Car crashes can happen anywhere, however, certain states in the U.S. have a higher rate of auto accidents. Drivers in these states have to be more careful in their driving to avoid being involved in an accident. Even if you follow traffic laws and drive carefully, you can still get into an accident, and that is when you need a personal injury attorney to help you get compensation for your losses.

Facts And Figures About Car Crashes In The United States

Every year, millions of Americans get involved in motor vehicle accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that in 2020, there were 5.2 car crashes in the U.S.  According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), there were 39,000+ fatal car crashes in the U.S. in 2021. This equals 12.9 deaths per 100,000 people and 1.37 deaths per 100 million miles traveled. The fatality rate per 100,000 individuals was highest in Mississippi and the lowest in Rhode Island. 

Which State Has The Most Car Crashes

There are various metrics you can use to identify the state with the most number of car crashes. If you consider the total number of crashes, then the larger states, such as Texas and California, would have a higher number, but those statistics could be misleading. It might be better to consider the number of car crash fatalities per capita. This adjusts the number based on the population of the state. 

Using that metric, Missipi leads the list of the highest number of auto accidents with a rate of 25.4 percent fatalities per 100,000 people. Wyoming and Arkansas are the 2nd and 3rd spots with 22 percent and 21.2 percent fatalities per 100,000 people respectively. 

South Carolina and Montana also have higher fertility rates. The U.S. states with the lowest fatality rates in car accidents are Rhode Island at 5.7 percent, New York at 5.8 percent, and Massachusetts at 6 percent. 

Factors Contributing To High Crash Rates In Certain States

Several factors contribute to high crash rates in certain states. States that have poor road infrastructure tend to have a higher rate of accidents. For example, roadways that don’t have proper signage or roads with excessive wear and tear have a higher rate of accidents. This is why some less developed states tend to have a higher rate. You would expect states with high popular density to have higher incidence rates, but stats show that some of these states, such as Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and New York, have a lower rate. 

Another key contributing factor is the driving culture. Driving behavior such as speeding or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol can increase the chances of being involved in a car crash. Some states have a higher rate of DUI cases and traffic violations, and this is indicative of the driving culture in the state. 

The age of the driver can also play a key role. Drivers who are inexperienced or those who are too old have a higher risk of being in a car crash. For the elderly, their declining cognitive abilities is the primary cause of a higher rate of car crashes. 

How 1-800-Injured Can Assist Car Accident Victims

While drivers in some states are at higher risk of being in an auto accident, there is no way we can predict when or where we will have a car crash. It is best to drive carefully, following all traffic laws.

If you get into an accident, you must take a few key steps to protect your rights, including consulting an experienced attorney. They can guide you on all legal matters related to the case, so you can focus on your recovery from the accident. 

At 1-800-Injured, we understand the importance of road safety and the devastating impact car crashes can have on individuals and their families. We can help you find a skilled and experienced attorney to recover compensation for your suffering in an auto accident. The attorney can help provide assistance and support to accident victims, helping them navigate the complex aftermath of car accidents. We encourage you to learn more about the common causes of car accidents and what to do after a car accident.