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Car accidents happen every day across the United States, often with devastating consequences. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 7,507 people are injured in car accidents daily. More recent reports show a continuing trend. In 2022, for example, 42,514 people were killed in U.S. motor vehicle crashes, according to the NSC.
On average, 99 people die each day due to these crashes. That adds up to more than 36,000 traffic deaths per year, showing how even small daily numbers reflect a major public safety issue.
The United States experiences more car accident fatalities and injuries than any other developed country. For injury victims, these numbers show just how common crashes are and how easily they can happen to anyone. Even careful drivers can find themselves hurt because of someone else’s negligence. According to the Association for Safe International Road Travel (ASIRT), the U.S. sees about 50% more accidents than Europe, Canada, and Japan combined.
California consistently leads the nation in traffic-related injuries and fatalities. In 2022, the state reported over 4,400 traffic deaths, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety.
Negligent driving is one of the most common causes of car accidents in California. If another driver’s actions led to your injuries, you may have legal options. Many personal injury claims each year arise from situations just like yours.
The team at Arash Law has spent years helping injury victims understand their rights and navigate the claims process. If you have questions about what to do next, we’re here to listen and provide guidance. Reach out at (888) 488-1391 anytime for a free, no-obligation initial consultation.
Car Accidents In The United States Every Day
There are thousands of motor vehicle accidents in the United States every day, which result in hundreds of deaths. We look into a number of factors when it comes to examining car accident data. When we look at car accident claims, we look at what caused the accident, who is at fault, and the damages:
- The NHTSA notes that there were 6.74 million police-reported auto accidents in the United States in 2019, which makes for approximately 17,000 auto accidents daily. The actual number may be even higher, as many minor or property-only accidents go unreported.
- 6 percent of 2019 auto accidents suffered at least one fatality, with 99 deaths in 2019.
- Approximately 1 in 3 auto accidents result in non-fatal personal injury.
- More fatal car accidents in urban areas occurred in 2019 than in rural areas.
- In 2019, 19,595 fatalities occurred in urban crashes, compared to over 16,340 deaths in rural crashes.
- There were approximately 28 deaths per day in 2019 caused by drinking and driving, which is approximately one person every 50 minutes.
- Approximately 17 pedestrians died daily in 2019 from a car accident; 208 pedestrians sustained injuries daily.
- Damages from auto accidents in the United States include medical costs, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
At Arash Law, our accident lawyers help Californians understand their rights and navigate the aftermath of car accidents. If you’ve suffered injuries in a crash, call us to book a free case review to learn more about your legal options. We have decades of experience handling car accident claims.
Causes Of Fatal Car Accidents In The United States
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), several major factors contribute to car accidents each year:
- Drunk Driving — In 2019, 9,236 fatalities were linked to alcohol-impaired driving.
- Speeding — As a form of reckless driving, speeding contributed to 9,478 traffic deaths that same year.
- Distracted Driving — Activities like texting behind the wheel were tied to 3,142 deaths in 2019.
- Drowsy Driving — Fatigue behind the wheel resulted in 697 fatalities in 2019.
- Marijuana Use — Research shows drivers who use marijuana may have a 25% higher risk of being involved in a crash compared to those who don’t.
Earlier data from 2010 estimated that drunk driving accidents and speeding-related crashes cost the U.S. around $201 billion in total economic losses, including medical costs, lost productivity, and more. These costs include emergency response, medical treatment, property damage, lost wages, and long-term care for the injured.
Alcohol And Fatal Accidents In The United States
Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs is illegal in both California and across the United States. Even small amounts of alcohol can impair a person’s judgment, coordination, and reaction time, raising the risk of a serious crash.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher is considered over the legal limit. At this level, key driving functions such as concentration, perception, and information processing become compromised. Drivers may have difficulty controlling speed, detecting danger, or reacting in time.
In 2019, over 646,000 people were arrested in the U.S. for DUI-related offenses. Thousands of fatal crashes that year involved alcohol impairment, according to national data.
In addition to criminal charges, an impaired driver may be held civilly liable for any damages they cause. California’s comparative fault laws may allow injured parties to seek compensation for medical bills, lost income, and other losses. DUI accident victim lawyers often handle these claims, helping victims and families understand their rights, deal with insurance companies, and pursue financial recovery after a devastating crash.
What Is The Chance Of Getting In A Car Accident?
The average American driver has about a 2–3% chance each year of being in a car accident. That means roughly 1 in 40 drivers is involved in a crash annually. This estimate is based on national data showing around 6 million crashes a year and about 243 million licensed drivers. By dividing the number of crashes by the number of drivers, we get an annual risk of about 2.5%.
These crashes range from minor fender benders to catastrophic injuries and fatal accidents. In 2022, for example, there were approximately 2.38 million injuries and 42,514 deaths from motor vehicle accidents nationwide.
Crashes happen for many reasons, but distracted driving accidents are among the most common, fueled by texting, phone use, and other in-car distractions. Other risk factors include alcohol, speeding, and fatigue.
Many traffic accidents are not fatal, but even minor collisions can lead to injuries, vehicle damage, and financial losses. Driving defensively, avoiding distractions, and following traffic laws can reduce your risk, but they can’t eliminate it entirely.
Most Common Car Accident Injuries
Understanding the types of injuries that commonly occur in crashes can help victims recognize symptoms, seek prompt treatment, and preserve documentation for legal purposes.
Car accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor scrapes to more serious trauma. Most injuries fall into two categories: impact injuries, which happen when a body part strikes part of the vehicle, and penetrating injuries, such as cuts from broken glass or objects inside the car. These injuries often form the basis of personal injury claims, especially when they lead to medical bills, lost income, or long-term care.
Here are some of the most commonly reported bodily injuries after a crash:
- Soft Tissue Damage — Sprains, strains, or whiplash affecting muscles, ligaments, or tendons.
- Scrapes & Cuts — Minor wounds or deeper lacerations caused by sharp objects.
- Head Injuries — Concussions, traumatic brain injuries, or other forms of head trauma.
- Chest Injuries — Chest wounds, bruises, fractures, and internal injuries.
- Arm & Leg Injuries — Fractures, joint damage, or injuries that may result in partial or full loss of use.
This is not a complete list. Many other types of injuries can occur depending on the nature of the crash. If you’ve been in a collision, it’s important to keep copies of all medical records and accident-related documents. Avoid signing anything from an insurance company before understanding your legal options.
Car Accident? Speak With A California Car Accident Lawyer
In California, thousands of people are injured or killed in car accidents every year. If you were hurt in a crash and are unsure of your next steps, you can speak with a lawyer about your options. At Arash Law, our personal injury team has decades of experience helping injured Californians understand their rights. We offer free consultations and only charge legal fees if we recover compensation on your behalf. Case-related costs may still apply. To learn more, call us at (888) 488-1391 or reach out online.
