Auto Accident Statistics and Facts

When it comes to auto accidents in the U.S., the numbers speak for themselves. Below are some shocking statistics that highlight the widespread impact of car crashes today.

• An average of 119 people died each day in motor vehicle crashes in 2005-that's one every 12 minutes.
  
  
• In 2006, there were an estimated 5.97 million police-reported traffic crashes in the U.S.
  
  
• 43,642 people were killed in auto accidents in 2006, while another 2.58 million were injured.
  
  

• Deaths and injuries resulting from motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for people age 3 through 33.
  
  
• In 2005, an average of 5 children died and another 640 were injured in auto accidents each day.
  
  
• Over 900 people are killed and 2,000 injured each year in crashes involving red light running.
  
  
• A driver's failure to pay attention is involved in approximately 80% of all crashes.
  
  
• In 2000, the financial cost of car accidents in the U.S. was $230.6 billion.
  
  
• Alcohol was to blame for 16,885 auto accident deaths in 2005, accounting for 39% of all traffic fatalities for that year.
  
  
• Over 1.4 million drivers were arrested in 2004 for driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics.
  
  
• The fatality rate per 100 million vehicle miles of travel in 2006 was 1.41.
  
  
• The injury rate per 100 million vehicle miles of travel in 2006 was 85.
  
  
• In 2006, there were 150 fatalities related to school transportation crashes.
  
  
• 80% of all auto accidents occur at a speed of 10mph or less.
  
  
• It is estimated that 20,960 lives could have been saved in 2005 if all passenger vehicle occupants over the age of 4 wore seatbelts.
  
  
• You are more likely to suffer injuries in a low-speed, rear impact crash than a high-speed, frontal crash.
  
  
• Symptoms of auto accident injuries may appear immediately-or they may take days, weeks and even years before they're noticed by the victim.
  
  
• 93% of auto accidents are the result of driver error.
  
  
• If involved in an auto accident, you have a 50/50 chance of being injured.
  
  

Who is Really at Fault?

If you or someone you love has been injured in an auto accident, you may be entitled to collect damages from the responsible party or parties. The law limits the amount of time you have to file suit after being injured, and failure to act quickly could affect your ability to file a claim. Don't delay-Call 1-888-562-5036 today for a free, no-obligation consultation on your case.