From missing work to intense physical pain and lifelong disabilities, those who are injured in a motor vehicle accident may encounter a variety of challenges in the short-term and years down the road. In New Mexico, it is critical for victims of traffic accidents to examine their options and take advantage of resources that are available afterwards. Unfortunately, these injuries are far too prevalent and drivers should realize the risk of suffering an injury every time they drive.
In the U.S. alone, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that over 2.5 million people visited an emergency room due to injuries sustained in a traffic accident over the course of 2012. These visits resulted in an average cost of roughly $3,300 and almost 200,000 of those admitted to the ER were hospitalized. On a yearly basis, people across the U.S. spend over 1 million days in hospitals due to motor vehicle accident injuries.
In 2015, more than 2.4 million Americans were either injured or killed in a car crash, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Tragically, many car crashes that result in the loss of life also spur additional pain and problems for families that are affected, such as financial hardships. From pedestrians who are struck by a vehicle while walking to work to bicyclists, motorcyclists and all others on the road, car accident injuries are a major problem and it is essential for drivers to act responsibly and do whatever they can to avoid a collision.