If someone is injured in a car accident, all medical bills and wages (to a limited amount) are typically paid by the No-fault insurance company up to $50,000. The accident victim merely needs to file a No-fault application within thirty (30) days of the accident. The No-fault insurance company is typically the insurance for the car the victim was seated in at the time of the accident.

In addition, an injured victim may also sue the negligent driver and owner of the car which caused the accident. Such a case may be worth a substantial amount of money. There is an important requirement here that is unique to automobile cases. The injured victim can only sue if he/she has sustained a “serious injury”. The law involving a “serious injury” is extremely complex. Generally, a fracture, even a minor one, qualifies. A soft tissue injury (“whiplash”) generally is not sufficiently “serious” unless the victim is out of work for ninety (90) days. There are many exceptions to this. Call us for free advice – 1-800-NOW HURT – if you have a question.

Car Accident Statistics

• Studies involving live humans have demonstrated that a motor vehicle accident of as little as 5 mph can cause a serious cervical (neck) injury.

• Symptoms arising from injuries sustained in motor vehicle accidents were once thought to present immediately following the accident.  However, research and clinic experience now demonstrate that a delay of symptom onset seems to be the norm. Also, delay of symptom onset does not eliminate the possibility of severe injury.

• According to the National Safety Council (NSA), there are more than 6 million motor vehicle accidents annually including more than 12 million vehicles. Of these nonfatal accidents approximately 2 million are disabling injuries including approximately 1 million work-related auto disabling injuries.

• The US Department of Transportation estimates that the typical driver will have a near automobile accident one to two times per month and all will be in a collision of some type on average of every 6 years.

• Every 12 minutes, one person dies because of a car accident. Every 14 seconds, a car accident results in an injured victim.

• For those in the age group of 1 to 30 years, the leading cause of death is due to being involved in a car accident.  People, who are between 15 to 24 years, and those who are above 75 years of age, are the people who are most severely affected by car accidents.

• Approximately 40% of all car accidents are alcohol related.