What Are the Odds of Dying In a Car Crash?
It’s difficult to pinpoint the exact odds of dying in a car crash. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 42,795 people died in motor vehicle crashes in 2022 in the United States. However, there are approximately 6 million car accidents in the United States each year, meaning that less than 1% of car accidents are fatal.
Many factors may contribute to your odds of dying in a car accident. These include the type of vehicle you are in, how many other vehicles are involved, whether you were wearing a safety belt, and the type of accident (such as a roll-over accident).
If you or someone you know was injured in a car accident in Dallas due to someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, you may be able to recover compensation for your losses. Contact one of our Dallas auto accident lawyers.
You’re More Likely to Suffer a Non-Fatal Injury in a Car Accident
While many car accidents do not result in fatal injuries, you still may suffer mild to severe injuries in a car accident.
In 2022, there were 15,299 serious injury car accidents in Texas, with 18,880 people suffering a serious injury. The same year, 4,481 people died in car accidents in Texas. One person was injured in a car accident in Texas every two minutes and nine seconds. In contrast, one person was killed every one hour and 57 minutes.
Common Types of Non-Fatal Injuries Suffered in Car Crashes
Car accidents may cause non-fatal injuries that range from minor soreness to permanent disability.
Some common injuries suffered in car accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Spinal cord injury
- Limb loss and amputations
- Burns
- Broken bones
- Muscle sprains or strains
- Whiplash and other neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Internal injuries
- Lacerations, bruises, and road rash
- Soft-tissue injuries
Some injuries may not be apparent immediately. Accordingly, it’s essential to be seen by a medical professional as soon as possible after a car accident.
What Damages Are Available if You’ve Been Injured in a Car Accident?
If you were injured or lost a loved one in a car accident, you may be able to recover damages for your losses. The two main types of damages available after a car accident are economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages refer to the financial impacts of the accident or injury. These are also called special damages or tangible damages. These damages include medical costs, property damage, lost wages, diminished earning capacity, and out-of-pocket expenses.
In contrast, non-economic damages refer to the emotional, psychological, or otherwise intangible impacts of the accident or injury. For this reason, they are sometimes called intangible damages or general damages. These damages include pain and suffering, loss of companionship, emotional anguish, diminished quality of life, and more.
The amount of damages available in your car accident case will depend on several factors. These include the extent of your injuries, the types of damages available in your case, whether you are partially at fault in the case, and the relevant insurance policy limits.
How Long Do You Have to File Your Car Accident Case?
In Texas, you have two years to file a personal injury or wrongful death case. This time limit begins running on the date that the accident, injury, or death occurs. It is known as the statute of limitations.
In most cases, you will not be able to file your lawsuit after the statute of limitations expires. While many personal injury cases settle before going to trial or even before a lawsuit is filed, it’s crucial that you understand the deadline in your case. This ensures that you can still file your lawsuit if necessary.
Contact Our Car Accident Law Firm in Dallas, TX
Fortunately, you are much more likely to suffer a non-fatal injury in a car accident than to die in a car crash. A skilled car accident attorney can help you seek compensation for your injuries, regardless of the severity of your accident.
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Dallas, Texas, and need legal help, contact our Dallas car accident lawyers at Jay Murray Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.
Jay Murray Personal Injury Lawyers
2512 State St,
Dallas, TX 75201
(214) 855-1420
