Missouri Auto Accident Statistics

While many people take to the road each day, they may not think of the potential dangers that they face each time they get behind the wheel. Each year, there is an increasing number of vehicles throughout the nation, which means an increased risk of potential collisions between vehicles. In Missouri, the statistics regarding the number of crashes and their severity are alarming.

According to statistics from the Missouri State Highway Patrol Statistical Analysis Center, 2014 saw 766 total fatal vehicle collisions. In 2015, this number increased to 870. As of this date this year, the number has surpassed 500 and is on pace to beat 2015’s total numbers. The number of fatalities is serious to consider, but just as critical is the number of individuals injured as a result of collisions. In 2014, this number reached nearly 48,000 total in the state.

This is a serious cause for concern for drivers in Missouri. However, understanding what causes these types of collisions is also important in the fight to help prevent them.

Common Causes of Collisions

Data from the MSHP SAC shows that 22,474 collisions in 2014 involved individuals who were speeding. Another 5,976 involved drinking and driving. The numbers were split between age groups, with older drivers accounting for 42,747 total collisions and younger drivers accounting for 32,673 collisions. Finally, 12,082 crashes involved commercial vehicles and another 2,253 collisions involved motorcycles.

The Consequences of Auto Collisions

Any kind of collision can cause the victim to endure financial hardships, but there are also many physical hardships that the victim may endure as a result of the crash. Auto accidents may lead to injuries like lacerations, amputations, serious concussions and other traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, damage to internal organs, and more. These injuries can result from a number of factors including whiplash, body parts hitting the vehicle frame, broken and shattered glass, airbags, and more.

When this happens, and someone else is at fault for the collision, the negligent party should be held financially accountable for the damages the victim sustains. It is this type of situation that calls for a skilled lawyer to stand by the side of the injured party to navigate the complex legal system.

At Peterson & Associates, P.C., our Kansas City auto accident lawyers are determined to hold negligent parties accountable on behalf of injury victims. We aim to seek the compensation our clients need to move forward from this difficult situation. From start to finish, we stand by our clients’ sides and see to it that they fully understand their rights after sustaining a serious injury.

Need to discuss a potential lawsuit? Call our firm today to get started.