Every day, millions of Americans get into their vehicles and travel to work, school, medical appointments, visit with friends, or run errands. No one gets into the driver’s seat planning on being involved in a crash, but car accident statistics reveal that car accidents happen more often than many realize. In 2019 alone, 6,756,084 car crashes were reported across the country—an average of over 18,000 crashes per day. This highlights how many car accidents can occur daily, posing a significant accident risk for every average person.
How many car accidents does the average person have in their lifetime? According to Insurance Panda, most Americans file an accident claim approximately every 18 years. This car accident frequency offers some insight but does not mean everyone will experience a crash every 18 years. Accidents happen for various reasons, including distracted driving, drunk driving, and exceeding the posted speed limit. These behaviors increase the likelihood of traffic fatalities and fatal accidents.
Young drivers are particularly vulnerable to crashes, as they lack experience and may not consistently follow safe driving practices. Taking defensive driving courses can significantly reduce the risk of auto accidents, teaching critical skills that help mitigate common mistakes and hazards on the road.
While many crashes involve reckless or negligent behavior, laws are in place to protect victims and hold at-fault drivers accountable. If you are involved in a crash, consulting a personal injury lawyer can help you understand your rights and seek compensation for damages. Remember, adhering to safe driving practices and staying vigilant can greatly reduce your accident risk, even in a world where car accidents occur daily.
The best way to avoid being involved in a car crash is to be a safe and responsible driver. Obeying traffic laws, staying alert and focused on the road, and not engaging in risky behaviors like speeding, texting while driving, or driving under the influence will help keep you safe on the road.
Keeping your car in good working order — tires properly inflated, brakes in good condition, etc. — is also a smart way to avoid accidents. Most importantly, always remember that even if you are doing everything right, there are other drivers on the road who may not be. Always be prepared for the worst.
Who Is Involved In the Most Accidents?
It may come as no surprise, but 16 to 24-year-old men are the group most frequently involved in accidents, both fatal and non-fatal, with an involvement rate of 10,252. The number drops to 7,732 for men ages 21 to 24. The only other group with similar numbers is female drivers aged 16 to 20 with an involvement rate of 9,320.
These statistics do not necessarily mean that every 16 to 24-year-old man will get into an accident, nor that this group is more likely to cause an accident than others. However, they are useful in indicating which groups are most often involved in accidents.
The Trouble with Accident Statistics
If we simply answered the question “the average driver is involved in a reported accident every 18 years,” there would be a lot of nuances left out.
Many of us know elderly friends or family members who have never been in a car accident with decades of driving under their belts, while someone else we know seems to be in a crash every six months. Is it fair to say that both of these drivers align with this statistic?
There are a lot of factors that can contribute to why one person is involved in more accidents than another. Not all of them have to do with driving ability. For example, someone who drives for a living is going to be on the road a lot more than the average person. As a result, they have a higher chance of being involved in an accident simply because they are exposed to more opportunities for accidents.
The same can be said of people who live in urban areas and deal with a lot of traffic daily — but it is also important to remember that urban accidents are often at lower speeds, which may also lead to lower injury rates.
Conversely, someone who lives in a rural area and only drives a few miles to work each day is going to have a lower chance of being involved in an accident. However, if they are involved in an accident, it may be at higher speeds and lead to more serious injuries. So while the average person is indeed involved in a reported crash every 18 years, there are a lot of individual factors that can affect that number.
The most important thing to remember is that no matter how often or how seldom you are involved in an accident, always drive safely and defensively. Remain vigilant.
Contact CarAccidentAttorney.com To Get the Help You Deserve After a Car Accident
If you’ve been driving for 18 years and have so far avoided a car crash, don’t let this post scare you into thinking you’re due for a crash. However, it’s important to remain vigilant behind the wheel, as accidents happen when least expected. According to car accident statistics, the average driver will be involved in an auto accident approximately every 18 years. So, if you’re wondering, how many car accidents does the average person have, this statistic provides some perspective, but it doesn’t mean every driver will face this outcome.
Driver behavior plays a crucial role in preventing accidents. Common causes, such as distracted driving, contribute to most car accidents, while fatal crashes and fatal accidents often result from a lack of road safety measures or reckless actions. On the other hand, older drivers may face challenges with reaction time and awareness, further emphasizing the need for safety devices and defensive driving.
For those who have been involved in many car accidents, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re a bad driver—it could just be bad luck. However, each incident can have significant impacts, including vehicle repairs, lost wages, and long-term consequences for both physical and financial health. Understanding the impact of car accidents on your life and taking steps to improve road safety can help mitigate these risks. Ultimately, whether or not accidents occur, staying cautious and proactive behind the wheel ensures you are prepared for any eventuality.
If you have been involved in a car accident in Miami that someone else caused, working with a car accident lawyer in your area is one of the best steps you can take to ensure that you are not treated like an auto accident statistic. Insurance companies are businesses, and they often try to lowball you or delay your payments to save themselves money. An experienced car accident lawyer can help you fight for the compensation you deserve so that you can focus on healing.
Need help finding a car accident lawyer in your area? Contact CarAccidentAttorney.com right away. CarAccidentAttorney.com is a personal injury law firm directory that will connect you with a personal injury lawyer in your area for a free consultation.