Every year in Maryland, more victims are killed in car accidents than are killed in homicides. Car accidents are the number one killer of individuals ages 4 to 34. Among car accidents, 90 percent are caused by driver errors. From 2003 to 2007 in Maryland, there were between 576 and 593 fatal car accidents each year with a 5-year average of 580 fatal accidents per year. During that same time period, there were between 34,000 and 38,710 car accidents each year that resulted in injuries. The 5-year average for the time period was 36,681 injury car accidents in Maryland from 2003 to 2007.
Among victims, between 614 and 651 victims were killed in fatal car accidents from 2003 through 2007 in Maryland. The 5-year average from 2003 through 2007 for victims killed in fatal car accidents in Maryland was 635. The total number of victims injured in car accidents from 2003 to 2007 in Maryland ranged from 51,000 to 58,118 total victims injured. The 5-year average from 2003 to 2007 of victims injured in car accidents in Maryland was 55,232 car accident injury victims.
Because of the significant problem of car accidents and high number of victims in Maryland, it is important for victims to be aware of the legal options available to assist them with the recovery of compensation for the harm they have suffered. Damages can include medical expenses, lost wages, future medical care and lost earning capacity. Family members who have suffered the unexpected loss of a loved one in a car accident may suffer a host of different damages including emotional and financial damages.
Car accidents can present a significant disruption for victims and the harm victims and their families suffer may last a lifetime. As a result, it is important that victims are familiar with the options available to them to help them with their recovery and hold negligent parties responsible for the harm they cause in car accidents.
