Pennsylvania Car Accident Statistics 2022
By Ben Gobel on February 21, 2023
Car accidents happen every day due to driver negligence. They can also happen in a variety of other ways, and sometimes due to unforeseen circumstances. When you get into a car accident, you may suffer terrible injuries. In worst-case scenarios, there may be traffic fatalities, requiring surviving family members to go on without their loved one. There are many ways that you can prepare and prevent Pennsylvania traffic accidents.
These are some of the most recent motor vehicle accident statistics from Pennsylvania. As these numbers demonstrate, motor vehicle traffic accidents continue to be a major cause of injury and death throughout the state. All drivers should practice safe driving habits to help keep themselves and those around them safe. By following the rules of the road, we can all work together to make Pennsylvania’s roads safer. Contact Ogg, Murphy, and Perkosky PC today for a free consultation. Reading about these statistics can help educate you on the probability of fatal car accidents and how they occur:
The Latest Pennsylvania Car Accident Statistics
Pennsylvania car accidents are a significant problem and cause of injury and death in the state. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation accident statistics, there were over 128,000 total crashes reported in 2018. Of these crashes, 78,000 resulted in injuries. Out of those injured, over 4,500 people suffered serious injuries, and 33,500 suffered minor injuries. In addition to reporting fatal crashes, PennDOT also reported alcohol-related crashes for 2018. Around 331 motor vehicle traffic accidents involved at least one driver with a blood alcohol concentration over .08%.
Source: Erie Insurance
Pennsylvania Car Accident Death Statistics
Fatal injuries had an estimated total cost of $13,460,255,342 and an average cost of $12,203,314 in damages. There are, on average, 1.17 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles. In Pennsylvania, 1,190 accidents resulted in traffic fatalities. There were 201 pedestrians, 164 motorcyclists, 18 bicyclists, and 136 large truck-related traffic fatalities.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that 3,166 people died in distracted driving-related crashes throughout the United States in 2017. While PennDOT does not have specific data regarding distracted driving crashes in Pennsylvania, it is still an important factor to consider when discussing car accident statistics. All drivers should be aware of their surroundings and stay focused on the road while driving to prevent car accident fatalities.
The Most Common Causes of Traffic Accidents
Pennsylvania has many laws to reduce the number of motor vehicle accidents in the state. A reportable traffic accident in Pennsylvania can be cuased by many different reasons. The most common causes of traffic accidents include:
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is when a driver is not paying full attention to the road and is focused on something else, such as texting or talking on their phone, eating or drinking, adjusting the radio, and so on.
Speeding
Speeding is one of the leading causes of car accident fatalities in Pennsylvania. Drivers who are speeding may have less time to react to changes in traffic or other hazards on the road.
Impaired Driving
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol can impair a driver’s judgment, reaction time, and coordination.
Unsafe Lane Changes
Unsafe lane changes can lead to collisions with other vehicles or objects on the side of the road.
Tailgating
Following too closely behind another vehicle can cause rear-end crashes if the vehicle in front has to brake or slow down suddenly.
Running Red Lights Or Stop Signs
Failing to obey stop signs or red lights is a major factor in motor vehicle accidents. This behavior endangers both drivers and pedestrians alike.
Aggressive Driving
Aggressive driving includes speeding, tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, passing on the shoulder, and other unsafe maneuvers. It can lead to serious collisions and injuries.
Not Yielding
Drivers are required to yield the right-of-way in certain situations. Failure to do so can lead to serious collisions with passenger cars.
Types Of Damages In A Car Accident
Car accidents can cause a variety of damages, both physical and financial. Depending on the severity of the accident, these damages can be minor or catastrophic.
Property Damage
Property damage includes any damage to your vehicle or other property involved in the crash. This could include vehicles, street signs, guardrails, and more.
Medical Expenses
Medical expenses associated with traffic accidents can include hospital bills, doctor’s visits, medical tests and procedures, medications, physical therapy, and other forms of healthcare services.
Lost Income
If you are injured in a traffic accident and cannot work due to your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages or income.
Pain And Suffering
Pain and suffering is a form of emotional distress caused by the accident that can result in physical, mental, and emotional anguish.
Punitive Damages:
Punitive damages are intended to punish the at-fault party for their reckless behavior and deter them from engaging in similar conduct in the future.
Car Accident Injuries
Car accidents can cause a variety of injuries, depending on the severity and type of accident. Some of the most common injuries include:
Broken Bones
Broken bones are among the most common injuries sustained in car accidents. They happen when the force of the collision causes bones to crack or break.
Whiplash
Whiplash is a common injury that occurs when the head and neck are suddenly forced back and forth in a quick motion, as often happens in rear-end collisions. Symptoms can include pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and more.
Back And Neck Injury
Neck or back injuries can occur if a driver experiences sudden, forceful impact during an accident.
Head Injury
Traumatic brain injuries can be caused by contact with an object, such as a steering wheel or dashboard, or by the force of the impact from an accident.
Emotional Distress
Emotional distress is an often overlooked but very real consequence of car accidents. This can include anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other negative emotions.
Internal Organ Damage
Internal organ damage is a serious injury that can result from a car accident. Symptoms of internal organ damage may include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and difficulty breathing. A doctor should be seen immediately if any of these symptoms are present after an accident.
Lacerations Or Bruises
Lacerations or bruises may occur after an accident.
How To Prevent Car Accidents
You should take the necessary safety precautions to avoid fatal accidents. Here are some tips on how you can prevent an accident:
Wear Your Seatbelt
This is one of the best ways to protect yourself in case of an accident.
Maintain Your Vehicle
Keeping your vehicle up-to-date on maintenance can prevent any unexpected issues from occurring while driving.
Obey The Speed Limit
Speeding is one of the leading causes of car accidents. It’s important to drive at a safe speed and pay attention to your surroundings.
Avoid Distractions
Distractions such as texting or talking on the phone can be very dangerous while driving. It’s important to keep your focus on the road at all times.
Follow Traffic Signals
Obeying traffic signs and signals is essential for keeping you and other drivers safe.
Be Aware Of Your Surroundings
Make sure to pay attention to other vehicles on the road, pedestrians, and road conditions.
What To Do After A Car Accident
After a car accident, there are several steps you should take to ensure your safety and protect your legal rights. These include:
Dial 911
You will want to get the paramedics on the scene if there are any injuries. The police will also be alerted and sent to the accident scene.
Get Medical Help
Even if you don’t feel any signs of injury, seek medical attention as soon as possible after the accident. This will help discover any latent injuries and will be important for your personal injury claim.
Document The Scene
Take photos of your vehicle and the other vehicles involved, as well as any property damage.
Get Contact Information
Get the names, addresses, phone numbers, driver’s license numbers, and insurance information from all drivers involved in the accident.
Speak To Eyewitnesses
If there are any witnesses to the accident, get their contact information so they can be contacted later if necessary.
Don’t Admit Fault
Don’t say anything that could be seen as an admission of guilt for the accident.
Contact Your Insurer
You should notify your insurance company of the accident as soon as possible.
Reach Out To a Personal Injury Attorney
If you have been injured in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence or recklessness, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
By following the rules of the road and practicing safe driving habits, drivers can help reduce their chances of being involved in a car accident. Additionally, drivers should always be aware of their surroundings and stay alert while behind the wheel. If you have been injured in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence or recklessness, contact an experienced attorney to discuss your legal options. An attorney can help ensure that you are compensated for your injuries and losses. Call Ogg, Murphy, and Perkosky PC for more information and a free consultation.