Last updated on March 27th, 2026 at 01:15 pm
In October of this year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a report detailing the widespread impact of motor vehicle crashes, including alarming statistics detailing the true costs of a vehicle collision.
At Hardy Wolf Downing, we are dedicated to advocating on behalf of injured patients, even when the insurance companies are refusing to cooperate. If you were recently injured in a motor vehicle collision and would like to discuss your options moving forward, our Maine car accident lawyers can help you present a strong, comprehensive case for damages.
As the CDC’s report reveals, the costs of motor vehicle accidents are on the rise, and the impact of these tragedies can be felt by family, friends and the community alike.
Recent statistics of motor vehicle crashes in the United States
In 2012, a staggering 2.5 million people visited an emergency department following a motor vehicle crash – 200,000 of which were ultimately hospitalized. According to the CDC, this figure amounts to about 7,000 new car accident admittees per day, resulting in the following:
- Average crash-related emergency room visit costs of $3,300 per patient for an outpatient visit
- Seventy-five percent of all crash-related expenses occur within the first 18 months following the incident
- The highest risk group, young drivers 15-29 years old, accounted for nearly 1 million injuries in 2012
- At the other end of the spectrum, one-third of all octogenarians involved in a motor vehicle crash required hospitalization, the highest rate of any age group.
The CDC also revealed that for every one person tragically killed in a motor vehicle accident, eight people required inpatient hospitalization, and another 100 people required outpatient emergency department treatment. The total lifetime cost for all this accident-related medical care? An estimated $18 billion, including costs associated with lifelong therapy, rehabilitation or skilled nursing assistance.
The one bright spot
Despite the apparently overwhelming nature of the CDC’s latest reports, the statistics show that motor vehicle crashes and injuries are actually on the decline. More specifically, the report shows a drop in emergency department visits by almost 400,000 patients since 2002. Moreover, 2012 saw 5,700 fewer hospitalizations and $1.7 billion in “avoided lifetime medical costs.”
This reduction in motor vehicle injuries is most common attributed to:
- Increased seat belt usage
- Enhanced child safety measures for children under eight years of age
- Improved teen driver education
- Aggressive anti-drunk driving measures
How car accident lawyers can help you recover
Recovering from a motor vehicle crash takes time, energy and, of course, money. As medical bills mount and work hours decrease, crash victims can begin to feel hopeless and unable to meet the influx of financial responsibilities – which can often feel like a second high-impact collision. By working with one of Maine’s top personal injury lawyers following your motor vehicle crash, you can rest assured that your case will be handled with skill and care. Our attorneys will help devise a litigation plan designed to maximize recovery and compensate you for your pain and suffering, lost wages, medical expenses or the wrongful death of a loved one.
Contact a Maine crash injury attorney today
For help with your recent motor vehicle accident case, please give Hardy Wolf and Downing a call at 1-800-992-7333. Our legal team will outline the details of filing a personal injury lawsuit in Maine during your free consultation.
