Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers | June 12, 2025 | Personal Injury
When someone gets hurt because of another person’s carelessness or wrongdoing, they may have the right to file a personal injury claim. These claims help victims recover money for medical bills, lost wages, and their pain and anguish. But what kind of accident leads to the most personal injury claims in the United States?
The answer: motor vehicle accidents.
Why Motor Vehicle Accidents Are the Most Common Claim
Car crashes, truck accidents, motorcycle collisions, and pedestrian accidents all fall under the category of motor vehicle accidents. Together, they account for the majority of personal injury claims in the U.S.
In 2022 alone, more than 2.6 million people visited emergency departments in the U.S. for traffic accident-related injuries. Motor vehicle collisions killed close to 44,000 people that year, or over 120 people per day.
What Causes Most Car Accidents?
While every crash is different, certain factors show up again and again. Common causes of motor vehicle accidents include:
- Distracted driving, like texting, eating, or using GPS
- Speeding, which reduces reaction time and increases impact
- Drunk driving
- Aggressive or reckless driving
- Weather conditions, including rain, snow, or fog
- Poor road conditions
- Vehicle defects, such as brake failure or tire blowouts
In many cases, one or more drivers acted carelessly or ignored traffic laws. When someone’s negligent behavior causes a crash, they can be held liable for the damages.
Common Injuries Sustained in Car Crashes
Anyone involved in a crash can suffer serious injuries. This includes drivers, passengers, cyclists, pedestrians, and motorcyclists. Some of the most common injuries in car accidents include:
- Whiplash
- Broken bones
- Head injuries, including concussions and other traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Back injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Soft tissue injuries like cuts, bruises, and sprains
Traffic accidents are responsible for almost 38% of spinal cord injuries, and they’re the number one cause of traumatic brain injuries in people under 75 years old. Millions of Americans are living with disability and long-term consequences from injuries sustained in a crash.
Can You File a Personal Injury Claim After a Car Accident?
If the other driver, or another party like the manufacturer of a defective tire, was at fault for the accident, you may be entitled to recover money through a personal injury claim. You can seek compensation for your financial and non-economic losses, including medical bills, future treatment, lost earnings, property damage, pain, mental anguish, and more.
A personal injury attorney can help you gather evidence, deal with the insurance company, and fight for a fair settlement.
Be aware, though, that in Ohio, you have just two years to file a personal injury lawsuit after your accident. Missing the deadline could mean losing your right to recover any compensation.
Slip and Falls: The Second-Most Common Injury Claim
After motor vehicle accidents, slip and fall accidents are the second-most common type of personal injury claim. Wet floors, icy sidewalks, poor lighting, and uneven surfaces are frequent culprits.
According to the CDC, there are close to nine million fall-related ER visits every year. This includes intentional jumps, falls from heights, and slip and falls. Older adults are at the highest risk of serious injury in a fall, with three million ER visits per year due to senior falls. About 32,000 seniors die from a fall every year.
Slip and fall accidents cause more ER visits than motor vehicle accidents, and a similar number of deaths. When a fall happens on someone else’s property due to dangerous conditions, victims may have a premises liability claim against the property owner. However, many slip and falls are not related to negligence, unlike car crashes.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer For Help
While car accidents and slip and falls are the most common personal injury claims, any injury involving negligence or intentional misconduct can give rise to a claim. This includes everything from defective products and medical malpractice to dog bites and assault.
If you think someone else’s actions contributed to your injury, an attorney can help you understand if you have a case and explore your options. Reach out to Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers today to learn more.
For more information, contact the Mansfield personal injury law firm of Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation.
We have five convenient locations in Ohio: Sandusky, Mansfield, Port Clinton, Vermilion, Norwalk, and Huron.
Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers – Sandusky
502 W Washington St,
Sandusky, OH 44870
(419) 625-7770
Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers– Mansfield
6 W 3rd St Suite 200 B,
Mansfield, OH 44902
(419) 910-2605
Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers – Port Clinton
132 Madison St,
Port Clinton, OH 43452
(419) 871-3995
Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers – Vermilion
1513 State Rd,
Vermilion, OH 44089
(440) 967-6136
Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers – Norwalk
13 Whittlesey Ave,
Norwalk, OH 44857
(419) 863-5922
Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers – Huron
202 Cleveland Rd W unit 1
Huron, OH 44839
(419) 827-5884