Cost of a fatal auto accident in New York soars over $6 million
Fatal auto accidents happen far too often in the Buffalo, N.Y. area. Just recently, a 24-year-old Colden, N.Y., resident was killed in a one-car accident. According to WKBW Eyewitness News 7, the victim was pronounced dead at the scene and appeared to be ejected from the vehicle, in which he was a passenger at the time of the early-morning auto accident.
Statistically, like most of America, the number of auto accident fatalities in New York State has declined steadily since 1990. That year, there were 2,217 traffic fatalities in New York State; in 2000, there were 1,460 deaths; in 2005, a total of 1,434 deaths; in 2009, there were 1,156 deaths statewide. But while the number of fatalities has decreased by 47.8 percent during a 19-year period, the financial impact of a fatal motor vehicle accident has soared higher nationwide in recent years. In 2009, the cost of a single motor vehicle fatality exceeded $6 million nationwide, according to federal accident data analyzed by AAA. That figure is 85 percent – or $2.76 million – higher compared to 2005, when the estimated cost of a single motor vehicle fatality was $3.24 million.
And here’s another figure to consider from the same study conducted by AAA. The overall cost of fatal auto accidents each year nationwide is $299.5 billion. That’s equal to $1,522 per person each year, according to the study. How did the study come up with such figures? The report used Federal Highway Administration data and assigned a monetary value to a variety of components, including medical and emergency services, lost earnings, property damage and diminished quality of life.
Fatal auto accidents in New York State happen fast. If your family has lost a loved one due to another driver’s irresponsible behavior, don’t give up hope. Contact a New York auto accident attorney who puts people first. Contact the Law Offices of James Morris.