The most recent data available for accidents in Pennsylvania are from 2017. The statistics released by The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation highlight the risk of accidents and the most common contributing factors:
- In 2017, individuals reported around 15 crashes per hour.
- Every day, at least three people died.
- In 2017, the economic loss due to traffic crashes was $1,414 to every man, woman and child in Pennslyvania.
- 128, 188 crashes were reported and 1,137 died in accidents during the same year.
- Compared to the United States, Pennsylvania had an average of one to two fewer deaths per 100,000 people.
- When compared with previous years, Pennsylvania saw more reported crashes (1.0% increase) and fewer total deaths (4.3% decrease) and injuries (2.8% decrease).
- Most accidents occurred when drivers hit fixed objects. Other common crash types included angled collisions and rear endings.
- The most common driver errors associated with crashes included speeding, distracted driving, improper turns, and drunk driving.
- In most age groups, male drivers were involved in more accidents than females.
If you have been injured in a car accident, speak to one of our car accident attorneys in Philadelphia today. These statistics clearly highlight the role of negligence in most incidents. If you become a statistic through no fault of your own, take steps to hold careless drivers accountable and obtain justice.
According to a report the CDC released in mid-2016, the United States carries the highest rate of vehicle incident deaths in comparison with other high-income countries. Every year, over 32,000 people die and millions suffer injuries on our roadways. Car crashes happen quickly, and even the best defensive driving may not prevent serious collisions and injuries. Despite laws, awareness campaigns, and semi-autonomous vehicle protections, some drivers continue to engage in reckless behaviors.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, from 2013 to 2016, the U.S. saw a 12% increase in car accident fatalities. Of those recorded, there were 37, 461 fatalities from car accidents just in 2016.
Total Reported Car Accidents In Pennsylvania (2008-2016)
Leading Causes of Auto Accidents in Philadelphia
Some of the most common causes and contributing factors of car accidents include:
- Driver error – The most common cause of accidents is driver error. If everyone followed the rules and safety recommendations on the roadway, accidents would not happen as often.
- Drunk driving – By definition, anyone who drives with a BAC level over 0.08% engages in negligent driving behaviors. Driving while intoxicated affects reaction times, motor functionality, and judgment. We take drunk driving accident cases very seriously at Anapol Weiss and often strive to obtain punitive damages for gross negligence on behalf of our clients.
- Distracted driving – Any activity that takes a driver’s attention off the roadways constitutes distracted driving. This includes eating, applying makeup, playing a game, reaching into the backseat of the vehicle, and digging around in a bag while driving. Our attorneys use recordings, witness statements, and accident recreation technology to prove distracted driving in many car accident cases.
- Speeding – Excessive speeding as a sole cause or contributing factor will affect the outcome of every car accident case. The court will carefully look at speeds at the time of the accident to determine liability.
- Reckless driving – Swerving, unsafe lane changes, and tailgating may all contribute to accidents and serious injuries.
- Failure to follow the rules of the road – Any driver that turns the key in the ignition must follow the rules of the road. This includes stopping for pedestrians, following road signs, and wearing a seatbelt.
- Automotive defects and malfunctioning – In some cases, driver error does not cause an accident. Instead, an internal defect in the vehicle creates unsafe conditions the driver cannot control. These cases often include single car road crashes, rollovers, and rear-ending accidents. Only a careful investigation of the parts in a vehicle will uncover potential defects or malfunctions. At Anapol Weiss, we will pursue product liability claims against auto manufacturers in cases involving defective or dangerous parts.
- Roadway and construction hazards – Our attorneys occasionally see claims arising from construction zones and roadway hazards. In these cases, a construction firm, transportation agency, or local government may bear some or all liability for an incident.
