Every year, more than 1,000 people are killed in motor vehicle accidents in North Carolina. Regrettably, the majority of these accidents are avoidable since they are the result of speeding, drunk driving, distracted driving, and other factors that are within a driver’s control. If you were injured in a car accident, it is important to seek prompt medical care and speak to an experienced lawyer about your right to financial compensation.
How many fatal traffic accidents take place in North Carolina every year?
The North Carolina car accident lawyers at Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp can help you establish fault for your accident and collect fair and just compensation. Call our law firm today to schedule your free consultation.
North Carolina Car Accident Statistics
Motor vehicle accidents take place every day in North Carolina and throughout the United States. A disheartening percentage of these accidents result in injuries and fatalities. The North Carolina Department of Transportation publishes statewide accident statistics that highlight how many collisions, injuries, and fatalities occur in any given year.
Listed below are some of the more surprising statistics from 2020.
There Are More Than 100,000 Injuries Annually
In 2020, 105,382 residents sustained some degree of injury in a car accident. Although this number shows a 15.9% decline from the year before, it also illustrates that accident-related injuries are a common occurrence statewide.
Most Accidents Happen in the Daytime
In 2020, more than 70% of all car accidents took place between 7:00 am and 7:00 pm. Additionally, more overall car crashes took place on Fridays, but the highest number of deadly accidents took place on Saturdays.
Speeding Was a Factor in 25% of All Fatal Accidents
Speeding is a leading cause of both deadly and injury-causing collisions. NCDOT data from 2020 reveals that excessive speed played a role in 25.1% of vehicular fatalities.
North Carolina Pedestrian Fatalities Rose in 2020
Even though fewer vehicles were on the roadways during the COVID-19 pandemic, 249 pedestrians were killed in car accidents, representing a 7.8% increase from 231 deaths the year before.
The Total Percentage of Fatal Car Accidents Also Rose
In 2020, the overall percentage of traffic-related deaths across the state increased by a total of 12.8%. The number of driver deaths rose by 12.4% and the number of passenger deaths increased by 15.6%. The United States as a whole saw a 7.2% increase in car accident-related deaths.
More Than Half of All Fatal Accidents Involved Lane Departure
Lane departure was a primary factor in more than 64,700 car accidents throughout the state in 2020, contributing to 27.5% of all injuries and 56.2% of all accident-related deaths.
More Than 40,000 Accidents Were Attributed to Distracted Driving
Another primary cause of serious traffic accidents in 2020 was distracted driving which was the cause of 44,128 collisions, 18,552 injuries, and 157 deaths. According to NCDOT, about 18% of all car accidents statewide involve a driver who is distracted.
Most Accidents Are Preventable.
As stated earlier, the majority of the state’s motor vehicle accidents are avoidable because they are the result of driver error, distraction, or some other form of driver negligence. The state’s fatal car accident rate along with its injury rate would lower considerably if drivers obeyed basic driving laws such as observing the speed limit, and not getting behind the wheel when they are intoxicated.
Talk to a North Carolina Car Accident Lawyer
If you were injured in a North Carolina auto accident, you must speak with an attorney about the legal options that are available to you. Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a reputable North Carolina car accident lawyer from Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp by calling us at (833) 997-1774. We know what it takes to see a successful resolution to your car accident case.