Costs of traffic accidents going up in Louisiana
According to the National Safety Council, between January and June of this year, about 19,000 people have been killed in automobile accidents. This represents a 14 percent increase compared to the same timeframe last year, and it means that the United States may be on track to have its deadliest traffic year since 2007.
Along with a large number of fatal accidents, the number of collisions with injuries has increased as well with 2.3 million people suffering injuries in crashes that required medical attention. Data from the NSC shows that the estimated cost of these accidents is $152 billion. Costs include wage and productivity losses, property damage and medical expenses, and they represent a 24 percent increase over 2014.
Experts believe that the spike in accidents involving serious injuries and fatalities is due to lower gas prices and an improving economy. According to the report, the number of fatalities between 2008 and 2014 was below 40,000. The president and CEO of the NSC stated that this year’s number of crash-related deaths may go over 40,000, which is the first time it will go over the threshold since the recession.
If someone suffered injuries after an accident, he or she may accumulate expenses due to medical bills and damaged property. Paying for these losses can become difficult if someone is unable to work even for a short time. A lawyer may be able to assist an individual who has been in an accident with determining the appropriate amount of compensation he or she could pursue. An attorney can also let an injured victim know his or her options for seeking this recompense.
Tags: Car Accidents
