Car accidents are a leading cause of death every year in the United States. According to traffic safety facts, 42,795 Americans lost their lives in crashes across the country in 2022 alone. Moreover, traffic injuries rank as the top cause of deaths for young people aged 5 to 29.
If you consider such figures, you might begin to question your chances of being involved in a fatal car accident. Blackburn Romey delves into these statistics so that you can make informed choices concerning your safety.
In 2022, the National Safety Council (NSC) estimated that the lifetime odds of an American dying in a car crash are approximately 1 in 93. This translates to about a 1.08% chance of death from a motor vehicle accident over one’s lifetime.
This makes car crashes a prominent cause of death in the United States, with a lifetime probability of 1 in 93. This risk is nearly equivalent to that of dying from a fall (1 in 92) but is higher than many other types of accidents.
In contrast, the lifetime odds of a motorcyclist dying in a crash are lower, at 1 in 722. Even rarer are fatalities from dog attacks, with odds of 1 in 43,882, and the risk for bicyclists stands at 1 in 3,162. These figures emphasize the importance of responsible driving practices and safety measures to reduce the likelihood of tragic accidents on the road.
For every 100 million miles driven, about 75 people were injured in crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In 2022, an estimated 2.38 million people were injured on U.S. roads, a 4.6% decrease from 2.50 million in 2021.
The injury rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled (VMT) also dropped by 6.3% from the previous year, reflecting an overall decline in crash-related injuries.
The most recent information indicates that about 77% of drivers in the U.S. have experienced at least one accident during their driving years. On average, a driver must also file an insurance claim for a car accident roughly once every 18 years. This means they might get into a collision about three to four times throughout their life.
There are several factors that can influence these odds:
In head-on collisions, the survival rate depends largely on the speed at which the vehicles are traveling. At slower speeds, the survival rate is relatively high, with around 99% of individuals surviving such accidents with only minor injuries.
However, at 50 mph, the survival rate drops to about 31%. This means roughly one-third of individuals involved in head-on collisions at this speed will not survive.
When it comes to speeds of 70 mph or higher, the survival rate is extremely low and fatalities are almost guaranteed.
While anyone can be involved in a car accident, certain behaviors, conditions, and environmental factors significantly raise the likelihood of a crash resulting in death. Some of those causes are:
#1. Speeding
This increases both the severity of impact and the likelihood of losing control of your vehicle. Nationally, speeding is responsible for nearly 30% of all traffic fatalities. Indiana drivers face additional risks during winter when icy roadways exacerbate the dangers of driving too fast for conditions.
#2. Distracted Driving
It is a growing problem, especially with the prevalence of smartphones. In Indiana, distracted driving was a factor in over 10% of fatal crashes last year, highlighting the dangers of texting, eating, or adjusting in-car technology while driving.
#3. Impaired Driving
Drunk driving and drugged driving remain significant contributors to fatal car crashes. In the state, over 20% of all traffic fatalities in recent years involved alcohol-impaired drivers. Even small amounts of alcohol can impair reaction time and decision-making.
#4. Failure to Use Seat Belts
Seat belts are one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce the likelihood of dying in a crash. Based on the NHTSA, individuals not wearing seat belts are 30 times more likely to be ejected from a vehicle in a collision, a scenario that often proves fatal.
#15. Rural Roads
Indiana’s rural roads present unique risks. With fewer safety barriers, limited lighting, and less traffic enforcement, rural road crashes tend to be more severe than those occurring in urban areas.
When a person dies in a car collision, several legal and administrative processes begin. First, law enforcement and emergency services respond to the scene to investigate the cause of the crash and determine whether negligence or illegal activity (e.g., drunk driving) played a role. A death certificate will then be issued, and surviving family members may need to manage both funeral arrangements and the deceased’s estate.
In fatal car accidents caused by negligence, the victim’s family may be entitled to file a wrongful death claim to recover financial damages. Legal actions may include pursuing an insurance claim, a civil lawsuit, or both.
If someone dies in a car crash caused by another person’s negligence, their family has several legal options to pursue justice and compensation. These options generally focus on holding the at-fault party accountable for the wrongful death and recovering damages for the loss.
After a fatal car incident, the deceased’s family can often file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. This process involves:
Indiana is a fault-based insurance state, which means the insurance of the at-fault driver is responsible for compensating the victim’s family.
In cases where an insurance settlement is insufficient, families may file a wrongful death lawsuit against the at-fault driver. This civil lawsuit seeks to hold the negligent party accountable and recover damages for the financial and emotional losses caused by the victim’s death.
Damages awarded in wrongful death cases may include:
According to the Centers for Disease Control, the odds of getting hit by a car while walking are approximately 1 in 4,292. Around 80% of such accidents happen in urban areas, while the remaining 20% occur in rural settings.
To reduce your odds of dying in a car crash, it is important to understand and mitigate the risk factors. Unfortunately, you cannot possibly prevent all accidents. If you need help after a car accident, be sure to get the legal assistance you need to pursue fair compensation for your injuries.
Our trusted South Bend car accident attorneys at Blackburn Romey are ready to fight for your rights. Contact us today to schedule your free, confidential case evaluation.
Blackburn Romey founding partner Tom Blackburn graduated with honors receiving a degree from Indiana University at the Robert H. McKinney School of Law. Initiating his legal career in 1977, he has been active in practicing law and currently serves as a member of the Indiana State Bar Association on the Ethics and Advertising Committees, the American Bar Association, the American Association for Justice, as a board member at the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association, and as an appointed member of the Executive Committee for the State of Indiana for the National Trial Lawyers Association.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Tom Blackburn, who has more than 47 years of legal experience, including over 39 years specializing as a personal injury attorney.
