Putting "Personal" back into Personal Injury

An accident that might only happen in seconds can have life-long effects. The financial and emotional stress takes it's toll on not just the injured but also that person's family. And, unfortunately, there are many who are placed in these situations. According to an article by the New York Times in February 2017, automobile accidents had risen 5% while fatalities due to motor vehicle accidents have increased by 25%. One theory is, while cars have gotten safer overall, speed and distracted driving are still major factors as to why motor vehicle accidents have become so common and so dangerous. In fact, when looking at the statistics of motor vehicle accidents assembled by the Department of Motor Vehicles in New York State, the statistics are eye-opening as to how common motor vehicles accidents are and their effects. For instance, a total of 299,452 crashes (including motor vehicle and motorcycle involved crashes) occurred in 2014. Of those nearly 300,000 accidents, around 105,000 involved some type of injury or fatality. What was the most common day and time these accidents occurred? Fridays from 3pm-6pm with approximately 11,000 crashes, 4,598 had some type of reported injury. What was the major reason for these accidents to happen? Driver inattention/Distraction (48,774) and Unsafe Speed (27,859). While these statistics are hard to accept, we understand that the people involved in motor vehicle accidents, including pedestrians and bicycles, are more than just numbers. They are parents, children, friends, neighbors, and co-workers/employees. Please drive safely and buckle up!