How Many Car Accidents Happen Annually?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that more than 35,000 fatal car accidents occurred on roadways across the United States in 2020. In 2022, approximately 31,000 people died in traffic crashes within the year’s first nine months. These statistics show how common collisions are on U.S. roadways.
Whether you’re a driver or a passenger, your chances of getting injured in a car accident increase with certain factors. With inattentive, impaired, or reckless drivers on the road, it seems more likely than not that you could get into a crash. A personal injury attorney in California talks more about your odds of being injured in an accident and what you could do to protect yourself.
What is the Probability of Getting into a Car Accident?
Your likelihood of getting into a collision and the extent of your injuries depends on various factors, such as the following:
- Whether you live in an urban or rural location
- The weather conditions
- Road conditions
- The time of day
- How many miles you travel in your car
- The type of vehicle you travel in, among other factors
Statistics show that approximately 77% of motorists in the U.S. have been involved in at least one accident in their lifetime. The average driver will file an insurance claim for a car accident once every 18 years. That means there is a chance of getting into a collision three to four times in a lifetime. Consult a skilled car accident attorney in Los Angeles for legal action after an accident.
What Causes Car Crashes?
The likelihood of avoiding a crash is often slim. However, the question arises about whether the driver is always a factor in causing car accidents. People often argue that a specific social group or class causes more accidents than others. The following factors contribute to the likelihood of a car crash:
- Older drivers: They tend to drive considerably less than other drivers. On a mile-by-mile basis, drivers over the age of 70 are often involved in non-injury and non-fatal accidents
- Teenage drivers: They are four times more likely to be injured in an accident than drivers over 20. Lack of experience, road aggression, and the need to explore put them in dangerous situations that increase their risk of being injured
- Men and women: Men drive more than women, hence are involved in more accidents. They tend to have a higher risk of being in fatal accidents than women.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a common factor in all accidents. Most drivers are guilty of the offenses, given the era of mobile phones and car entertainment systems contributing to distracted driving. Younger drivers are most likely to get into car crashes due to distracted driving, especially when driving with several friends in the car.
Drunk Driving
Drinking and driving continue to be the most significant cause of car accidents. The dire situation forms the focus of most national accident prevention programs. If you have been a drunk driving victim, contact a skilled car accident attorney in Los Angeles to help you file a claim. They can fight aggressively to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
Road Rage
Aggressive driving cases are more common today than they were in the past. Speeding and jumping traffic lights are some consequences of road rage associated with injury accidents. Speeding increases the risk of collisions and the risk of fatal injuries.
Speeding is a common problem in the United States, with some states more affected than others. If you’ve been injured in a car accident by a speeding driver, consult a skilled personal injury attorney in California and let them help you pursue legal action against the negligent driver.
What Increases the Likelihood of Being Injured in a Car Accident
Getting into an accident doesn’t always translate into injuries. However, certain factors pose a higher risk of sustaining injuries after a collision:
- Not using a seatbelt
- Driving while impaired
- Distracted driving
- Not obeying the speed limits
- Not properly buckling children in the back seat, car seat, booster seat, seat belt, or whichever is appropriate for their age
How Can I Avoid Being in a Car Accident?
If the statistics are anything to go by, the likelihood of being injured in a car accident is higher than you could imagine. While you can take measures to avoid getting into collisions, the truth is that you can’t control other drivers on the road. However, knowing what causes road accidents can help you reduce the odds of being injured in an accident.
Avoid being distracted when driving. If you have poor night vision, avoid driving at night. Consider reducing the miles you go if you can. If you get injured in an accident despite taking preventive measures, don’t suffer alone in silence. Reach out to a car accident attorney in California to help you pursue the necessary legal action.
Legal Guidance From a Reputable Personal Injury Attorney
Some types of car accidents are more likely to result in injuries and fatalities than others. Drunk driving, distracted driving, and speeding are some top reasons for car accidents that cause injuries.
Regardless of the cause of your accident, you deserve compensation if you sustain injuries due to the actions of a reckless driver. Let a personal injury lawyer in Los Angeles help you pursue compensation.
Our law firm provides legal counsel and representation for car accident victims. We understand how devastating it can be to suffer for the actions of a negligent driver. Our personal injury lawyers in Los Angeles want you to focus on healing as we fight your legal battle. Call KRA Legal PC at 310-774-4260 to speak with an experienced legal counsel.