Monday, February 4, 2013

Top 5 US Cities Where You're Most Likely to Have An Auto Accident

Most people are unaware of the alarming number of car accidents that take place each year. While the rates of fatalities from car accidents have dropped over the last five years, the Department of Highway and Safety still reports that an estimated 34,500 people died in accidents during the last year. It is the largest single event that causes death in the United States.
The Center for Disease Control has also released figures showing that of the 34,500 deaths, 22 percent of them happen to people who are between the ages of 15 and 22. This is the highest percentage of any age bracket in the study. Any auto accident attorney is likely to point out that these statistics did not include the number of people that are injured in car accidents each year. This figure exceeds the one million mark, with some statistics showing the number closer to two million.

Staying safe while driving consists of obeying traffic laws, keeping a watchful eye on other drivers or other interferences, and knowing where dangerous driving areas are located.

The Top Five Cities for Car Accidents
To determine the most dangerous cities for car accidents, the study looked at the number of total accidents and the number of fatal accidents in an area. Those with high fatality rates were considered the most dangerous. The following cities made the top five list.

1. Orlando, Florida. Orlando, the Central Florida hot-spot is considered the most dangerous city to drive in the country. With a fatality rate occurring in one in every five accidents, it is safe to say that visitors to the area need to stay very aware of the roads.
2. Memphis, Tennessee. Memphis came in at a close second with one in every six accidents ending up in a fatality.
3. Miami, Florida. The second Florida city to make the list, Miami has a one in seven fatality rate when it comes to car accidents.
4. Glendale, Arizona. This western town nearly tied with Miami with a one in 7.2 fatality rate for auto accidents.
5. Las Vegas, Nevada. Las Vegas is in fifth place with one in ten accidents resulting in a fatality.

What You Should Do If You Have Been Injured In An Accident
If you have been injured, or your family member has lost their life in a car accident, then you are entitled to specific compensation for your loss. It is recommended that you seek the professional assistance of a personal injury attorney who is experienced in handling car accident cases. An attorney can determine, based on your specific state laws, what compensation you are entitled to for your injuries and suffering. In the event that a family member lost their life, the attorney may also recommend that you seek compensation under a wrongful death lawsuit.

While you cannot always be prepared for the actions of others on the road, the best way to remain safe when you are driving is to always follow the rules of the road. Obey the speed limit, and make sure you are familiar with passing laws. Keep a watchful eye on your surroundings, and if you are tired, pull off the road until you are rested. It is a very good thing that fatality rates have been dropping over the last several years. However it would be even greater if they could disappear completely. 


Georgina Clatworthy writes informative legal articles and was formerly editor for a respected U.S law blog. Price Benowitz LLP provides legal representation to those needing an auto accident attorney in the state of Virginia. Hiring a lawyer will mean you have someone working to not only secure the appropriate amount of compensation for your injuries, but also to protect your rights and interests throughout the claims process.

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