What Are the Chances of Getting into a Car Crash?

What Is the Probability of Getting into a Car Crash?

Do you know that residents of Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC, drive a combined average of 35,000 miles per year? Or that the average driver in America spends almost 300 hours per year in their car? After logging that much road time, traveling may seem predictable. However, even the safest drivers can find themselves in unexpected situations.

In 2021, over 6 million motor vehicle accidents were reported, with 1.8 million injuries and 39,000 fatalities. That averages to 16,000 accidents per day. Statistically, drivers are likely to experience 3-4 car crashes in their lifetime, and at least one driver or passenger is injured in 43% of those accidents.

If you or a loved one were injured in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, you may have the right to compensation. The car accident lawyers at Regan Zambri Long have successfully litigated hundreds of accident claims, securing millions in financial compensation for clients like you. We offer a free consultation where you will speak with an experienced car accident attorney who will guide you through the legal process and protect your rights.

What Factors Increase the Risk of a Car Accident?

Any number of factors can increase the risk of a car crash. However, according to statistics, there are four leading causes of car accidents:

• Impaired driving: The number one leading cause of car crashes. Driving impaired hinders an individual’s judgment and cognitive ability and drastically reduces reaction time. In 2020 alone, over 11,000 people were killed due to drunk driving.
• Speeding: The second-leading cause of a car accident. Car collisions involving speeding killed 11,258 people in 2020, a 17% increase from 2019. When someone drives over the speed limit, it gives them less time to react to hazards on the road, requires extra stopping distance, which may not be available, and dramatically increases the force of the crash, leading to serious injuries and fatalities.
• Distracted driving: Distracted driving falls below speeding but is still responsible for over 3,000 deaths in 2020. Texting, talking to a passenger, eating, putting on makeup, or playing with the radio can divert your attention from the road, leading to a devastating car accident.
• Drowsy driving: Drowsy driving is one of the most common causes of car collisions. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), driving while tired is as dangerous as driving drunk. Being awake for 24 hours is similar to having a blood alcohol concentration of 0.10%.

Other factors that may contribute to a car accident are:

• Poor maintenance
• Bad weather conditions
• Road conditions
• Tailgating
• Aggressive driving
• Changing lanes

Who Is More Likely to Get into a Car Crash?

While anyone can be involved in a car accident, certain demographics and behaviors increase the risk.

• According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) car crash statistics, men are more likely to get into a car accident than women. In 2021, men were in over 1 million more auto accidents than women.
• Drivers aged 21-34 are more likely to get into an auto collision than any other age group on the road. Elderly drivers over the age of 74 follow.
• The fatality rate among motorcyclists is 60.03 per every 100,000 registered motorcycles.

Behaviors that lead to motor vehicle accidents

• Drunk driving with a BAC of 0.08 led to 13,384 car accident fatalities in 2021.
• A BAC of 0.10 led to 15,650 (36%) fatalities.
• 25-34-year-olds were responsible for most fatal accidents with a BAC of over 0.08.
• Anxiety disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder, can cause the driver to lose focus on the road.
• Nighttime driving is responsible for about 30% of car accidents in 2020.
• Rapid acceleration and sudden breaking
• Hard turns

How common is it to crash your first car?

Teenage drivers are eight times more likely to be involved in a car accident or a near miss during their first three months after getting their driver’s license. Nationwide, 43% of first-year and 37% of second-year drivers are involved in a car wreck.

Research also shows that while crash statistics didn’t drastically decline over the first year, risky behavior did. Teenagers have a higher risk driving rate with favorable conditions (i.e., dry roads and daytime driving) than in less favorable conditions.

What Are the Most Common Types of Car Crashes?

Not all accidents are created equal. While every crash is unique, some scenarios play out more often than others on our roads. Here are the most common types of car crashes:

• Rear-End Collisions: This is the most frequent type of accident, often happening when a driver isn’t paying attention and rear-ends the car in front of them that has slowed down or stopped.
• Head-On Collisions: These are some of the most dangerous crashes, occurring when two vehicles traveling in opposite directions collide head-to-head.
• Sideswipe Accidents: These happen when the sides of two vehicles brush against each other, often at intersections when one driver misjudges a turn or fails to yield the right of way.
• T-Bone Accidents: Also known as broadside collisions, these occur when one vehicle hits the side of another, forming a T-shape. They can happen at intersections or when someone disregards a stop sign or traffic signal.

What Should I Do After Being Involved in a Car Crash?

First and foremost, call 911. The responding police officers will be able to get the proper medical personnel to the scene of the accident and will also begin an initial investigation.

Seek medical attention, even if you think your injuries are minor. Some injuries, including internal bleeding or TBIs, may develop or worsen over time. Seeing a doctor immediately after a car accident also helps your car crash case. It proves to the insurance company and jury that you were most certainly injured in the accident.

Next, contact your insurance company and tell them what happened. Do not speak with an insurance adjuster or about a settlement until you speak with a personal injury lawyer. Your car accident lawyer will take over the correspondence with the insurance company, ensuring your rights are protected.

Have You Been Injured in a Car Accident?

A personal injury lawyer at Regan Zambri Long will take over your claim if you were injured in a car accident. Our car wreck lawyers will:

• File your claim, guaranteeing it’s filed correctly and within the statute of limitations in your jurisdiction.
• Determine the at-fault parties and hold them accountable.
• Build a compelling case that will secure maximum compensation for your damages.
• Negotiate with the insurance company, seeking a fair settlement.
• Take your case to trial if negotiations fall through.

The Regan Zambri Long Car Accident Lawyers Will Protect Your Rights

At Regan Zambri Long, our car accident lawyers deeply understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a car crash can cause you and your family. Our law firm protects your rights and ensures you receive fair compensation for your injuries. Call today for your free consultation to start the claims process.