How Many Car Accidents Result in Fatalities Across the United States?

Americans travel by car more than residents of any other nation. With all those cars on the road, it, unfortunately, stands to reason that there will be more automobile accidents here than in other countries. Car crashes are among the leading causes of death in the United States, with thousands of fatalities occurring on America’s roads every year.

There were roughly 13 million car accidents across the States in 2020, resulting in 3.2 million injuries and approximately 36,000 fatalities. While these numbers are frightening and well-deserving of our attention, let’s try to put those numbers into perspective. There are, after all, so many motorists on the roads these days.

Americans have a 1 in 107 chance of dying in a car accident in their lifetime. That is less than a 1% chance. To put it another way, your odds of dying in a car wreck are 1 in 93, according to the National Safety Council (NCS). By comparison, an American’s chances of dying of heart disease are one in six, cancer is one in seven, COVID-19 is one in ten, and guns are 1 in 89. While we should not diminish the odds of dying in a motor vehicle accident, it is worth remembering that the odds of dying in a car crash are relatively low compared to other, more likely ways to go.

Where Does Louisiana Rank in the Most Dangerous States for Fatal Car Accidents?

In studies done by the nonprofit Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), they recorded the total number of fatalities by state, the fatalities per 100,000 residents and the deaths per mile traveled in each state. In their findings, the states with the most fatal car accidents in 2020 were Texas (3,874), California (3,847), and Florida (3,331). But these are large states with huge populations. When adjusted for deaths per 100,000 capita, Texas had 13.3 fatal car crashes per 100,000 residents, California had 9.7, and Florida had 15.4. The states with the highest fatal car accidents per capita were Mississippi at 25.4, Arkansas at 21.2, and Wyoming at 22.0.

Based on numbers from 2020, the states with the lowest chances of getting into fatal car accidents were Massachusetts (4.9 per 100,000 residents), New York (5.2), and Washington D.C. (5.2).

Louisiana had 528 fatal car accidents in 2020 – 17.8 deaths per 100,000 residents. This makes Louisiana nowhere near the most dangerous state for fatal car crashes, but the ranking is undoubtedly higher than anyone would like.

What Factors Influence the Likelihood of a Fatal Car Accident?

Roadways can be dangerous, and it is always wise to take certain safety precautions in order to avoid calamity. With that in mind, certain factors may drastically influence the odds of dying in a car crash.

Factors that may increase the chances of a car crash fatality include:

In Louisiana, car crash fatalities are evenly split between urban and rural areas. In 2020, 56% of the state’s car accident fatalities were occupants not wearing seat belts, and 80% of deaths were linked to drivers with high blood alcohol levels.

Do Certain Motor Vehicles Increase the Odds of a Car Wreck Resulting in Death?

Vehicle safety should always be something to consider when renting or buying a car. Certain cars are known for higher fatality rates than other models. Based on car accidents between the years 2016 and 2020, the vehicles involved in the most deaths include the Chevy Silverado, the Ford F-150, the Honda Accord, and the Toyota Camry.

The vehicle involved in the most car accident fatalities in Louisiana was the Chevrolet Silverado. The Silverado is one of the most oversized vehicles on the road. Its size and power make it dangerous for other motorists if they are ever unlucky enough to collide with one in a car crash.

18 Wheeler Accident Statistics

Louisiana, with its extensive transportation network and bustling commercial activities, witnesses a significant number of 18-wheeler accidents each year. These accidents pose serious threats to public safety, leading to injuries, fatalities, property damage, and economic losses. This article explores the causes behind these accidents, their consequences, and potential strategies to mitigate them.

According to Injury Facts NSC:

*Large trucks accounted for:

  • 9% of all vehicles involved in fatal crashes
  • 5% of all registered vehicles
  • 10% of total vehicle miles traveled”

*Large trucks are defined as any medium or heavy truck, not including buses and motor homes, with a gross vehicle weight rating greater than 10,000 pounds. Both commercial and non-commercial vehicles are included.

Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Louisiana

Several factors contribute to 18-wheeler accidents in Louisiana. One primary cause is driver error, including fatigue, distracted driving, impaired driving, and reckless behavior. Due to the demanding nature of the trucking industry, drivers often face pressure to meet tight schedules, leading to fatigue and subsequent lapses in concentration. Additionally, inadequate training, insufficient adherence to safety regulations, and improper vehicle maintenance also contribute to accidents.

Consequences of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Louisiana

The consequences of 18-wheeler accidents in Louisiana can be devastating. These accidents often result in severe injuries or fatalities for both truck occupants and other road users involved.

The sheer size and weight of these vehicles magnify the impact, leading to catastrophic collisions. Property damage, including damage to infrastructure and cargo loss, can also occur. Moreover, these accidents have economic implications, such as traffic congestion, road closures, increased insurance premiums, and potential legal liabilities.

Collaboration between stakeholders, including government agencies, trucking companies, and law enforcement, is vital in implementing and enforcing safety measures. Public awareness campaigns can also educate motorists about sharing the road responsibly with large commercial vehicles, promoting safer driving practices.

The occurrence of 18-wheeler accidents in Louisiana poses significant challenges to public safety and the economy. By addressing the root causes through driver training, enforcement of safety regulations, and promoting maintenance best practices, the frequency and severity of these 18-wheeler accidents can be reduced, creating safer roads for all.

What Can You Do if You Lost a Loved One in a Car Crash?

If a family member or close loved one perished in a car accident caused by another driver, your first response is likely grief. While you are mourning, you should not be expected to be responsible for taking the at-fault parties to court, negotiating with the insurance companies, or worrying about medical expenses and funeral costs.

Please consider employing the legal guidance of an experienced wrongful death attorney to help you through this difficult period in your life. As your legal representative, your lawyers can assist you with all of these concerns and file a wrongful death claim in hopes of holding any responsible parties accountable.

In Louisiana, a wrongful death lawsuit can be filed by the deceased’s surviving spouse, children, or parents. If successful, this lawsuit could help you recover compensation for lost income, medical bills, burial expenses, loss of companionship, punitive damages, and non-economic damages like emotional distress or mental anguish.

The statute of limitations is one year from the date of the fatal car accident, so do not delay in speaking with a wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible.