Each year there are nearly 34,000 traffic-related fatalities across the United States. Readers in Los Angeles may be interested to learn that pedestrians account for 4,000 of these 34,000 deaths. In addition, three-quarters of fatal auto accidents involving pedestrians occur within cities. If all of this information isn’t alarming enough, the number of fatalities involving men and women aged 75 and older was almost double the number those involving individuals aged 34 and younger.
All of this information was recently released in a government report. The report analyzed data spanning from 2001 to 2010. The findings are somewhat surprising considering the elderly take fewer walks than many younger members of the population. However, when the elderly are struck by a vehicle, they are more likely to die from their injuries than those who are younger than they are.
Unfortunately, these numbers may not improve anytime soon. According to the research, given the aging state of the American population, the number of elderly individuals who are fatally injured in auto accidents may actually increase in the coming years.
Beyond the results of this study, those who have suffered from the loss of a loved one due to a fatal car accident should know that there may be recovery available to them. If the injuries were caused by the actions of a negligent driver, the family of the deceased may be able to recover damages from that driver.
The negligent driver’s liability may cover costs of medical expenses, death or funeral expenses and even pain and suffering. An experienced personal injury attorney can help the family recover the compensation they deserve.
Source: My Fox LA, “Odds of dying in traffic accident increase with age,” April 19, 2013
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