Seattle Car Accident Statistics

Safety always has to be at the top of your priority when driving a car. Unfortunately, even with the appropriate precautions, car crashes can happen anytime. The Washington State Department of Transportation and the Seattle Department of Transportation state that the number of traffic deaths has increased in recent years.

Furthermore, the Washington Traffic Safety Commission has also reported that there has been an increasing number of fatal accidents. Even though the Washington State Patrol is vigilant, traffic accidents in Washington State have been increasing, and even relatively minor accidents can lead to severe injuries.

What did the statistics show? Take a look at a few important points below, and make sure you take the necessary precautions to reduce your chances of being involved in a severe accident.

The Rising Number of Fatal Car Accidents

According to a report published by the Seattle Times, statistics from various government bodies show that traffic accidents and fatalities have been going up in recent years. For example, in 2021, Washington recorded 540 fatal crashes, leading to more than 600 fatalities. That is the highest number since 2006.

In addition, more than 2,400 crashes in 2021 resulted in serious injuries. That is an increase of approximately 16 percent compared to 2020, representing the highest number since 2006.

Furthermore, the same report shows that 31 people got killed in Seattle in car accidents in 2021. Again, that is the highest number since 2006. Given that these numbers are going up, discussed are the most common causes of fatal crashes. 

Most Common Causes of Fatal Crashes

There are plenty of causes of traffic fatalities on Washington roads, but some causes are more common than others. The most common causes of fatal traffic accidents in Washington include the following:

Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

DUI is a major cause of fatal car accidents in Washington. Even though a significant amount of attention has been focused on drunk driving in recent decades, a drunk driver can still cause serious concerns. Alcohol-related crashes have been rising, and drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol could even lead to pedestrian deaths. Information published by The Seattle Times indicates that alcohol-related crashes also reached a recent high in 2021.

Distracted Driving

Cell phone use is also a significant cause of traffic fatalities. Distracted driving is a primary concern, particularly given how addicted everyone has gotten to their cell phones. Everyone needs to remain focused when they are driving the car. It means putting down the cell phone, not changing the radio station, and trying not to pay attention to other passengers.

Over Speeding

Of course, speeding is a major contributing factor to some deadly traffic accidents. 2021 was the deadliest year since 2006, with a record number of people killed. There was a significant increase in deaths and injuries compared to the previous year, and speeding is an essential factor. When you speed, you give yourself less time to respond to changing road conditions, arguably the biggest reason why traffic fatalities occur in the modern era.

Motor Vehicle Defects

Data also indicates that motor vehicle defects could harm drivers. When you get behind the wheel, you expect the auto manufacturer to have done its due diligence. If your vehicle does not operate properly, it could result in severe injury or death. The brakes need to be fixed, or the transmission locks up. Regardless, a motor vehicle defect could result in a severe injury.

Negligent Driving

Negligent driving could also cause traffic fatalities, with more people injured on the roads than ever before. Drivers must pay attention to what is happening around them. Otherwise, a collision could take place. For example, if drivers do not pay attention, they could strike a pedestrian on one of the major roads. Or, if a driver does not pay attention to traffic signals or stop signs, they could enter an intersection prematurely, resulting in a severe collision. 

Preventing Motor Vehicle Accidents

Given the record number of cars involved in accidents in 2021, it is vital to take action to reduce the number of future car accidents. Data from the Washington Department of Transportation is concerning, but here are some steps you can take to reduce your chances of being involved in a collision:

• Slow Down. Today, everyone is in a hurry to get somewhere. It takes a few minutes to slow down. Give yourself extra time to get to your destination. That way, you feel like you can skip speed to get somewhere.
• Put down the phone. Make sure you put down the phone when you get behind the wheel. Do not text and drive, and even take any phone calls. Keep your eyes on the road, and your chances of being involved in a motor vehicle accident will drop significantly.
• Avoid alcohol. Do not get behind the wheel if you have been drinking. Alcohol can make it harder for you to respond to changing road conditions, and you might take risks that you might not otherwise take. Instead of drinking and driving, consider hailing a taxi or using a rideshare app. Or, ask someone to come and pick you up.
• Routine maintenance is vital. Make sure you stay up-to-date on regular maintenance. Too many people only take their car to the shop if they feel something needs fixing. Instead, be proactive about maintenance checks, and ensure your vehicle is working correctly.

If you take these steps, you can significantly reduce the chance of being involved in a collision.

What Do You Need To Do After a Car Crash?

If you get involved in a car accident, you must first call 911. Ask for the police to come to the scene, and don't forget to request emergency medical personnel respond. Even if you feel alright, you must go to the emergency room. There might be severe injuries that you might not have noticed because of all the adrenaline going through your system.

Remember to ask for a copy of your medical records when you leave the emergency room. You might need them to file a claim later. You should also follow up with your primary care doctor. That way, you have a comprehensive plan in place for your recovery. As you go through this process, make sure you document everything. You should request a copy of the police report and speak to a lawyer before talking to the insurance company. That way, you can put yourself in the best position possible to get your repair bills and medical bills covered. 

What Can You Recover in a Car Accident Claim?

After a plan is in place for your recovery, you must reach out to a car accident lawyer who can review the collision. You could be entitled to compensation if the accident was not your fault.

You might recover different types of damages through a car accident claim. Some of the most common examples include:

• Property Damage. You need to repair your car after a car accident. Even though the other person's insurance company may cover some of the damages, there might need more to replace your vehicle completely. You might be entitled to additional compensation to address needed repairs. 
• Medical Bills. Even with health insurance, your medical bills can be substantial. A car accident lawyer could help you recover damages that can cover the costs of past, present, and future medical expenses. It is essential if you have to go through physical therapy.
• Lost Wages. How will you make ends meet if you are injured and unable to return to work? Your car accident lawyer might be able to pursue damages for lost income. That way, you have money to replace the paycheck you have lost as you go through the recovery process.
• Punitive Damages. If the accident was particularly egregious, you could also be entitled to punitive damages. These damages are typically awarded in severe car accidents. Your car accident lawyer can see if this action might be warranted.

These are a few examples of damages that a car accident lawyer may recover on your behalf. If you are looking for a car accident lawyer to help you following a motor vehicle accident, look no further than our law firm.

Schedule Your Consultation With Our Seattle Car Accident Lawyer Today

Even a minor car accident can result in serious injuries, and you need to work with a Seattle car accident lawyer who can represent your rights and defend your interests. At Bungay Personal Injury Law, we have tremendous experience representing drivers who suffered from motor vehicle accidents. We would be honored to review your case to determine your compensation. Give us a call today, and schedule a free consultation with a team member to learn more.