Charlotte Injury Lawyers Blog
North Carolina Car Accident Statistics
Most people own a vehicle, and many families own multiple vehicles. There are 7.3 million licensed drivers in North Carolina and 9.7 million registered vehicles, according to the N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT). North Carolina has one of the largest state-maintained highway systems in the country, with more than 80,000 miles of roads and more than 13,500 bridges. It is no wonder that there are numerous accidents on our roadways. While many accidents are minor, some are quite serious and result in life-threatening injuries or fatalities.
Important Car Accident Statistics
Traffic fatalities are on the rise. Over the last several years, the number of fatal accidents has increased across the country. While driving is still one of the safest forms of transportation, it can be dangerous. It is helpful to understand accident statistics so we can become safer drivers.
- North Carolina ranks 8th when it comes to states with the most vehicle accidents as of 2022.
- An accident happens about every five seconds in the United States.
- More than 41,000 people died in car accidents in 2022 in the U.S. That equates to about one death every 12 minutes.
- The highest number of fatal accidents occur on Saturdays between the hours of 9 p.m. and midnight.
- The most dangerous time to drive is Friday rush hour, between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. (according to NHTSA statistics)
- An average driver will be involved in two to four accidents in their lifetime.
Charlotte Personal Injury Attorney Matt Arnold answers the question: “Should I trust the insurance adjuster?”
What Causes and Contributes to Vehicle Accidents?
There are many factors that may cause or contribute to vehicle accidents. Speeding, distracted driving, and impaired driving are just some of the common causes of accidents. About 35% of fatal car accidents are caused by impaired driving. Incidences of distracted driving have increased in recent years due to an increased use of cell phones for texting while driving. Although texting while driving is illegal in North Carolina, it still occurs on a regular basis.
Inexperience may be another factor that contributes to vehicle accidents. In fact, teens between the ages of 16 and 19 are at the highest risk for car accidents than other age groups. Teen drivers are three times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash than other age groups. North Carolina has a graduated driver’s license program. A new law starting in January 2024 requires new teen drivers to have a permit for nine months before they can obtain their license.
Drivers need to drive defensively while on the road. Prevent accidents by driving the speed limit, obeying traffic signals, watching the roadways, and staying aware of other drivers. People should not get behind the wheel when they are impaired. Do not use your phone while you are driving. Do not risk your safety or the safety of others by allowing yourself to be distracted when you are on the roads.
If you or someone you love was hurt in a vehicle that was not your fault, you may be owed compensation for your damages. The negligent driver should pay all expenses that you incurred due to the crash. Contact us at Arnold & Smith, PLLC, at (704) 370-2828 to schedule a free initial consultation.
Damages that occurred as a result of their actions. If you were hurt in a wrong-way crash, you may be owed compensation for your injuries, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Call us today at Arnold & Smith, PLLC, at (704) 370-2828 to schedule a consultation to discuss your accident.
The skilled personal injury attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC are dedicated to maximizing the financial recovery and obtaining justice for every personal injury client injured by another party’s negligence. The issues our personal injury clients may be facing include, but are not limited to, slip and fall injuries, wrongful death, product liability, catastrophic injuries, dog bite claims, car and truck accident injuries, motorcycle injuries, traumatic brain injury (TBI), nursing home negligence, spinal cord injury, boating accidents, and defective medical device injury. Our personal injury attorneys understand the devastating impact such an injury can have on a person’s life, and that the effects so often go beyond physical pain and suffering. The personal injury attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC are dedicated to helping clients determine the strength of their claims, and to aggressively pursuing the means necessary to achieve the best possible end result for each client’s particular situation.
Source:
News Release: North Carolina Traffic Fatalities Surged 21 Percent from 2019 to 2022 – NC Chamber
Law changes for NC teen drivers in 2024 | wfmynews2.com
Image Credit:
car crash Free Photo Download | FreeImages
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