A car accident is a traumatizing experience that can lead to serious injuries as well as long-term emotional troubles. People may think that car accidents are inevitable, just part of life on the road, but that’s not true.
Many factors contribute to any car accident, which is why we’ve collected a variety of facts about car accidents on both the state and national levels. As always, be careful on the road and understand you have a right to pursue compensation after an accident.
1. OVER A MILLION PEOPLE DIE DUE TO CAR CRASHES GLOBALLY
According to the World Health Organization, 1.19 million people die yearly due to car accidents around the world. Around 92% of fatal car crashes happen in low- and middle-income countries.
Crashes are the leading cause of death for people 5 through 29.
2. OVER 200 MILLION PEOPLE HAVE VALID DRIVER’S LICENSES
In 2021, around 233 million people had valid driver’s licenses in the United States.
3. THERE ARE MORE THAN 200 MILLION VEHICLES ON THE ROAD
In the first three months of 2023, there were around 286 million vehicles on US roads.
4. OCTOBER WAS THE DEADLIEST MONTH FOR CAR ACCIDENTS IN THE U.S.
In 2021, October had the most car accident deaths; February had the fewest.
5. 7/22/2022 WAS THE DEADLIEST DAY FOR CRASHES IN TEXAS
According to the Texas Department of Transport (TXDOT), Friday, July 22, 2022, was the deadliest day that year for car accidents, with 31 people dying. September was the deadliest month, with 427 fatalities.
6. FATAL CRASHES ARE MORE COMMON ON WEEKENDS AND EVENINGS
In 2022, fatal car crashes peaked on Saturday, while non-fatal crashes were more common on weekdays. Both types of crashes were more common between 4 and 7:59 p.m.
7. PEDESTRIANS ARE MORE OFTEN INJURED THAN KILLED
In 2022, over 67,000 pedestrians were injured in car accidents. The country saw 7,522 pedestrian deaths.
8. THERE WAS AN INCREASE IN TEXAS PEDESTRIAN FATALITIES
There were a total of 828 pedestrian and 91 bicyclist fatalities after being involved in car crashes during 2022.
9. OVER 5,000 MOTORCYCLISTS DIED IN 2021 IN CRASHES
2021 was the deadliest year for motorcyclists, with 5,930 motorcyclists dying in crashes in the United States—420 more than in 2020.
10. OVER 500 TEXAN MOTORCYCLISTS WERE KILLED IN ACCIDENTS
In 2022, 562 motorcyclists were killed in accidents (including passengers)—with 39% of the cyclists not wearing helmets at the time of the crash.
11. SOMEONE DIESIN AN ACCIDENTEVERY 2 HOURS IN TEXAS
According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TDOT), there were 4,481 car accident deaths in 2022. That means someone was killed in a car crash every hour and 57 minutes.
12. TEXAS SAW OVER 15,000 SERIOUS INJURY CRASHES
In 2022, there were 15,299 serious injury crashes in Texas. A total of 244,092 people sustained injuries.
13. SOMEONE IS INJURED IN A CAR ACCIDENT EVERY 2 MINUTES IN TEXAS
The same TDOT report reports that a person was injured in a car crash every two minutes and nine seconds in 2022.
14. REPORT-WORTHY CAR CRASHES HAPPEN EVERY 57 SECONDS
The TDOT reports that, in 2022, a report-worthy car crash happens every 57 seconds in Texas.
15. MOST CAR ACCIDENTS OCCUR CLOSE TO HOME
A 2016 study of motor vehicle collisions (MVC) found that 77.1% of car crash injuries happened within less than ten miles from a driver’s residence.
16. TEENAGERS PAY THE MOST FOR CAR INSURANCE
In 2023, 16-year-olds paid the most for full car insurance coverage in America—$584 a year, compared to 21-year-olds paying $248.
17. LIABILITY INSURANCE CLAIMS COST OVER A BILLION DOLLARS IN 2022
56% of private auto payouts were due to liability insurance claims—a $117.9 billion loss. Physical damage claims were responsible for $91 billion.
18. NEARLY 5 MILLION CRASHES RESULTED IN PROPERTY DAMAGE ONLY
In 2019, more than 4.8 million US car crashes resulted solely in property damage.
