CDC Pins Down Cost of South Carolina Car Accident Deaths

The latest CDC research shows that half of all costs associated with fatal car accidents originate from just 10 states in the U.S. Tennessee beat out South Carolina for the No.10 spot, but not by much, as the overall costs were $1.15 billion and $1.01 billion, respectively. Nationally, 30,000 people are killed every year, resulting in $41 billion in medical costs and loss in wages combined. These fatal collisions are the No. 1 cause of death for people ages 5-34 in the US and are one of the leading causes among all other age groups. South Carolina Fatal Car Accident Statistics As noted earlier, South Carolina's total costs are $1.01 billion annually. Of that amount, $8 million is a result of medical costs and an additional $997 million is attributed to work loss. Young adults, ages 20-34 account for $457 million, or 45 percent the total costs. They are followed by adults, ages 35-64 at 33 percent, and teens, ages 15-19 at 15 percent of the total costs. Of the identified type of road users, vehicle occupants accounted for the lion's share at 28 percent. This is followed by pedestrians, at 9 percent and motorcyclists, at 8 percent. Prevention Each year, more than a thousand fatalities occur on South Carolina's roadways, in preventable collisions. The CDC mentions two ways the state can reduce the number of fatalities and therefore, the costs associated with them.

1. Impose Stronger Child Safety Seat Laws- South Carolina's booster seat rules cease when a child reaches age six. However, even children of age may not be the proper height and weight to use a standard seat belt safely without a booster.
2. Create a Universal Helmet Law- Present guidelines state that only bikers ages 20 and under must wear a helmet. Requiring riders of all ages to wear helmets will reduce the number of head injuries.

Driver awareness should also be a main priority, to avoid these types of collisions. Distracted driving, as well as reckless behavior, and operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs and alcohol are some of the leading causes of wrecks. Studies show that although people are aware these behaviors are dangerous, they often miscalculate how risky it is while actually doing it. The Total Cost These amounts only account for part of the total costs. They include medical costs, such as hospital stays and ER trips. They also include work loss, which is the total value of salary, benefits and household tasks. They don't include funeral expenses or noneconomic amounts, such as family, friends and others in the community, who surely feel the impact from these avoidable fatalities.

Charleston Car Accident Attorney

If your loved one has been killed in one of South Carolina's collisions, you may be entitled to compensation. Assistance with medical bills that were incurred before their passing, as well as funeral expenses and noneconomic damages are often awarded to surviving family members. Our online form is available for you to tell us about your case, or you can speak to one of our attorneys by calling 1(800)610-2546.