The risk of getting into a car accident is significant for anyone who spends time on busy city streets or highways. In Washington, D.C., 2023 marked the deadliest traffic year since 2007. There were 47 fatal crashes leading to 49 deaths. On top of that, there were about 6,000 reported traffic injuries in D.C. during that same year, showing that serious collisions occur far more often than most people realize.
While not every trip ends in disaster, the ongoing rates of crashes and injuries mean that every driver faces a relatively high chance of becoming involved in some type of accident whenever they are on the road.
Understanding the common causes of these accidents and what you can do afterwards to give yourself the best chance to recover is essential. Reach out to our proven Washington, DC car accident lawyer for a free consultation today.
Chances of Getting into a Car Accident In Your LIfetime
According to the National Safety Council’s 2023 report, car crashes remain a significant risk for everyone on the road. Consider the following data:
- An estimated 13.1 million crashes occurred in the U.S. in 2023
- More than 6.1 million of those were serious enough to be reported to police
- Over 35,000 car accidents happen every single day across the country
- 5.1 million people required medical attention for crash-related injuries
- Roughly 1 in 47 Americans were injured in a motor vehicle crash last year
- In 2023, there were 44,762 deaths on U.S. roads
- That’s 13.37 deaths for every 100,000 people, or a 1 in 7,480 chance each year for any individual to die in a crash
Car accidents are extremely common, and every time you get on the road, you should be cautious.
Leading Causes of Car Accidents in D.C.
Most car accidents in Washington, D.C are caused by a few repeated forms of risky or negligent behavior behind the wheel, with some factors showing up far more frequently than others, according to police reports.
Speeding
Speeding is linked to about 40% of all D.C. crashes. Even minor increases in speed can make vehicles harder to stop, decrease reaction time, and significantly raise the chances of a crash resulting in serious injuries or fatalities.
Drunk Driving
Roughly 20% of reported accidents are tied to drivers under the influence of alcohol. Drunk drivers have slower reflexes and impaired judgment, making them much more likely to misjudge traffic or lose control of their vehicle.
Distracted or Driver Error
Another 20% of accidents involve driver inattention, which covers everything from texting and talking on the phone, to messing with temperature controls, eating, or simply daydreaming. Contact our distracted driving lawyer in DC to discuss your case today.
Other Contributing Factors
Other common causes include failure to yield at intersections, making sudden or unsafe lane changes, tailgating, drowsy driving, and incorrectly merging into busy lanes. Design issues on local roads, such as confusing intersections or a lack of speed-control measures, can also increase these risks and lead to more frequent or severe accidents.
What to Do After a Car Accident in D.C. That Wasn’t Your Fault
If you’ve been in a car accident in Washington, D.C. because another driver was negligent, taking the right steps after the crash protects your health and your legal rights. Below are some of the important steps you should take right after you’re involved in a crash:
- Find safety and, if needed, move vehicles out of the flow of traffic
- Call 911 and report the accident
- Get immediate medical attention even for injuries you think are minor
- Exchange contact, insurance, and vehicle information with the other drivers involved
- Gather names and contact details of any eyewitnesses at the scene
- Don’t apologize to anyone for the accident
- Request a copy of the police report as soon as it becomes available
- Don’t post about the accident on social media
- Contact a personal injury lawyer
The sooner you take these actions, the more likely you are to be able to recover the compensation you are entitled to for a car accident caused by someone else.
If you have any questions about what to do next or what you should expect moving forward, our team is always available to assist you. Reach out today at (202) 919-5453 to schedule a free case evaluation with one of our Washington, D.C., car accident lawyers.