While Baltimore residents may be relieved to hear that pedestrian fatalities went down in 2019, car accidents and injuries on the whole increased. This may mean that lives are being saved in the emergency room, rather than roadways becoming safer for all those on it. Even one life lost or injury sustained in an avoidable car accident is one too many and demonstrates that the national traffic violence epidemic is still ongoing.
Decrease in fatalities
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2% fewer people died in avoidable motor vehicle accidents in 2019, down to 36,096. This number includes 846 cyclists and 6,205 pedestrians.
Increase in crashes and injuries
The number of crashes went up, from 6.74 million in 2018 to 6.76 million in 2019. And even though fatalities decreased, the number of injured accident victims increased. The number went up by 30,000 in 2019. Non-occupant injuries increased as well; pedestrian injuries went up 2.2% and cyclist injuries went up by 4.3%.
The injuries sustained in an preventable car accident have the potential to dramatically change the course of the victim’s life and that of their family members. Not only will they suddenly be saddled with medical expenses, they may have lost their earning potential as well. The financial burden associated with an accident can be heavy and it might be possible to cover the costs through a personal injury lawsuit. An experienced attorney can discuss an accident victim’s options for recovery with them.
