Car accidents can happen anywhere, but your chances of getting into an accident are greater in certain states. We’ve compiled a list of car accidents by state so you can be informed and take the necessary precautions. But wherever you’re driving, it’s important to always drive defensively, never drink and drive, put down your cell phone while driving, and limit distractions.
While automobile companies continually advance safety features, from blind spot alerts to lane-centering assists, human error remains the number one reason for car accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates a car crash occurs approximately every 6 seconds in the U.S. And, even with all of the safety features, car accident deaths in the U.S. are on the rise after a decade of relatively steady rates, the NHTSA reports.
If you are involved in a car accident, call the attorneys at Virguez Law, who are experts at handling car accident cases. And use this list of car accidents by state to take extra precautions in these states.
A team of analysts at Insurify, an auto insurance quotes comparison site, combed through data to find the top ten states with the highest accident rates. Insurify analysts used their database of over 4.6 million car insurance applications to determine which states had the highest number of at-fault accidents in 2022. The data records at-fault accidents, which means car accidents that were caused by a driver due to negligence or their actions.
1. South Carolina
South Carolina tops the list of at-fault accidents with 12.0%. This is 37% higher than the national average. In addition, South Carolina also records the highest traffic fatality rate in the U.S. This means those living in South Carolina are four times more likely to be involved in a fatal car crash than the number 2 state, Massachusetts, although Massachusetts records a similar number of at-fault accidents.
2. Massachusetts
Massachusetts holds some interesting statistics on the list of car accidents by state. While the rate of drivers with an at-fault accident record in Massachusetts is close to South Carolina at 11.9%–35% higher than the national average– the state’s traffic fatalities per mile driven is 53% lower than the U.S. average. So, while there are a lot of accidents in the Bay State, most are not fatal.
3. Ohio
Ohio’s at-fault accident rate comes in at 11.4%. But, the number of fatalities in Ohio is less than the national average.
4. Nebraska
Nebraska holds the fourth-highest number of car accidents in the U.S. However, the traffic fatality rate is 10% below the national average. So, even though there are flat roads, be cautious while driving in Nebraska, especially in winter when road conditions are at their worst.
5. Georgia
This southern state doesn’t fare so well when it comes to car accidents. Drivers in Georgia with an at-fault accident on record come in at 10.6%. But what’s really alarming is the number of traffic fatalities in Georgia. Although Georgia is the eighth-largest state for population, it’s the fourth most deadly state for traffic fatalities.
Nearly 1 in 6,452 residents are killed in a car accident in Georgia each year. If you have been involved in an accident in Georgia, call the attorneys at Virguez Law. We can help you get the settlement you deserve.
6. Maryland
Another southern state to join the list of Top 10 Car Accidents By State, Maryland, reports 10.5% of at-fault accidents on record, which is 19% higher than the national average. The good news is the Old Line State falls 17% below the national average for traffic fatalities.
7. Maine
Maine’s drivers with an at-fault accident on record are 10.5%, which is 19% higher than the national average. But the number of fatal car accidents every year in Maine falls below the national average, with 1 in 8,333 killed in an accident every year.
8. North Carolina
North Carolina joins its sister state South Carolina on the list of the 10 States With the Most Car Accidents in the U.S .While not as high up on the list, 10% of drivers in North Carolina report an at-fault accident, putting the Tarheel State eighth in the U.S. for car accidents. The traffic fatalities among North Carolina drivers are also higher than the national average.
9. Iowa
The Hawkeye State reports at-fault accidents on record at 9.7%, 10% higher than the rest of the country. But fortunately, these accidents don’t put Iowa at the top of the list for traffic fatalities, as that number is 16% lower than the U.S. average.
10. Indiana
Car accidents in Indiana are 9.6%–9% higher than the national average. In Indiana, 1 in 1,756 people are killed yearly in car crashes.
Regardless of where you live in the United States, anytime you get behind the wheel, you risk being in a car accident. Always do take every precaution to ensure that you are driving responsibly, alert, and safely. If you or someone you know needs legal help for a car accident case, our team of experienced accident attorneys at Virguez Law is standing by to assist you in any way. Call our office at 678-300-0000 to set up a consultation or speak to someone on our team.
