Accidental injuries can result in severe physical, emotional, and financial hardship. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 97.9 million people visited emergency rooms for unintentional injuries in 2019 alone, and 173,040 people died as a result of their accidents. Some of the leading causes of accidental injuries include falls, poisoning, drowning, and vehicle collisions.
Motor Vehicle Collisions
Every day, motor vehicle accidents cause severe, sometimes life-threatening injuries, including broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, organ damage, and burn injuries. According to the CDC, 37,595 people died in motor vehicle collisions during 2019.
Many factors can lead to motor vehicle accidents, from poor weather to dangerous road hazards like potholes or loose gravel. In many cases, driver negligence is responsible for the collision. Examples of driver negligence include the following.
Speeding
Running red lights or stop signs
Making unsafe lane changes
Driving while distracted
Fatigued driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Reckless or aggressive driving
Failure to yield the right of way
Slip and Fall Accidents
In 2019, 39,443 people died from accidental falls, according to CDC data. Elderly people are especially susceptible to fall injuries, which can lead to broken bones, brain damage, and spinal cord injury. Many slip and fall accident victims require corrective surgery and physical therapy to recover from their injuries.
Falls are often preventable, but some property owners fail to maintain safe premises. These owners can leave clutter, spills, and other hazardous conditions around the property, making it easy for someone to slip and fall. In some cases, property owners allow their premises to fall into disrepair, leading to broken stairs, cracked pavement, and other hazards that put residents and visitors at risk.
Drowning
Accidental drowning is unfortunately common, especially among young children. In fact, more children between the ages of one to four die from drowning than any other cause except for birth defects. Every year in the United States, an estimated 3,960 fatal unintentional drownings and 8,080 nonfatal drownings occur.
A drowning accident can occur anywhere, including pools, beaches, bathtubs, and sinks. People who survive drowning can develop permanent brain damage and severe disabilities, impacting day-to-day activities.
Poisoning
Poisoning deaths are all too common in the United States. In 2019, 65,773 people died from unintentional poisoning, according to the CDC. Those who survive poisoning injuries can develop complications such as organ damage, brain injury, and respiratory problems.
Household products, carbon monoxide, lead, methane, and many other toxic substances can lead to accidental poisoning injuries and fatalities. Prescription drugs, including opioids, can result in dangerous overdoses.
Speak to a Georgia Personal Injury Lawyer
An unexpected accident can have a major impact on your life. If you believe that someone else’s actions are responsible for your injuries, you have the right to pursue an insurance claim or lawsuit against him or her. In these situations, it is important to speak with a Georgia personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
A personal injury lawyer in Augusta can represent your claim and help you hold the at-fault party accountable for your losses. After receiving medical attention for your accidental injuries, contact an attorney as soon as possible to discuss your legal options.