19. 37 PEOPLE DIE IN DRUNK DRIVING ACCIDENTS DAILY
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2022, 13,524 people died due to drunk driving accidents in America.
That averages out to 37 people dying daily due to an accident caused by a drunk driver—that’s one death every 39 minutes.
20. OVER 25% OF TEXAN CAR ACCIDENT FATALITIES INVOLVE DRUNK DRIVING
Drunk driving killed 1,163 people in Texas in 2022—this makes up 25.95% of all Texas car crashes. These accidents happen most often between 2 and 3 a.m., especially on Saturdays.
21. RURAL AREAS IN TEXAS SEE MORE FATAL CRASHES
TXDOT found that fatal crashes in rural areas made up 51.42% of all traffic fatalities in the state. There were 2,304 deaths due to rural car accidents in 2022.
22. OVER 1,000 PEOPLE WERE KILLED IN INTERSECTIONS
In 2023, 1,030 people died in crashes at intersections in Texas.
23. DISTRACTED DRIVINGIS STILL A MAJOR PROBLEM
In 2022, 3,308 people were killed and an estimated 289,310 people injured in car accidents due to distracted driving. This makes up 8% of fatal crashes.
There were 621 deaths of pedestrians, bicyclists, and others due to distracted driving accidents.
24. DISTRACTED DRIVING SPANS GENERATIONS
Distracted drivers who caused crashes were most often 15 to 34 years old and older than 75.
25. DISTRACTED DRIVING KILLS VEHICLE OCCUPANTS MOST OFTEN
Distracted driving affects those in the vehicles more often than nonoccupants like pedestrians. In 2022, 81% of fatalities in distracted driving incidents were vehicle occupants.
26. MEN ARE MOST OFTEN FATAL DISTRACTED DRIVERS
Men were behind the wheel 70% of the time in fatal distracted driving crashes in 2022.
27. 11% INCREASE IN CRASH FATALITIES DUE TO DISTRACTED DRIVING IN TEXAS
2022 saw 484 people killed in car crashes due to distracted driving—an 11.01% increase from 2021.
28. MENHAVE HIGHER DEATH CRASH RATESTHAN WOMEN
Men have a higher number of car accidents than women, according to multiple data sources. One report found that men have a higher death crash rate than women in 2021; men 25 to 29 have the highest rate of fatal crashes.
29. SPEEDING CONTRIBUTES TO OVER 25% OF ACCIDENT FATALITIES
In 2021, speeding contributed to 29% of car accident deaths, which is consistent with the approximate percentage over the past decade.
30. SUV AND PICKUP TRUCK ACCIDENTS ARE MOST COMMON IN TEXAS
Texas accidents in 2021 looked like this:
- 1,417 involved pickups and SUVs.
- 1,404 involved sedans and other cars.
- 817 involved pedestrians.
- 523 involved motorcycles.
- 119 involved large trucks.
- 91 involved bicycles.
31. SINGLE VEHICLE AND MULTIPLE VEHICLE ACCIDENTS OCCUR EQUALLY IN TEXAS
In 2021, Texas accidents could be split evenly into 50% single-vehicle and 50% multiple-vehicle accidents.
32. MORE PEOPLE WEAR THEIR SEAT BELT THAN YOU THINK
The NHTSA reports the national use rate of seat belts was 91.9% in 2023. The same report estimates that seat belts saved 14,955 lives in 2017 alone.
33. WOMEN USE SEAT BELTS MORE THAN MEN
The NHTSA found that women wear seat belts 92.4% of the time, compared to 88.8% for men.
34. PASSENGERS NOT WEARING SEAT BELTS ARE DANGEROUS TO DRIVERS
One study found that the odds of a driver who was wearing their seat belt getting a fatal injury was 137% higher when the passenger behind them wasn’t wearing theirs.
35. ALMOST 50% OF TEXANS IN FATAL CRASHES AREN’T WEARING SEAT BELTS
A reported 48.03% of people killed in fatal car crashes in 2022weren’t using a seat belt.
HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR TEXAS CAR ACCIDENT VICTIMS
After reading all those facts about car accidents, you may feel scared to go on the road, but remember, you’re not alone after an accident. Below is a list of resources you can bookmark in case you or a loved one is in a car accident.
