California sadly ranks high in statistics when it comes to car accidents. According to car accident lawyers Dennis Grossman and Paul Grossman, distracted driving, driving under the influence, and speeding are among California’s most common causes of car accidents.
If you or someone you know are a car accident victim, you should take legal action to recover the damages you are entitled to. Here are some car accident facts and statistics you should know about when it comes to California!
Car Accidents in California: A Harsh Truth
Thousands of people die yearly in California due to car accidents, and in recent years the numbers only got worse. On average, around 3,000 people die yearly in car accidents in the so-called golden state. Yet, when we analyze automobile accidents that result in injury, about 200,000 occur yearly.
These numbers often placed California in the top five U.S. states with the most car accidents and fatalities, alongside Florida and Texas. In 2022, the California Highway Patrol and other agencies published their records regarding traffic incidents, showcasing that 2022 was among the deadliest years on the road as 3,900 people lost their lives in motor vehicle accidents.
Apart from this, over 277,000 people were injured in car accidents. With numbers this high, some estimate that you have an 8% chance of dying in a car accident in California, but there are many other variables to take into consideration to reach an accurate percentage.
The leading cause of traffic fatalities is distracted driving, alongside driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, speeding, and moving violations. Distracted driving is fatal for various reasons, but the most common reason why it occurs is due to cell phone usage.
Cell phone addiction has grown over the years, with 56.9% of Americans admitting that they are addicted to their smartphones, and numbers keep growing. Although many car accidents occur in California, we also have to consider unreported cases. Together with reported cases, about half a million car accidents are expected to occur yearly just in California alone.
Taking Action For a Better Future
If we are to change the volume of traffic accidents in California, we have to explore the top reasons why car accidents occur and find ways to prevent them. Apart from highlighting these harsh facts and statistics, car accident victims should take action against the liable parties.
A car accident lawyer can help you receive fair compensation for your losses and prove negligence. By building a strong case, you can receive compensation for both your economic and non-economic damages and, in some cases, even pursue punitive damages if you want to punish the liable parties further.
Suppose all you want is to receive compensation for your damages and move on with your life. In that case, a personal injury lawyer can help you reach a settlement faster without the need to go to court. Still, it strictly depends on the evidence available and how the other party responds, but more often than not, personal injury claims settle outside the court.
