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In a nation with over 330 million people, you probably expect U.S. drivers to get into a lot of traffic crashes. However, you might be surprised how many car accidents per year occur across the country. This number has fluctuated dramatically but typically ranges from over 5 million to over 6 million annual crashes.
Crash statistics only tell part of the story. Each of these collisions damages property and may even injure or kill road users. The losses from traffic accidents are substantial. In a study released in 2022, researchers calculated that traffic crashes in 2019 cost the U.S. $340 billion in lost productivity, medical and legal expenses, and increased auto insurance costs.
Knowing how many car accidents per year happen in the U.S. provides a basis for understanding the costs incurred by victims and the broader economy.
Understanding the Number of Car Accidents Per Year
2012 had 5.62 million reported accidents. These incidents encompassed a range of severities, from minor property damage to catastrophic collisions resulting in loss of life. Over the next few years, the total number of crashes climbed, reaching over 6.82 million in 2016, a number that signifies the complexity of road safety issues.
In 2020, there was a drop in accidents to 5.25 million, likely because people were traveling less due to events around the world. 2021 saw car accidents jump to about 6.10 million, with 2022 close behind at 5.93 million.
Factors That Influence How Many Car Crashes a Year Occur
According to a study of critical factors in crashes, 94% of traffic accidents result from driver behaviors such as:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Disobeying traffic signals or signs
- Failing to yield the right-of-way at intersections
By contrast, only about 2% of crashes result from vehicle problems like faulty brakes or blown tires. Similarly, only about 2% of crashes happen due to environmental conditions such as slick roads, bad weather, and glare.
Thus, improved road maintenance and safer vehicles will marginally reduce how many car accidents per year in the U.S. occur. Instead, driving behaviors must change to significantly reduce annual car crashes.
Legal Rights of Car Crash Victims
The legal rights of those injured in car accidents depend on the state where the crash happened. Most states use fault-based insurance. Innocent victims of a crash can file car accident claims against the insurance policy of the at-fault driver. The insurer either pays car accident settlements or litigates against the claimants.
A minority of states use no-fault insurance. After minor car accidents, injured drivers file claims with their auto insurers. Even the driver who caused the crash can seek compensation under the no-fault system.
Passengers typically file with the insurer for the vehicle they were riding in. Pedestrians and cyclists file with the insurer for the car that hit them.
If a victim’s losses fall below a threshold value, the state will usually block any fault-based lawsuits against other drivers. Any victim who suffers losses over the threshold can pursue a claim against the at-fault driver who negligently caused a crash.
Learn More From ConsumerShield About Car Accidents
Careless drivers cause millions of car crashes per year. These crashes can cause injuries that devastate your health and finances. ConsumerShield helps you understand your rights and connects you with an attorney. Contact us for a free case evaluation.