FOOD BANKS
Making ends meet after a car accident can be challenging. Not having to worry about meals takes a lot off your shoulders. Texas Health and Human Services has a list of Texas food banks, so you can find one nearby.
MEDICAID/CHIP PROGRAM
If income is a barrier to proper healthcare, sign up for Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). They provide health insurance coverage for low-income individuals and families.
REYES BROWNE LAW
We have a team of experienced lawyers who specialize in car accident cases. We can represent you in court while taking your side against the insurance company. We’ll work hard to get you the settlement you deserve after a car accident.
SNAP BENEFITS
When finances are tight, knowing where your next meal is coming from can be difficult—the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps people buy groceries during difficult times. This is a helpful program for those out of work with post-accident injuries.
SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY INSURANCE (SSDI)
If you develop a permanent disability due to a car accident, you can apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), more commonly known as disability benefits. These benefits include a monthly payment and insurance under Medicare.
TANF PROGRAM
The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program helps families through monthly cash assistance and a variety of programs. It’s perfect for families in a tough situation after a car accident.
TEXAS HEALTH RESOURCES
If you’re struggling to find the right health provider after a car accident injury, Texas Health Resources can help. This nonprofit health system has a website dedicated to finding doctors, the closest urgent care, and hospitals.
TEXAS POISON CENTER NETWORK
While it’s not likely you’ll be exposed to a poisonous material during a car accident, it’s better to be safe than sorry. TheTexas Poison Center Network (TPCN)is a helpful source for any toxic substance concern. They even cover adverse reactions to food, plants, or insects.
You can call their toll-free number 1-800-222-1222 to ask questions about your concerns.
THE SALVATION ARMY: TEXAS DIVISION
Sometimes, extra assistance is needed after an accident, and the Salvation Army may be able to help. They help through various programs, including homeless shelters, food pantries, and a Boys and Girls Club for kids.
THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY AFFAIRS
Finances can be tight after an accident, especially if you cannot work due to your injuries. The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) offers various assistance programs, such as reduced rent, mortgage assistance, and home modification services.
THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE
If you’re having issues with your insurance after a car accident, the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) may be able to help. It regulates insurance companies in Texas and assists with worker’s compensation.
WHY YOU NEED A LAWYER IN CAR ACCIDENT CASES
After reading all this, you might wonder why a lawyer is necessary for car accidents—especially if you’re the victim. Isn’t it obvious that you aren’t at fault? That you deserve compensation for the pain and suffering you endured?
No, it isn’t. Numerous factors contribute to a car accident legal case—as you saw in the car accident facts above.
FAULT ISN’T ALWAYS OBVIOUS
Depending on the accident, there could be a legal way to blame you as well as the driver at the center of the accident. Texas follows a modified comparative negligence system to determine liability for accidents.
This means you could potentially be assigned a percentage of blame for the accident.
Let’s say the other driver wasn’t paying attention to the road because they were playing with their phone and rear-ended you. It seems pretty cut and dry, but you could be partially responsible under comparative negligence, depending on your actions.
That other driver is playing with their phone, but what if you stopped suddenly to prevent hitting an animal? Because you braked without warning, it could be argued that you are partially responsible because you didn’t give enough time for the other driver to respond.
Under this system, your settlement could be reduced depending on the amount of fault assigned to you—which the other driver’s lawyer will use to their advantage.
INSURANCE COMPANIES ARE HARD TO FIGHT
Unfortunately, you can’t assume that your insurance company has your back. They’re looking out for their own bottom line and will do anything to pay the minimal amount possible—or to avoid compensating you at all. They might employ tricky language when speaking with you or lowballing offers.
You need a lawyer with the car accident knowledge and experience to go up against other lawyers and insurance companies so that you get treated fairly. Trying to do it alone is stressful and may cost you money in the long run.
Instead, let your lawyer handle all the complicated legal processes and communications while you focus on recovery.
WERE YOU IN AN ACCIDENT? GET LEGAL HELP AT REYES BROWNE LAW
An attorney can be key to getting a fair settlement following an accident. A lawyer can help you pursue a lawsuit if an insurance company does not offer a sufficient settlement. At Angel Reyes & Associates, our Dallas car accident attorneys can help you—we’ll fight hard to ensure you get the compensation you deserve after being injured in a car accident.
Contact us today at 214-526-7900.
