Car accidents happen, and only those aged 65 and older escaped an increase in the number of fatalities in 2020 (over the number in 2019). Car accident statistics by age demonstrate how car accidents play out in terms of age groups, and having a better understanding of this information can prove helpful. If you or your loved one has been injured in a car accident that was caused by another driver’s negligence, don’t put off reaching out to an experienced car accident lawyer in Texas for the professional legal counsel you need.
What’s In This Guide
Car Accident Statistics by Age
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports on car accident statistics by age for both 2019 and 2020. Consider the following:
- In 2019, 1,064 children under the age of 15 were killed in traffic accidents, and in 2020, 1,093 lost their lives, which represents an increase of 2.7 percent.
- In 2019, 5,848 people between the ages of 15 and 24 were killed in traffic accidents, and in 2020, 6,634 lost their lives, which represents an increase of 13 percent.
- In 2019, 6,596 people between the ages of 25 and 34 were killed in traffic accidents, and in 2020, 7,713 lost their lives, which represents an increase of 17 percent.
- In 2019, 5,154 people between the ages of 35 and 44 were killed in traffic accidents, and in 2020, 5,836 lost their lives, which represents an increase of 13 percent.
- In 2019, 4,990 people between the ages of 45 and 54 were killed in traffic accidents, and in 2020, 5,222 lost their lives, which represents an increase of 4.6 percent.
- In 2019, 5,385 people between the ages of 55 and 64 were killed in traffic accidents, and in 2020, 5,605 lost their lives, which represents an increase of 4.3 percent.
- In 2019, 7,261 people who were 65 or older were killed in traffic accidents, and in 2020, 6,549 lost their lives, which represents a decrease of 9.8 percent.
Generally, NHTSA found that there were fewer fatalities among those aged 9 and younger and among those aged 65 and older in 2020 (over 2019). The age group from 25 to 34 saw the most significant increase in the number of fatal accidents of all the age groups.
Additional age-related statistics shared by NHTSA include:
- For those drivers aged 15 to 24, there was a 6.7 percent increase in fatal crashes from 2011 to 2020.
- For those drivers aged 25 to 44, there was a 33 percent increase in fatal crashes from 2011 to 2020.
- For those drivers aged 45 to 64, there was a 15 percent increase in fatal crashes from 2011 to 2020.
- For those drivers over the age of 65, there was a 26 percent increase in fatal crashes from 2011 to 2020.
Again, those aged 25 to 64 saw the biggest jump in numbers.
[Learn More] Car Accident Statistics by State 2020 – Which States With The Most Car Accidents?
Proving the Other Driver’s Negligence
Proving the other driver’s negligence in your car accident claim is critical to your ability to obtain the compensation to which you are entitled. Fault is determined in accordance with the evidence, which can include all of the following:
- The police report
- Eyewitness testimony
- Accident recreations that incorporate the available evidence in support of your claim
- Expert testimony that speaks to the strength of your claim
Your dedicated car accident attorney will weave all the available evidence into a solid claim that supports a fair settlement that covers your full range of losses.
The Losses You Experience
If you’re injured by another driver’s negligence, the losses (or legal damages) you experience – in addition to property damage to your vehicle – are likely to be considerable and can be grouped in three basic classifications.
Medical Expenses
Even if your injuries are relatively minor, your medical bills can mount quickly, and if your injuries are serious, you can expect your medical costs to rise exponentially. If you suffer secondary health concerns or complications, the matter becomes that much more serious. Common medical expenses associated with car accidents include:
- Emergency care and transportation
- Hospitalization
- Surgical care
- Follow-up care
- Care and treatment from doctors and specialists
- Physical therapy and occupational therapy
- Chiropractic services and other forms of holistic medical care
- Pain management
- Rehabilitation
- Prescription medications
- Mobility aids and other adaptive physical devices
- Home health care
Lost Income
While you are receiving medical attention and endeavoring to regain your health and well-being, you are likely to be off the job and to experience a corresponding loss in earnings. This loss can be compounded if the accident leaves you unable to perform your job at the same level or interferes with your ability to continue advancing your career. If your earning potential is affected, you will be facing even more significant financial loss.
Your Pain and Suffering
Many accident victims fail to recognize exactly how daunting the physical and emotional pain and suffering they endure can be. The terror associated with being injured in a violent accident that was caused by someone else’s can be difficult to address and overcome and should not be ignored in your car accident claim.
Ensuring that your car accident claim effectively addresses each category of loss will play a pivotal role in your ability to fully recover on the physical, financial, and emotional losses you experience.
An Experienced Texas Car Accident Attorney Is Standing by to Help
If you have been injured in a car accident that was caused by another driver’s negligence, the path forward toward recovery can be long and challenging. The practiced Texas car accident attorneys at The Patel Firm understand the gravity of your situation and have the experience, legal insight, and drive to help guide your claim toward an advantageous resolution that addresses your full range of losses. Our seasoned legal team is here to help and on your side, so please do not hesitate to contact or call us at 361-400-2036 for more information today.
