California car accident stats

When you think of California, fabulous weather, beautiful beaches, incredible scenery, and great cities to see and explore are the things that come to mind.

What you do not think about is the fact that California has one of the worst driving safety rates in the country. In fact, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Fatality Facts for 2018, California was ranked as the state with the highest number of car accidents and deaths due to injuries resulting from vehicular collisions.

California is a heavily populated state in which traveling on highways is a necessity for the majority of residents. Data from the Federal Highway Administration looked at driving trends across the country and determined that California posts the most total miles per year – 340 billion. 

Much of this driving takes place on the many freeways and highways that crisscross the state. According to a new insurance study undertaken by The Zebra, three of the deadliest freeways in the country are California’s I-5, I-15, and I-80. The 3 deadliest roads in the state are: 1-5, US 101, and SR 99.  

The following car accident statistics from a 2017 report issued by the California Highway Patrol demonstrate the dangers of driving in the state.

Hard numbers

  • 197,146 fatal and injury traffic collisions were reported in 2017
  • 3,582 collisions were fatal crashes
  • 32% of car accidents were the result of speeding
  • 1.13 was the average mileage death rate in 2017
  • A car accident was reported in California every 3 minutes on 2017
  • 36,037 of the accidents in 2017 happened in L.A.

And, even though fewer cars were on the road in 2020 due to the pandemic, the number of fatal and severe traffic accidents increased by 15%, primarily the result of more speeding.

Are you a statistic?

Safe driving can help you to avoid accidents. Drive defensively, refrain from engaging in distractions, don’t speed, and do not drive under the influence. 

Unfortunately, if you are a resident of California, there is a very good chance that you’re going to be involved in a car accident in California at some point in time, even if you practice defensive driving.

When injured in a car accident due to negligence or carelessness, you have a legal right to file a personal injury lawsuit in order to receive compensation for your injuries. 

Economic damages can include:

  • Medical and hospital bills
  • Lost wages
  • Loss of earning capacity
  • Cost of future medical care

Non-economic damages can include:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of consortium
  • Diminished quality of life

The best chance of being awarded the compensation that you are entitled to for your injuries is by contacting an attorney that is experienced in litigating car accident cases. Scott S. Harris, car accident injury attorney in San Diego, has been helping clients in the San Diego area and throughout California for over 30 years.