When someone is killed in an auto accident, the survivors are often in a fix. They have to spend large amounts of money toward medical expenses and at the same time, they lose money from wages that the victim would earn. A combination of these two can cause many families to fall into financial trouble, even as they mourn the loss of their loved one.
The cost of auto accident fatalities in Michigan
According to a study conducted by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, almost 1,000 people lost their lives in traffic-related accidents on Michigan roads. They study estimates that the total monetary loss arising from these deaths is as much as $1.44 billion. Out of this, the CDC estimates, $12 million was spent on medical treatment prior to death and $1.35 was the loss of work.
Looking deeper into the data, one finds that adults and young adults, which is the population that works and earns were a combined 84% of total fatalities in the state. To break in down:
- 39% of fatalities were adults and the loss incurred was $514 million
- 45% of fatalities were young adults and the loss incurred was $579 million
The study goes on to suggest ways in which states can prevent such losses. For example, states can bring about changes to the law or conduct more driving rules enforcement drives.
Compensation for losses suffered due to an accident
As can be seen from this study, the amount of monetary losses that auto accidents can cause is a huge number. This is the reason that victims and families, irrespective of whether can accident is fatal or non-fatal, should seek out options to obtain the compensation that they deserve. After all, hospitalization, followed by rehabilitation and the eventual return to work can be a long road and any assistance along the way can prove to be a blessing.