Fewer Chicago car accidents last year but Illinois among states to post increase in traffic fatalities

The National Safety Council reports Illinois was one of a number of states to see an increase in the number of fatal accidents last year, in a year where the numbers continued to trend downward.

Our Chicago accident attorneys reported recently on our Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog that 129 fatal car accidents had occurred within the city at the start of the New Year weekend, compared to 141 during the same period a year ago. But the 916 fatalities reported statewide had surpassed the 911 reported during all of 2009.2009 reported the fewest number of fatal Illinois traffic accidents in nearly a century of reporting.

The NSC reported 861 fatal accidents in Illinois through the end of November, compared to 847 during the same period in 2009 and 934 in the same period of 2008.

However, the Chicago-based safety organization reports the overall number of nationwide traffic fatalities decreased by 4 percent during the first 11 months of last year, from 33,180 in 2009 to 31,740 in 2010.

We have reported that the downward trending fatality statistics are likely to begin increasing again with the economic recovery. Fewer people working and fewer people traveling has been largely responsible for fewer fatal accidents since the start of the Great Recession.

Besides Illinois, other states that saw an increase in fatalities through November included Alabama, Connecticut, Hawaii, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Michigan, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Tennessee, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

Nationwide, more than 3.1 million people were seriously injured in traffic accidents through the first 11 months of last year. The estimated cost of accidents, including deaths and injuries, was $216.5 billion — a 12 percent increase over 2009.

If you need to speak to a personal injury lawyer or wrongful death attorney in the Chicago area, Abels & Annes offers free and confidential appointments to discuss your rights. Call (866) 99-ABELS. There is no fee unless you win.

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