When you’re injured in an accident, it can feel like you’re alone in the world. You are suddenly faced with suffering and medical bills through no fault of your own, which can be isolating. This isn’t the case, though—thousands of people every year find themselves the victims of car accidents, medical errors, falls, and other accidents caused by the negligence of another party. Here is a breakdown of the statistics for personal injuries in New York State, and what your next steps should be in the event of an injury.
Injury Statistics
According to the New York Department of Health, the rate of death from injuries in the state of New York is approximately 40 deaths for every 100,000 people. The current hospitalization rate from injury is 823 per 100,000 New Yorkers, or almost 1% of the population. This means that injury can affect anyone at any time. The National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) reports that accidental injury is the leading cause of death for Americans under 35 years of age, meaning that personal injury is a very serious concern not just for New Yorkers, but for all Americans.
Motor Vehicle Injuries
About 6.5 deaths per 100,000 New Yorkers occur as a result of motor vehicle accidents, making up a significant percentage of accidental death statistics. The state department of health reports that its efforts to reduce injuries through the Injury Prevention Program have resulted in a decrease in traffic accident fatalities in recent years. Hospitalization rates due to motor vehicle accidents are currently about 68/100,000. Emergency room visits, however, are much higher—approximately 686 out of every hundred thousand NY residents.
Despite the efforts of state agencies, motorcycle driver injury hospitalization rates increased from 6.5 per 100,000 residents in 2000 to 7.9 in 2008. The rates of pedestrian injuries, however, have decreased over the time period. Pedestrian safety remains a top concern, especially as walkers are increasingly distracted by mobile technology. Motor vehicle injuries remain one of the leading causes of accidental injury in New York State.
If You Are Injured
Ensuring that you receive proper medical attention after your injury should be your first priority, as well as documenting the treatment you receive. Make sure you keep detailed records and save any correspondence between you and your doctor, and keep any receipts from medical expenses and copies of medical bills. This will ensure an accurate account of your medical bills and the extent of your injuries when it comes time to file a personal injury claim.
After you have your records together, it’s time to contact a New York personal injury lawyer. Consult with a trusted attorney who will advise you about the best course of action and help you get the highest possible settlement amount from the at-fault person’s insurance company.
For more information about what to do if you’re injured in a motor vehicle accident, contact a trusted New York accident attorney at the offices of Antin, Ehrlich, and Epstein at 917-730-7151 for a free consultation. Our experienced personal injury lawyers will offer advice for you going forward.