There are approximately 13 million car accidents in the United States every year, according to the National Safety Council (NSC). An estimated 39,000 people were killed in auto crashes in 2022, and another 2.6 million people visited emergency departments for crash-related injuries. Researchers have determined that 90% of auto crashes are caused by human error.
Key U.S. Car Accident Statistics at a Glance
- 13 million car accidents occur in the U.S. each year (NSC).
- 39,000 people were killed in auto crashes in 2022.
- 2.6 million people visited emergency departments for crash injuries.
- 90% of auto crashes are caused by human error.
- 8 teen deaths per day result from motor vehicle crashes (NHTSA).
- Motorcyclists accounted for 16.2% of all traffic fatalities in 2024.
How Dangerous Is Driving for Teens?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates there are eight teen deaths (ages 13 to 19) per day in the U.S. from motor vehicle crashes. Crashes involving young drivers remain the number one cause of preventable death for U.S. teens.
How Many Traffic Deaths Involve Motorcyclists?
In 2024, motorcyclists accounted for 16.2% of all traffic fatalities and 3.6% of all traffic injuries — a disproportionate share given how few vehicles on the road are motorcycles.
How Do Wrongful Death Claims Work in Alabama?
Alabama law is unique when it comes to wrongful death claims. Most other jurisdictions compensate family members based on the “economic” value of the lost life. Alabama takes a different approach: it holds that all lives are precious, so damages are assessed based on the degree of the wrongdoing that took the life — not the economic value of the life that was taken.
Three other rules distinguish Alabama wrongful death claims:
- Who can file: Wrongful death claims are prosecuted by the personal representative of the deceased (or the parents of a minor child).
- Who receives the proceeds: Wrongful death proceeds pass to the heirs of the decedent under Alabama Code §43-8-41.
- Creditor protection: The proceeds are not subject to the claims of the decedent’s creditors.
What Should You Know Before Hiring a Car Accident Attorney?
Alabama law places very limited regulations on attorney advertising. This means lawyers can make all kinds of claims about money they’ve recovered for car accident victims. Many of these commercials carry nearly microscopic disclaimers such as “Not an actual case,” “Dramatization: Not an Actual Case,” or “Not a Typical or Expected Result.” The attorney featured in the commercial is often not the lawyer who will handle your case — much of the work is done by case managers, paralegals, and associates.
Here is what to look for before you sign with a firm:
- Free consultations: All personal injury attorneys provide free consultations. Whether or not you think you’ll need an attorney, anyone with an injury claim should consult an experienced auto-crash injury attorney as soon as possible after an accident. Always meet or speak with the attorney who will actually handle your file before hiring — do not rely solely on the opinions of an intake specialist, case manager, or paralegal. An early consultation can also tell you when it may become beneficial to hire an attorney for your claim.
- Contingency fees: Personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee arrangement — a fee is only paid if the attorney successfully recovers money for you. You should receive a copy of any fee agreement you sign, along with copies of other claim-related documents. Be wary of firms that charge “administrative” or “document” fees.
- The “settlement mill” approach: Many high-volume firms operate as settlement mills, focused on settling cases quickly to maintain cash flow for advertising. That can mean accepting lower settlement offers rather than spending the time and resources to maximize your compensation.
- Willingness to go to trial: While most claims settle before or during the lawsuit process, a few cases must be tried before a jury to maximize the settlement value for the injured victim. Before hiring a lawyer, make sure he or she has courtroom experience.
- Personal attention: Many high-volume firms do not provide individualized attention. Their business model prioritizes case volume over the unique details and complexities that can drive up the value of your claim. Don’t be treated as just a number — be a top priority.
Sources
- National Safety Council (NSC) — annual U.S. crash, fatality, and injury data.
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — teen driver fatality estimates.