Vehicle accidents continue to cause injuries

Kentucky drivers may be interested in some national statistics concerning traffic accidents. In 2012, there were more than 33,000 deaths caused by motor vehicle accidents, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In addition, close to 7,000 people across the country each day have to visit the hospital as a result of a vehicle collision. Of these, 200,000 each year are admitted to a hospital for treatment for accident-related injuries.

There are many causes of these vehicle accidents. Among them are distracted drivers, drug and alcohol impairment, speeding and failure to yield at stop signs and traffic lights. Young drivers and those over the age of 80 account for the majority of all accidents.

Driver fatigue and exhaustion are increasingly responsible for truck and car accidents. This problem was brought to national attention when the vehicle in which comedian Tracy Morgan was a passenger was hit by a truck driver who had been on the road for more than 24 hours. Morgan was seriously injured and a fellow comedian in the limousine that was struck was killed. Even so, laws are being proposed that would eliminate some of the rest time currently required for long-haul truck drivers.

By reducing the number of motorists who drive when they are impaired, distracted or fatigued, many serious vehicle collisions could be avoided. A person who has been injured in a car accident could face a lengthy recovery and rehabilitation period. If the accident was caused by the negligence of another driver, it may be possible for the victim to file and prevail in a personal injury lawsuit that could result in the award of damages to cover the costs of required medical treatment that were incurred.