Authorities should do more to prevent injuries and deaths, says N.Y. personal injury attorney Steven J. Schwartzapfel.

New York, NY, June 26, 2009 -- More than 1.27 million people a year die worldwide in traffic accidents, underscoring the need for better enforcement of traffic safety laws, a New York attorney says.

"This needless loss of life is shocking," said New York attorney Steven J. Schwartzapfel, founding member of Schwartzapfel Truhowsky Marcus P.C., a personal injury law firm. "It really shows the need for adequate traffic safety laws and consistent enforcement of those laws. It can save lives."

The new report by the World Health Organization, the public health agency of the United Nations, notes that traffic accidents are the leading cause of death for people aged 10 to 24. They are the 10th leading cause of death in the world, after heart disease, lower respiratory infections, HIV/AIDS and other health conditions.

Nearly half of those who die in traffic accidents are pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists, the report says. In addition, as many as 50 million nonfatal traffic injuries occur each year, according to the report.

Traffic safety regulations aren't keeping pace with growth, particularly in emerging countries where development has put more cars on the road ahead of traffic safety laws. Many countries still do not have comprehensive laws to prevent drunken driving, require seat belt use and set safe speed limits in urban areas.

"The report certainly suggests that governments can do more to prevent injuries and deaths from road accidents," Schwartzapfel said. "Enforcement of traffic regulations is the key, especially in heavy urban areas such as New York City."

About Schwartzapfel Truhowsky Marcus P.C.

Schwartzapfel Truhowsky Marcus P.C. is a prominent and well-respected plaintiff personal injury and estate litigation firm in New York, with over 150 years of combined experience and highly competent co-counsel throughout the country.

The firm focuses on all types of personal injury litigation, including medical malpractice, wrongful death, defective products and drugs, construction accidents, workplace injuries, workers' compensation, Social Security disability, nursing home neglect and abuse, auto accidents, and complex highway design defect cases. In addition, the firm is experienced in trust and estate litigation, administration and planning.

For more information, contact the firm at (800) 866-4999 or through its Web site at http://www.fightingforyou.com/.

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