As personal injury attorneys, we often approach car accident injuries from the perspective of the client.  In these times, when many are struggling to stay afloat, we ask: what is the financial impact of auto accidents on the U.S. economy?

With millions of car accidents each year, could our fragile economy get worse with each error a driver makes?

Car accidents directly affect the U.S. economy.

The American Public Health Association (APHA) released a report, “The Hidden Health Costs of Transportation”, to determine how much money our nation’s current transportation system drains for our economy.  The primary money pit in the U.S. transportation system was car accidents.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that 33,963 people died in fatal car accidents in 2009, and the American Automobile Association estimates that the ensuing costs reach $164.2 billion a year.  These auto accident costs come in the form of health-care and legal costs, as well as lost wages, travel delay, and property damage.  Three of these things — medical bills, lost earnings and property damage — all affect our clients economically as well.

The APHA report also talked about ways to limit the economic impact of car accidents by calling on elected officials to make the necessary changes.  It recommends increasing sustainable transportation options; providing more access to safe sidewalks, streets and playgrounds; and improving public health by introducing walking, bicycling and transit use in convenient and cost-effective ways.

“Our country depends on a robust transportation system that facilitates easy, safe commutes and promotes physical activity in order to reduce the burden of death and disease and improve health outcomes of all communities,” said Georges C. Benjamin, executive director of the American Public Health Association.  “Millions of Americans are counting on elected officials to support meaningful [laws] that would make the country’s transportation system more efficient in areas of the country that need it the most.”

Founded in 1872, the American Public Health Association is the oldest, largest and most diverse organization of public health officials in the world.  Its mission is to protect all Americans and their communities from preventable and serious health threats.  For more information, check out the APHA website.

Our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means you owe nothing until we recover money on your behalf — thus freeing you up to seek legal representation right away.

If you’ve been injured in a car crash and suffered economic or emotional damages as a result, call our bilingual law office at 1-858-551-2090 for a FREE Consultation with a San Diego personal injury attorney anytime day or night.  You may also click here to submit your case for a FREE Online Review.