Chicago Car Accident Lawyer Blog

Our Chicago accident attorneys want to remind drivers to drive with caution. According to a recent report by the National Safety Council, Illinois is one state where motor vehicle deaths have increased in 2010 even though the nation as a whole has reported a 4% decrease in deaths.

The National Safety Council reported 31,740 motor vehicle deaths for the months of January – November 2010, a decrease from the previous year, which reported 33,180 traffic fatalities. The last three years have reported a 13% decrease in motor vehicle deaths, according to the NSC.

Considering the fact that passenger vehicle registrations continue to rise each year, that is a considerable accomplishment. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported an increase in vehicle registrations, from 200,012,521 in 1999 to 239,890,985 in 2008. During the same 10-year span, the fatality rate per 100,000 vehicle registrations decreased from 16.06 in 1999 to 10.57 in 2008.

Illinois reported 861 motor vehicle deaths from January – November 2010. This is a 2% increase from the previous year recorded at 847 for the first 11 months. Though the number increased this year, there is still an 8% decrease for the last three years.

The NSC is now measuring nonfatal injuries by medically consulted injuries rather than a disabling injury. Meaning any injury requiring medical attention is considered a nonfatal injury. There were a total of 3,100,000 medically consulted injuries from motor vehicle crashes during the first 11 months of 2010.

The real concern to Illinois drivers is the economic repercussions of a motor vehicle accident. The NSC reported $216.5 billion as the estimated cost of motor vehicle deaths, injuries, and property damage during the first 11 months of 2010. This is a 12% increase over 2009. Though this covers everything from medical expenses to lost wages to administrative costs, it is overwhelming to most in a struggling economy. Chicago motorists should seek help if they find themselves in the midst of an accident claim in order to protect their current and future financial well-being.