Fatal car accidents cost South Carolina a staggering amount each year

February 08, 2013 (Press-News.org) In the average year, more than one thousand South Carolinians lose their lives in preventable motor vehicle accidents. According to government data, motor vehicle crashes are the number one killer of Americans age 5 to 34, and are one of the top ten causes of death for all age groups.

The human toll of fatal car accidents is truly devastating -- nothing can replace the loss of a loved one. Yet, there are also substantial financial costs for those left behind when a family member loses his or her life in a car crash.

Loss of future earnings most significant monetary cost of crash-related deaths

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the total annual crash-related death costs in South Carolina top $1.01 billion.

Where do these substantial costs come from? A small portion of the costs -- $8 million, less than one percent -- come from medical expenses generated when motor vehicle accident victims receive treatment before ultimately slipping away. However, the lion's share of South Carolina's fatal motor vehicle costs -- $997 million a year -- are work loss costs. Work loss costs include the estimated salary, benefits and value of household work that an individual killed in a motor vehicle crash would have earned over the remainder of his or her life, had the accident not occurred.

One reason work loss costs are so high for fatal motor vehicle accidents is that crash deaths disproportionately affect younger adults. Not only are younger adults involved in more car crashes than older Americans, they also have the potential to work for more years; a greater amount of future earnings is at stake when a young worker is killed. According to the CDC, those age 20 to 34 alone account for almost half of total crash-related death costs, far outpacing any other age group.

Wrongful death proceeds can help South Carolina families cope with loss

Even spread out among the hundreds of South Carolina families who have lost a loved one, crash-related death costs are often oppressive. When you're grieving, it may be especially difficult to address looming financial concerns.

Fortunately, there may be compensation available to help you through your time of need. If another motorist was at fault for causing the death of your loved one, you may be able to hold them and/or their insurer responsible for both medical expenses and the loss of future earnings. In addition, a wrongful death action can help you recoup reasonable funeral expenses.

If you've lost a loved one in a car accident, speak to an attorney today. Your attorney will be able to help you negotiate the best settlement possible, and if necessary, will take your case to trial in order to pursue the full and fair compensation you deserve.

Article provided by Stampfle Law Firm
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