When you are injured in a car accident, at work, or because of medical malpractice, it can feel like you’re alone in the world. The truth is, though, thousands of people each year experience similar circumstances. Although most people try to exercise caution to prevent accidents, sometimes errors occur and people get hurt. When that happens, it’s time to find a personal injury lawyer in your area and get compensation from the person at fault. To give some perspective, here are some statistics that reflect the number and type of personal injuries sustained in the U.S. each year.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Traffic accidents account for a large number of personal injury settlements and lawsuits. Statistically, most drivers will experience at least a minor accident in the course of their lives. And since most Americans drive, this means that accidents are a fact of life. In 2013, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that 6 million car collisions occur each year, leading to 3 million injuries and 40,000 fatalities. Truck accidents account for 60,000 injuries and about 125,000 accidents. Motorcycle accidents cause approximately 5,000 deaths and 50,000 injuries per year, often very serious ones.
Trains, ATVs (all-terrain vehicles), and boats all experience significant numbers of accidents each year as well. 2,500 train accidents occur each year, according to the Federal Railroad Administration. ATV accidents also cause about 107,000 injuries per year. The U.S. Coast Guard reported 4,515 boating accidents in 2012 alone, resulting in 3,000 injuries. No matter what vehicle you operate, be sure to avoid risky situations and drive with caution to avoid becoming one of these statistics.
Medical Malpractice
Medical errors account for about 100,000 fatalities each year according to a recent report by the Institute of Medicine. Injuries can result from everything from errors in administering or prescribing medication to mistakes during surgery, and as many as 1.5 million injuries are reported each year. Most of these injuries occur in hospitals or outpatient facilities. These statistics are somewhat alarming for people undergoing medical treatment, but it’s best to keep in mind that the majority of people don’t experience injuries or complications due to medical malpractice. Patients can prevent medical errors by asking questions and ensuring clear communication with their doctors.
Other Accidents
Traffic collisions and medical malpractice account for many personal injury claims, but there are other ways people can find themselves injured through the fault of others. Dog bites result in 800,000 injuries each year, and construction accidents cause 1,000 deaths and over 300,000 injuries annually. Slip and fall accidents, in which the location may be liable for causing slippery conditions, affect 17,000 people each year.
As these statistics show, personal injuries happen every day through no fault of the victims. Sometimes being careful just isn’t enough to prevent an unforeseen event. When these accidents happen, it’s best to consult with a personal injury attorney who knows the law in your jurisdiction. If you’ve been injured in an accident, contact the law offices of Antin, Ehrlich & Epstein at 917-730-7151 for a free consultation.