Motor vehicle accidents are the third-leading cause of death and disability in the US, a shocking statistic considering the numerous public awareness campaigns, legal initiatives, and other safety efforts to minimize the impact of crashes. The risks are also significant at the state level, as the California Highway Patrol (CHP) reports that there are almost 200,000 collisions every year that cause a fatality or injury to at least one person. On average, up to 4,000 people die and another 194,000 are hurt in these incidents, leading to devastating losses for victims and their families.
If you were hurt or lost a loved one in a crash, it is reassuring to know that you may qualify to seek legal relief under California law. You may be able to pursue the at-fault party for compensation, either through an insurance claim or by filing a lawsuit in court. However, you may encounter numerous challenges and pitfalls when attempting to enforce your rights, so trust a Los Angeles car accident lawyer for assistance. Some additional data reveals the risks of auto collisions, while other figures are important to note about injuries, safety measures, and the legal process.
Additional Statistics On Car Accidents In California
Given the state’s population, you may not be surprised to learn that California consistently ranks in the Top Three US states for traffic crashes. At the municipal level, data shows that Los Angeles is #1 and Sacramento is #2 for auto collision rates within the state; these cities also rank in the Top 5 nationwide. In addition:
- The most common causes of traffic crashes in California include improper turns, unlawful lane changes, and running red lights.
- In Los Angeles County alone, there are more than 700 fatal car accidents and almost 63,000 incidents causing injuries to at least one victim.
- Individuals aged 20 to 29 are most at risk of being injured in a crash.
- Bans on cell phones while behind the wheel have not deterred all motorists from using them, as this form of distracted driving leads to almost around 50 deaths and 900 injuries every year.
- More than 7 percent of accidents in California every year involve hit and run drivers.
Data On Specific Traffic Accident Topics
Digging deeper into the statistics also demonstrates some key trends and, again, a noteworthy figure will probably not shock you: Drunk driving leads to almost 1,300 fatalities and more than 27,000 injured victims annually. In other words, DUI crashes are responsible for 32.5 percent of total traffic deaths and 14 percent of nonfatal injuries. Further details also reveal that:
- Dates and time of day have an impact on crashes. More than half of all fatal collisions occur on weekends, and Friday nights are the worst time to be on the road. Around 49 percent of deadly car accidents that occur on the last day of the work week happen from 5 p.m. to Midnight. Fatal collisions are also more likely on holidays, especially Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve.
- While collisions involving large trucks make up just 4 percent of all motor vehicle accidents in California, they are behind more than 10 percent of all casualties.
- Never underestimate the dangers to vulnerable road users in motor vehicle crashes. There are 560 riders killed and more than 14,000 injured in motorcycle accidents every year.
Legal Process For Recovering Compensation
In most car accident cases, your first step toward obtaining monetary damages will be filing an insurance claim. For many victims, this may also be the final stage: Additional statistics on auto crashes indicate that around 98 percent of personal injury cases settle out-of-court. However, there will always be challenges in dealing with an insurer that prioritizes its own business profits over your interests. Under the circumstances, it may be necessary to file a lawsuit in court. Whether through settlement or a lawsuit, victims may be entitled to medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and many other losses.
Contact A Los Angeles Car Accident Attorney About Your Legal Options
Statistics on auto crashes in California are useful for understanding the risks, and the insight they provide can help you protect yourself, occupants of your vehicle, and others sharing the road. However, no level of caution can prevent all collisions. To learn how our team can assist if you were hurt or someone close to you died, please contact the Los Angeles car accident lawyers at Fisher & Talwar. You can call (213) 891-0777 or visit our website to set up a free case evaluation today.