In California, car accidents are becoming more common. The state has over 30 million registered cars, which might explain why it leads the nation in deadly crashes.
Just in 2021, there were 57,466 reported crashes, and sadly, 3,786 people died in them.
Deaths from distracted driving went up by 31.1%, and 756 people died because they weren’t wearing seat belts.
The rise in accidents has made insurance companies more reluctant to offer rightful claims.
So, it is important to hire a good car accident law firm to deal with this. San Diego car accident attorneys are experts in conducting negotiations with insurance adjusters and can help you get a fair settlement.
In this blog post, we are going to discuss the reasons why car accidents are on the rise in California.
Reasons Why Car Accidents in California Are Increasing
Traffic deaths in California have gone up by 22% since 2019, as per a study by TRIP.
Californians are now 28% more likely to die in a traffic accident than they were just three years ago.
Here are some reasons behind the rise in California car accidents:
1. Pandemic-Driven Risky Behaviors
The pandemic changed how people drive. Some started taking more risks, like,
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- Driving drunk
- Not wearing seat belts
- Going too fast
This led to tragic stories like Daniel Jimenez losing his pregnant wife in a hit-and-run.
The cost of these accidents in 2022 was a huge $166 billion. This shows we really need to make roads safer and make sure people follow the rules.
TRIP says we can do this by making cars safer, roads better, and taking care of people better after accidents. This could help stop the rise in traffic deaths. Remember, if you even get into an accident, hire a car accident law firm immediately to file a claim.
2. Growing Economy and Texting While Driving
More people driving because of a better economy is another cause of increasing accidents. Experts also think distracted driving, like texting, is a bigger problem than the economy. A survey found that 47% of drivers think they can safely text while driving.
The National Safety Council says states should work hard to stop accidents. They suggest banning all cell phone use while driving. Apart from this, using cameras to catch speeders is also a good measure.
3. Distracted Driving
Driver distraction is a big issue in California. It’s hard to know exactly how many accidents happen because of distraction, but the OTS gives some stats:
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- Overall, about 80% of accidents in California involve some kind of distraction.
- 9% of traffic deaths in the country in 2018 were because of distracted driving.
Even things like eating while driving, which are still allowed, can make accidents more likely.
4. Driving Under the Influence
Many car crashes in California happen because drivers are drunk or on drugs. For several years now, more than one-quarter of all traffic deaths in California were because of drunk driving, says the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- Just in 2018, over 1,120 people died in drunk driving accidents in California – more than in any other state.
- Using drugs also leads to serious crashes. In 2018, 42% of drivers tested after a crash had drugs in their system.
A car accident law firm can help you prove negligence in such cases and help you seek a settlement to cover all the damages.
5. Speeding
According to the Berkeley Safe Transportation Research and Education Center, speeding is a common reason for severe car accidents.
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Speeding can make crashes more likely because it reduces how quickly a driver can react and control their car. Speeding drivers are also more likely to be drunk or not wearing a seatbelt.
Crashes caused by speeding often have really bad outcomes because of all the energy involved. In 2016, about 29% of all fatal accidents in California were because of speeding.
6. Bad Weather Conditions
California is known for its great weather, but sometimes it’s not so perfect. Lately, there has been heavy rain, leading to floods and even snow. When the weather gets tough, it can hinder visibility, thereby causing accidents.
7. Growing Population
With a big population in California, it’s no surprise there are a lot of car accidents. But it’s important to be careful and remember you’re not the only one on the road. Take it easy and watch out for others when you’re driving.
Contact a Car Accident Law Firm
As car accidents increase in California, those injured in a crash need to seek assistance quickly. An accident can bring financial burdens like medical costs and car repairs. A car accident law firm can help in seeking compensation to cover these expenses and more.
