Whether you’re a California native, current resident, or thinking of moving to the Golden State, you may be wondering, “How common are car accidents in California?” Perhaps you frequently see traffic accidents while driving through the city or on the news. While crashes and collisions happen throughout the country, they appear more common in California. Speak with a Roseville car accident lawyer for assistance securing compensation for your injuries and property damage.
Motor Vehicle Collision Statistics in California
Over 40,000 fatalities resulting from automobile crashes happened across the United States in 2023. That same year, there were just under 17,000 car accidents across the state of California that resulted in fatal or serious injuries. That number was a slight decrease from the previous two years, each having over 19,000 collisions that resulted in death or significant bodily harm. Overall, the state’s yearly number of catastrophic car accidents averages 18,500.
Based on that same data compiled from 2021-2023, California’s county with the most fatalities resulting from motor vehicle crashes was, by far, Los Angeles County, with an annual average of more than 700 traffic accident-related deaths; followed by San Bernardino County with over 350 car crash fatalities on average; and San Diego County with just under 300.
What to Do After a Traffic Accident
After getting into a car crash, prioritize the safety and well-being of yourself, your passengers, and the other parties involved. If you are severely injured or in a precarious position, don’t try to move; instead, wait until emergency medical services arrive on the scene. Once everyone’s safety is confirmed, proceed to report the accident to local law enforcement and remain at the accident site until they get there.
You should also exchange contact and insurance information with the other party or parties involved in the collision. Avoid discussing who may have been at fault or making any remarks that could allude to your responsibility for the accident. Refrain from talking about liability even when reporting the accident claim with your insurance provider or the other driver’s insurer without first consulting with a qualified accident attorney.
An experienced injury lawyer can advise you on what to do next and can also help determine who is likely to be seen as liable should the matter reach litigation in court. Even if you are partially at fault for the incident, you can still pursue compensation and potentially receive a reduced settlement payout. The statute of limitations for civil injury claims, including motor vehicle collisions, is two years, so it’s important to take action quickly to avoid any issues.
Damages a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You to Recover
If the other driver’s insurance company does not offer or provide sufficient compensation for the damages you incurred, you can also seek further compensation by filing a personal injury claim against the liable party in civil court. You can better understand the strength of your injury claim, in addition to how much the minimum amount you might receive in a settlement payout, by speaking with an accident injury attorney.
Your settlement should at least include recompense for the property damage you endured, cover the medical expenses from your injuries, and pay for the costs of any future or ongoing medical care related to bodily harm from the accident. These are known as economic damages and can be easily tallied up; other economic damages include loss of income and the diminished capacity to earn future income.
Personal injury law in California also permits traffic crash victims to seek settlement for their pain and suffering or non-economic losses. Non-economic damages are typically determined by the court and may include compensation for the victim’s physical pain, emotional distress, and psychological suffering, permanent disfigurement, difficulty with basic functioning and tasks, loss of enjoyment of life, and more.
FAQs
Q: How Often Do Car Accidents Happen in California?
A: On average, in California, about 18,500 traffic collisions resulting in a fatality or serious bodily injury occur each year. In 2022, fatalities related to motor vehicle accidents occurred at an average rate of 51 deaths per 100,000 people. That year, drivers aged 25 and 34 were the demographic most likely to sustain deadly injuries – making up 21% of drivers in fatal crashes, 23% of distracted drivers, and 28% of drivers specifically distracted by their cell phones.
Q: How Many Traffic Collision Fatalities Occur in California?
A: In California, around 3,700 fatal car accidents happen on average across the state each year, resulting in over 4,000 fatalities annually. Between 2021 and 2023, an annual average of 1,000 fatalities were from alcohol-related incidents, more than 1,000 involved speeding, and about 800 deaths from occupants failing to wear a seatbelt.
Q: What Areas of California Have the Most Car Accidents?
A: The areas in California where most fatal traffic accidents happen are in Los Angeles County, followed by San Bernardino and San Diego Counties. On average, Los Angeles County sees over 40,000 total crashes resulting in some level of injury each year, and San Diego County sees an average of 13,000 injurious traffic collisions annually.
Q: What is the Main Cause of Car Accidents in California?
A: In California and across the entire United States, distracted driving, speeding, and other negligent driving behaviors are among the primary causes of car accidents.
Distracted driving is a serious hazard due to the numerous stimuli inside and outside of vehicles. Conversations, the radio, phones, and adjusting air temperature are normal distractions that can result in car accidents. Speeding is the other most common reason for traffic-related fatalities since drivers traveling at high speeds have less time to react to sudden stops or obstacles.
Dedicated Personal Injury Law Firm to Work Your Case
Our qualified, professional team of attorneys at The Ward Firm is prepared to work tirelessly on your traffic accident injury case to ensure your settlement payment is fair and the maximum amount for your damages. Reach out to our law firm today to schedule a meeting and discuss your case.
