Missouri is known for its beautiful landscapes and tourist attractions.
Thousands of motor vehicles drive on Missouri roads every day, so auto accidents are not uncommon. Car accidents can have a lasting and devastating effect on the lives of victims and their families. In most cases, car accidents are a result of preventable causes such as distracted driving, speeding, or driving under the influence. The other contributing factors could be poor road or weather conditions.
Surprising Facts About Car Accidents
St. Louis car accident lawyers have compiled some facts pertaining to car accidents in Missouri, and these facts are nothing short of startling.
• Every year, close to 30,000 people are killed in car accidents in the United States. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, car accidents cost the United States $200 billion every year. In Missouri alone, 756 car accident fatalities occurred in 2013, which means one person was killed every 11 hours. In 2012, the figure stood at 826, which means there was a steady decline in the number of car accidents.
• According to the latest statistics, more than 70 percent of the people who are killed in Missouri car accidents are not wearing a seat belt.
• In the United States, 85 percent of drivers and passengers wear a seat belt. However, in Missouri, the average is only 79 percent.
• St. Louis car accident lawyers believe that distraction is a leading cause of serious auto accidents not only in Missouri but in the entire United States. According to a study published by Monash University, drivers who use electronic devices are 4 times more likely to get involved in crashes that cause injury.
• Speeding is the number one cause of car accidents in Missouri and is responsible for 17.3 percent of the total auto accidents. Also, 38.2 percent of the total number of fatal car accidents are caused by speeding.
• Drunk driving is another unfortunate reason for fatal car accidents in Missouri. Although alcohol impairment only caused 4.4 percent of car accidents in Missouri, drunk driving caused about 26.8 percent of fatal car accidents.
• According to available reports, men are more likely to be killed in car accidents compared to women. In 2011, 70 percent of the drivers killed in auto accidents were men. 52 percent of the passengers who were involved in auto accidents were also men.
• Traffic crashes are the leading cause of death in the age group 15 to 20 years.
What Are Your Legal Options?
If you have become a victim of a car accident in Missouri, consult with The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C. at (314) 361-4242. We will educate you about your legal options and suggest the best course of action to claim all the rightful damages that you deserve.
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