In Tennessee, car accidents can affect people of any age, race, or background. However, some groups are more likely to be involved in a car accident. Although White people comprise a much higher percentage of the population than African Americans, Hispanics, or any other race, research shows that White people are not always the ones who suffer most from car accidents. Car accident victims are statistically more often young children or senior citizens. Additionally, car accident victims are usually properly restrained by seat belts or car seats.
Fatal Accidents Involving DUI
For all age groups that are killed in car accidents in which the other driver was operating under the influence, the offending drivers are statistically more often of Hispanic or American Indian nationality. NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis reports that 53 percent of American Indian drivers and 40 percent of Hispanic drivers who were driving under the influence caused one or more fatalities. Males are almost twice as likely as females to cause accidents from driving under the influence.
Age of People Killed in Auto Accidents
Children under age 5 and seniors over age 74 are killed and injured in car accidents more than any other age group, according to data provided by the NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis. These numbers include the amount of children and seniors who are killed while out on their bicycles or walking down the sidewalk, who are riding in motor vehicles as a passenger, and who are driving their own vehicles (in the case of seniors).
Adults Killed in Car Accidents
Research conducted by NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis shows that African American and White adults are killed in more car accidents than any other race. The offending drivers are statistically more likely to be Hispanic, American Indian, or White than any other race.
Children Killed in Car Accidents
According to the NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis, 52 percent of children who are killed in fatal car accidents are African-American while only 42 percent are White. The majority of infants and toddlers who die in car accidents are secured in car seats. Although the rate of children’s death due to car crashes has decreased over the past few decades since child safety seat laws became stricter, an alarming number of infants and toddlers die even when their parents have taken all of the proper precautions. A child can be in the proper seat, away from any potentially dangerous airbags, and still be seriously injured or die as the result of an accident.
Pedestrians and Cyclists
Pedestrians in Tennessee are at a high risk of being struck by a vehicle, as are people riding bicycles. NHTSA data show that 40 percent of pedestrians and cyclists who died from being struck by cars were Hispanic adults between the ages of 25 and 44. Thirty-one percent of pedestrians and bicycle riders who died from being hit by a car were African American, while 27 percent were white.
If you or a loved one has the been the victim of an auto accident, our lawyers are available to consult with you free of charge about obtaining proper compensation and securing justice on your behalf. Contact us today to be informed of your legal options, let us help with your insurance claims, and get your medical bills compensated.
