Car accidents can be one of those events.
PTSD can affect anyone who has experienced trauma, and it can have a significant impact on daily life.
Loss Of Life
Road traffic deaths leave the family members of the deceased in utter turmoil. Middle-income countries often only have one source of income, and losing the financial provider of a family affects the entire family.
Financial Burden
Medical bills, lost wages and ongoing financial costs of medical treatment, especially for severe injuries, can have a devastating effect on a car crash victim and their family.
Car crash victims from low and middle-income countries usually have significantly more financial distress than those from high-income countries.
Disability And Reduced Mobility
Road traffic injuries resulting in disability and reduced mobility are serious effects of road accidents and with an entirely different type of emotional trauma related to it.
Other Effects of Road Traffic Crashes
- Impact On Mental Health
- Loss Of Confidence
- Reduced Quality Of Life
- Social And Economic Impact
Traffic Safety Measures All Road Users Should Adhere To
Drivers of any vehicle, passengers, and pedestrians stay safe on the roads when there is an adherence to traffic safety measures. They are in place to prevent car accidents, road accident fatalities, injuries, and loss of life.
Traffic Safety Measures
Speed Limits:
Speed limit traffic laws are designed to keep road users safe depending on the geographical area and contributing factors.
Seat Belts:
Seat belts are a critical safety feature in cars in the event of a car accident, and drivers and passengers should always wear them.
Traffic Signals:
Traffic signals help road users navigate the road safely. Road safety is dependent on road users adhering to these traffic laws.
Pedestrian Crossings:
A pedestrian crossing signals that motorists should yield to pedestrians. Failure to do so is a direct result of pedestrian-related traffic injuries and traffic fatalities.
Road Maintenance:
Repairing potholes, maintaining road markings, and clearing debris from the road is also an important traffic safety component.
Education and Awareness:
Education and public awareness campaigns can help drivers, passengers, and pedestrians understand the importance of road safety.
By following these road traffic safety protocols, it is possible to keep the roads safe!
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What to Do Immediately After Road Accidents
You should seek medical care immediately to examine all physical injuries if you have been involved in a road traffic crash.
Record all injuries related to the accident as well as any related property damage.
You should file a compensation claim with a car accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Let’s Help You Work Through The Effects of Road Accidents
Coluccio Law, an expert car accident firm, is ready to assist you with your compensation claim and to help you recover from the effects of road accidents on victims just like you! Contact us for a free case evaluation today!
Services We Offer:
- Car Crashes
- Bicycle Crashes
- Burn Injuries
- Brain Injury Law
- Motorcycle Crashes
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Pedestrian Injuries
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- Truck Crash Law
- Wrongful Death
