For the third year in a row, the total number of injuries due to an auto accident in Delaware has increased. According to recent data compiled by the Delaware State Police, over 8,500 people were injured in car, truck, pedestrian and bike accidents in Delaware last year (2016). See Delaware Annual Traffic Statistical Report 2016 (released on May 25, 2017).
Total Number of People Injured in Car Accidents in Delaware (2014-2016)
The data from the last three years clearly shows a marked increase in the total number of people who sustain injuries in traffic accidents. Between 2014 and 2016, there was about a 15% increase. An additional thousand people were injured in auto accidents in 2016 compared to 2014. That’s 3 people per day.
Despite the increase in the number of traffic accident injuries in Delaware, there is some good news. The number of traffic accident deaths decreased by about 10% from 2015. Here’s a look at the data from 2014-2016:
Auto Accident Deaths in Delaware (2014-2016)
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2014 – 125
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2015 – 133
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2016 – 120
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Average – 126
Auto Accident Injuries – Getting Financial Compensation When Another Driver Caused the Accident
Victims of car accidents in Delaware have legal rights to receive fair and reasonable financial compensation from an at-fault driver. Compensation may be obtained by initiating an insurance claim with the auto insurance company of the at-fault driver. A civil lawsuit may be necessary if the insurance company does not make a reasonable offer to settle the auto injury claim.
Whether it’s through a pre or post-lawsuit settlement or a jury verdict, an individual injured in an auto accident may receive compensation for their financial losses such as medical bills or lost wages that weren’t paid through PIP (Personal Injury Protection), as well as any out of pocket expenses. An injured individual may also be compensated for pain and suffering. While the amount of economic losses can be calculated easily via receipts, bills, paystubs, etc., pain and suffering cannot be calculated so easily. Awards for pain and suffering depend on the following factors:
- the extent of the physical injuries and medical treatment,
- whether the individual suffered temporary or permanent disability, and
- how the injuries affected the individual’s ability to enjoy life.
A Note About Out of State Residents (PA, VA or MD)
Delaware beaches attract thousands of out of state visitors each year. Many residents of Pennsylvania, Virginia and Maryland vacation in Sussex County, staying in Lewes, Rehoboth, Dewey and Bethany. For some, a vacation in Delaware will result in a serious car, pedestrian or bicycle accident. After all, traffic accidents are common in Sussex County, Delaware. In fact, last year (2016), there were about 5,700 traffic crashes in Sussex County. By way of comparison, there were 4,040 total traffic crashes in Kent County and over 16,600 in New Castle County. Out of the 5,700 vehicle crashes in Sussex County, 1,079 crashes resulted in injuries and 34 resulted in a fatality.
Injured in a Car Accident in Delaware? Call Our Auto Injury Law Firm (Offices in Wilmington, Dover & Newark)
Our car accident lawyers have been handling car, truck and pedestrian accident cases for over 30 years. Contact us for a free consultation. (302) 658-1717
*Disclaimer: This website page does not provide any legal advice or create any attorney-client relationship. Every case is unique and you should not take any action or make decisions in your case without speaking to a qualified car and truck accident lawyer in Delaware. Any discussion of results is no guarantee of the same or similar results in current or future cases.
*Use of the contact form on this website or emailing one of our lawyers does not create any attorney-client relationship. In addition, confidential information should not be sent through the contact form.
