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What Is the Cost of a Severe Injury in a Car Crash?

Posted by Michael T. Bell | Apr 27, 2021 | 0 Comments

In the U.S, more than nine deaths that occur daily caused by car accidents are due to distracted driving. Also, over 40% of American teens have been in a car crash.

Based on statistics, there are about 6 million car collisions in the U.S annually. Ninety people die daily in car crashes. Annually, about three million persons get injured from car accidents in the U.S., And seat belts cut down 50% of severe injuries. No one wants to think of getting in a car crash. More so, getting injured from the accident.

You can be involved in at least three accidents over the cause of your driving lifetime. Fortunately, most of the accidents do not result in severe injuries.

Most Common Injuries in Car Accidents

Car accidents can lead to bodily, property, and car damages. The most obvious of the damages is the destruction of vehicles due to collision. Also, car accidents can lead to physical injuries. Some of which are visible and others are internal.

There is a one-in-five chance that a car collision can cause injuries. Therefore, you must know the most common damages resulting from car collisions.

Below are the most common injuries from car collisions:

Strains to the ligaments and muscles cause whiplash. The pressure can be quite severe and may take weeks for complete recovery. Whiplash results from the rapid movement of the body as cars collide.

  • Contusion/bruising

Bruises and contusions are rarely severe. They occur as a result of your body slamming against the car during a collision. Accidents, no matter how minor, can cause bruises and contusions. Though not severe, bruises and contusions can heal in a few days.

  • Back/neck injuries

Sometimes, the injuries the body sustains from an accident may not be visible, especially after the intense force that the body experiences after a collision. It can lead to rupture or herniation of the discs in your spine. Injuries to the spine are painful and can affect your neck and back. Physical therapy is needed to alleviate pain. And sometimes surgery is needed.

  • Concussions

You may hit your head against any part of your car during a car accident, causing a concussion. Concussions, depending on the severity, can lead to temporal or permanent memory loss. You will need to see a doctor for immediate treatment following a trauma.

  • Traumatic Brain Injuries

A trauma to your brain can alter your brain functions. Traumatic brain injuries can be life-altering and ought not to be taken lightly.  Treatment of traumatic brain injuries is often over a lifetime.

Other injuries include

  • Broken bones
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder
  • Internal bleeding

Cost of Injuries in Car Accidents

Sadly, it is impossible to live in a world free from accidents and injuries. In 2000, about 5.3 million persons had injuries, and 47,821 killed in car accidents. In that same year, approximately 27.6 million cars got damaged in crashes. From the data for the year 2000, the economic cost of car crashes in the U.S. got as high as 230.6 billion dollars.

The U.S Department of National Highway Safety Administration (NHSTA) has estimated roadway fatalities' economic cost at $977,000. Also, the financial cost of a car accident survivor critically injured is $1.1million.

Granted, the ultimate cost of car accidents is the loss of lives. However, injuries also come with high costs as well.

From  a study conducted by the NHTSA, the following are the annual economic costs of car crashes

  • $32.6 billion in medical costs
  • $61 billion in lost workplace productivity
  • $20.2 billion lost household productivity
  • $25.6 billion in travel delay costs
  • $59 billion in property damage

Most times, car accident costs are not borne directly by parties involved in the car crashes. Federal revenue pays about 6%. State and localities pay about 3%, insurance premiums pay 50%. Victims of the car crash pay about 26%. Healthcare providers and other motorists delayed in traffic pay about 14%.

What Is the Economic Cost of a Severe Injury in a Collision?

An accident's cost is calculated based on the severity of the injuries suffered by the victims. According to the National Safety Council, puts the economic cost of injuries as follows:

  • Possible Injury -$28,600
  • Non-incapacitating injury – $60,000
  • Incapacitating Injury – $235,400
  • Fatal Injury -$1.5 million
  • Non-fatal disabling Injury -$80,700

Do You Need a Car Accident Attorney? Mike Bell Lawyers Can Help You!

Getting into an accident is quite traumatizing and can induce anxiety. Having a car accident attorney helps to reduce the anxiety you might experience all the legalities following an accident. If you or any member of your family gets in a collision, you can schedule a free consultation with Mike Bell Injury Law today.

About the Author

Michael T. Bell

Chairman, Managing Partner & Director of Truck Accident Litigation (AL)

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