Car Crash Statistics in California

In the Golden State, the highways can offer stunning coastal views, but they can also be jam-packed with danger. When crashes happen on California roads, they may result in serious injuries or even fatalities.

Car crash statistics in California offer a sobering look at the dangers on the roads for every resident and visitor. In 2022, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) stated there were 216,366 motor vehicle accidents. These resulted in 165,978 injuries and 3,854 fatalities. While there was a decrease from the previous year, these statistics still highlight the risks of driving on California roads. 

Injuries

For 2022, injuries from all crashes totaled 165,978 which is 7.3% less than in 2021. Of the injured, 95,609 were drivers, while 29,543 were passengers. The injury total also includes 23,116 pedestrians and 14,665 motorcyclists. Most of these car accident injuries took place on urban roads. Speed contributed to 21% of those accidents, while alcohol contributed to 10% of injury accidents.

 Fatalities

In the same year, 3,854 fatalities resulted from motor vehicle accidents on California roadways. 1,998 of them were drivers, while 723 were passengers. As for pedestrians struck by motor vehicles, there were 482 fatalities. Motorcyclists comprised 406 of the total fatality count. The leading cause of traffic fatalities is a combination of distracted driving, speeding, and driving under the influence. 

Most Common Types of Accidents in California in 2022

Rear-end collisions were California’s most common type of crash, accounting for 27% of all accidents. In a close second, T-bone collisions comprised 20%, while sideswipes were 13%. Head-on crashes comprised 5% of accidents; while they are the least common, they have the deadliest results. For those accidents, speeding was the most common factor. Distracted driving wasn’t far behind, while failure to yield and driving under the influence were also cited as factors. 

Where Do Most California Car Crashes Take Place?

The city that had the highest number of automobile collisions in 2022 was Los Angeles, with 36,562 accidents recorded. San Diego, San Francisco, and Sacramento followed in that order. However, Los Angeles had the highest number of fatalities among them.

How Can You Prevent Car Accidents in California?

Sometimes, there is nothing you can do to prevent a car crash. However, you can protect yourself by making sure that you and all your passengers are buckled up. Pay attention while you’re behind the wheel, and obey all traffic laws. You should also avoid distractions such as texting while driving, and don’t drive if you’re either drowsy or have had too much to drink.

What You Can Do If You’re in a California Crash

After a car accident, you should contact a personal injury attorney to discuss your case. Most car accident victims do not possess the legal knowledge and expertise to secure a fair settlement. Insurance companies will try to keep the payout low and may even blame you for the crash.

An attorney experienced in representing car accident cases can investigate and gather more evidence. By obtaining footage from traffic cameras and nearby businesses, they may be able to prove the accident was not your fault. They can also negotiate on your behalf and get a higher settlement.

Often, even if the insurance company believes it was not your fault, you may still settle for much less than the expenses you’ve incurred. You may not factor in how much your injury will cost over your lifetime. With the help of a lawyer, you will have all your bases covered and have someone to stand up for your legal rights.