California claims the highest, densest population of any state in our country, which unquestionably adds to the total number of accidents. It is also home to Los Angeles, the nation’s second-most populated metropolis. Due to the vast number of vehicles and residents, California is a national epicenter for traffic collisions, particularly fatal accidents.
Adding insult to injury, it is widely believed that the majority of deaths resulting from automobile accidents could be prevented if drivers did not make the careless errors that lead to them. From ignoring traffic laws and making other poor decisions on the road to failure to yield or driving while fatigued or intoxicated, careless drivers are behind the bulk of deadly accidents that occur across California on a daily basis.
Are Fatal Accidents Common in California?
Fatal accidents are, unfortunately, very common in California. In fact, authorities say that California has one of the highest rates of road fatalities in the country. Well over 3,500 drivers, passengers, and pedestrians perished in roughly 3,260 car accidents in 2020. This grim number is second only to the approximately 3,900 fatalities recorded in Texas.
Moreover, the California Highway Patrol estimated that over 150,000 accidents result in injuries, and 2,800 accidents result in deaths annually.
With this number of fatalities each year, California is one of the top three states in the United States in terms of the number of deaths from traffic accidents.
Frequency of Car Crashes in California
The likelihood of dying in a car accident in the United States is slightly more than 1 in 100. Of course, your probability of getting involved in an accident may vary considerably dependent on your driving frequency and distance. Unfortunately, there is a 1 in 366 probability that you will be involved in an automobile accident for every 1,000 miles traveled.
It goes without saying that California has a high accident rate, mostly as a result of the number and size of its main cities. Every year, around 200,000 total automotive accidents in California result in injuries. If every minor incident in which no injuries are sustained is included, it is anticipated that the total number of recorded and unreported accidents altogether would surpass more than 500,000. Again, around 3,000 fatalities occur yearly as a result of these wrecks.
Along with Texas and Florida, California has the highest number of fatal accidents in the United States. Each of these states claims well over 3,000 road fatalities each year. Meanwhile, Massachusett takes the top spot among the top five states for the total number of car accidents in New England.
What Causes Fatal Accidents in California?
Troopers with the California Highway Patrol have published recent information about California’s leading causes of vehicle accidents and fatal crashes. For the most part, if you are aware of the most prevalent causes of these accidents, your likelihood of getting involved in one may be lessened.
According to authorities, most of these major vehicle accidents result from reckless or negligent driving. It is essential for motorists to notice and avoid or prevent the following primary causes of vehicle accidents, which include but are not limited to the following:
- Excessive Speed: More than 50,000 accidents are caused annually in California by excessive speed and reckless driving, many of which end in fatalities. Speeding decreases drivers’ response times, which in turn increases the likelihood of automobile collisions and causes more serious injuries, deaths, and other damages.
- Distracted Driving: Distracted driving has become a major factor in deadly California auto accidents. All too often, drivers engage in dangerous, distracting behaviors, such as using mobile phones, eating, reading, and chatting with passengers while behind the wheel. Due to a lack of awareness or alertness when driving, these careless motorists are more prone to causing collisions.
- Ignorance of Traffic Laws: For instance, illegal U-turns and tailgating are merely two examples of risky driving practices or disdain for traffic laws that may lead to severe or deadly automobile accidents on our roadways.
- Drunk Driving: Finally, inebriated or drunk driving causes about 12,000 fatal vehicle accidents every year in California. Luckily, the majority of drunk driving accidents may be prevented by using other modes of transportation or free initiatives like the Safe and Sober Free Cab Ride Home program.
Still, if the unthinkable occurs and you are involved in an accident, do not delay contacting an auto accident lawyer for help building and settling your claim. Lawyers who specialize in representing those injured in vehicle accidents will work to ensure that you get adequate compensation for your injuries.
Distracted Driving in California
As mentioned above, the primary causes of automobile accidents in California were speeding and distracted driving. Excessive speed restricts mobility and diminishes a driver’s ability to react to crises or rapid changes in traffic.
Speeding is so deadly because it increases and maximizes the collision’s force, which ultimately amplifies an accident’s eventual impact. On the other hand, when a driver is distracted, their attention is on anything else other than the road.
Essentially, these drivers fail to concentrate on the task at hand; as a result, the risk of getting involved in a deadly accident is significantly increased. If a driver is distracted and doesn’t see a stationary object or another vehicle in front of them, they won’t even have time to hit their brakes before a wreck occurs.
Keep in mind that if you were injured in a car accident or have lost a loved one in such an incident, establishing your case against the negligent or at-fault party is essential to get justice and a fair settlement. If you have questions about determining the cause of your collision or how to move forward, don’t hesitate to reach out to a California auto accident attorney.
Reach Out to a California Car Accident Lawyer
We realize that victims and their families are often concerned about who will pay for their medical expenses after a serious crash. When the worst case scenario occurs, and a loved one dies in an auto accident, families may be left downright destitute, forced to cope with the loss of consortium, emotional trauma, and so much more.
Fortunately, a legal firm specializing in personal injury and wrongful death can offer you vital advice about preserving evidence and preparing your case.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, do not wait to contact our car accident attorneys in Orange County. At Beckerman Anderson, our lawyers know how to protect your interests and fight for justice on your behalf.
When you meet with our team, you may discover that you’re eligible for compensation for medical expenses, property damage, and pain and suffering. Our vehicle accident lawyers at Beckerman Anderson may be reached at 949-409-4242. Call us right away to schedule your first free consultation.
