Car accidents are more common than most people realize, and the statistics surrounding them can be shocking. Whether you’re on a short drive or a long road trip, the dangers of the road are always present. Understanding the risks of driving and the leading causes of accidents can help you stay safe and protect yourself from the unexpected.
At Bernard Law Group, our Seattle car accident lawyer is here to support you if the worst happens. We believe that knowing these car accident statistics can help reduce your risk and empower you to make better decisions on the road.
1. Over 40,000 People Die in Car Accidents Annually
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were nearly 41,000 motor vehicle fatalities in 2023. Although this number reflects a slight decrease compared to previous years, it’s a reminder that car accidents claim thousands of lives annually. The trend of declining fatalities had been steady until 2020, when there was a sudden increase in crashes after the initial dip in driving during the pandemic.
If you or someone you love has been involved in an accident, seeking help from a car accident attorney in Seattle, WA, can be a critical step toward receiving the compensation you deserve.
2. Drunk Driving Causes Nearly 11,000 Deaths Each Year
Driving under the influence is one of the most dangerous actions anyone can take. Drunk drivers account for almost 11,000 deaths every year, with alcohol-impaired driving causing a crash-related death every 39 minutes.
If you’re involved in a collision with a drunk driver, the consequences can be severe. Consulting with the best car accident lawyer in Seattle can ensure that the responsible party is held accountable for their actions.
3. Nearly Half of Accident Fatalities Involve People Not Wearing Seatbelts
Despite all the campaigns and laws encouraging seatbelt use, a large number of fatalities still involve individuals who weren’t buckled up. 45% of drivers and 51% of passengers were not wearing seatbelts, even though seatbelts have been proven to save lives.
Seatbelt laws save lives, but if you’ve been in an accident where someone was not wearing one, a no-win, no-fee car accident lawyer in Seattle can help you through the legal process to get justice.
4. Speeding Causes 29% of Fatal Accidents
Speeding is a major factor in car crashes, responsible for 29% of all motor vehicle deaths. It caused more than 12,000 deaths and over 300,000 injuries in 2022 alone. Not surprisingly, most of these accidents happen on non-interstate roads, where drivers may feel more comfortable speeding.
If you’ve been in a crash caused by speeding, working with a Seattle car accident lawyer can help you build a case and recover damages for your injuries.
5. Distracted Driving is Responsible for 8% of Fatal Crashes
We often hear about the dangers of texting and driving, but distracted driving goes beyond just cell phone use. Adjusting the radio, eating, and talking to passengers are all distractions that contribute to accidents. In 2022, 8% of all fatal crashes involved distracted driving, which resulted in over 3,000 deaths.
When you’ve been injured due to a distracted driver, a car wreck attorney near me can help hold the responsible party accountable and ensure you get the compensation you need for medical bills and other expenses.
6. Drowsy Driving Causes Hundreds of Deaths Every Year
Driving while tired is another major cause of accidents. In 2022, there were nearly 700 deaths caused by drowsy drivers. Most of these accidents occurred between midnight and 6 a.m., when drivers are most likely to fall asleep at the wheel.
If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by a drowsy driver, the top-rated car accident lawyer in Seattle at Bernard Law Group can help you seek justice.
7. Men Are More Likely to Be Involved in Fatal Crashes
Men are statistically more likely to be involved in fatal car crashes than women. Factors such as driving more miles, engaging in riskier driving behaviors (like speeding and drunk driving), and less frequent seatbelt use contribute to this trend. If you or a loved one has been injured in a serious accident, a Seattle car accident lawyer can provide the legal assistance you need to recover.
8. Accidents Are the Leading Cause of Death for Teens
Traffic accidents are the number one cause of death for teenagers in the United States. In 2022, 2,898 teens lost their lives in car crashes. Teens are more likely to engage in risky behaviors like distracted driving and not wearing seatbelts, making them more vulnerable to serious crashes.
When a young driver is involved in an accident, contacting a car accident attorney in Seattle, WA, is essential to overcoming the legal challenges and ensuring proper compensation.
9. Car Accidents Cost the U.S. $340 Billion Annually
The financial toll of car accidents is staggering. Between medical expenses, property damage, and legal costs, car accidents cost the U.S. economy a staggering $340 billion in 2022. For those involved in accidents, the costs can quickly add up.
Working with a no-win, no-fee car accident lawyer in Seattle can help relieve some of the financial burdens associated with accident-related expenses.
10. Nearly 50% of Car Accident Survivors Experience Anxiety and PTSD
The emotional impact of car accidents can be just as severe as the physical injuries. Studies show that nearly half of all survivors experience anxiety, depression, or even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following a serious crash. If you or a loved one has been affected by the emotional toll of a car accident, a Seattle car accident lawyer can guide you through the legal steps to get compensation for your emotional distress.
Contact Our Seattle Car Accident Lawyer Today
These statistics serve as a reminder of the risks we face every time we get behind the wheel. Whether it’s distracted driving, speeding, or simply not wearing a seatbelt, these factors all contribute to the staggering number of car accidents and fatalities each year.
If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident, Bernard Law Group is here to help. Our best car accident lawyer in Seattle is dedicated to helping accident victims recover fair compensation. Contact us today for a free consultation with a no-win, no-fee car accident lawyer in Seattle.
