Motor vehicle accidents are one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Each year, approximately 40,000 people lose their lives in car accidents, including drivers, passengers, cyclists, pedestrians and others.
According to the National Safety Council, the average lifetime chance of dying in a car crash is one in 93. But does this statistic apply evenly to all drivers?
Many factors influence the odds
No, that number doesn’t apply equally to everyone. It is an average based on the total number of motor vehicle deaths among all drivers.
In reality, individual odds vary based on numerous factors, many of which are within a person’s control. For instance, drivers who exceed the speed limit or drive under the influence of alcohol face a significantly higher risk of dying in a car accident than those who adhere to speed limits and never drink and drive. Personal choices behind the wheel play a major role in determining the likelihood of being involved in a fatal crash.
Exposure to risk also plays a part. For example, someone who works from home and drives only a few miles each week—to run errands or drop their kids off at school—faces much lower odds than a person who commutes 45 minutes each way, covering hundreds of miles weekly. The more time spent on the road, the higher the risk of being involved in a crash.
Seeking financial compensation
If you have lost a loved one in a tragic car accident or suffered serious injuries yourself, it’s important to know what legal steps you can take to seek appropriate compensation.
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