A new AAA report shows that auto accidents cost U.S. motorists $160 billion a year. This includes costs to property damage, lost earnings, medical costs, emergency services, delays in travel, and legal fees. The report states works out to $1,051 per person, nearly double the losses from the common gripe of highway congestion, which costs $430 per person.

While the AAA report shows the average cost per person, it also shows residents of smaller cities face a larger burden of per-person costs. Accidents in the Little Rock-North Little Rock, Arkansas region cost $1.4 billion, or $2,258 per person, while New York City's region costs $18 billion, or $962 per person.

Because so many auto accidents happen a year, killing and injuring thousands of people, most do not consider them a major problem unless personally involved. However, AAA president, Robert L. Darbelnet, says, "It's time for motor vehicle crashes to be viewed as the public health threat they are." AAA is pushing lawmakers to make safety a higher priority in their transportation planning, as well as impose stiffer penalties on drunken and impaired driving. AAA also hopes more states pass seat belt laws to save more lives.

When you are involved in an auto accident, it will cost you something, even if it's only time out of your day. However, when you are involved in more serious accidents, those costs can turn into real financial strains. If you feel that you were involved in an auto accident where the other party's neglect was to blame, you have the right to compensation, especially if your injuries caused you to lose wages, or more. Please contact the Accident Lawyers Network to find an experienced lawyer in your area.