North Carolina Car Accident Statistics [2024 Updated]

North Carolina is built on roads and those who travel on them. Whether people are driving to work, taking their children to school, or carrying out day-to-day tasks or recreational activities, roads are crucial to getting around. While car accidents are common, especially if there is risky or negligent driving, a Charlotte, North Carolina car accident attorney can help restore justice to the situation by securing compensation for crash victims.

To understand how to avoid car accidents, it is critical to be aware of existing crash data so that drivers can be aware of steps they can take to keep themselves safe. Therefore, it can be useful to examine the recent car accident statistics in North Carolina.

A Breakdown: Statistics for North Carolina Car Accidents

The most comprehensive crash statistics for the state of North Carolina are published by the NC Department of Transportation. Their most recent report, “2021 TRAFFIC CRASH FACTS” covers all that drivers in the state need to know about car accident statistics, including:

• Where they happen
• At what time of the day and year they are occurring
• Those who are involved in them
• What the involved vehicle types are

In general, in 2021, there were over 114,700 people injured as a result of traffic incidents in the state, a figure that increased almost 9% compared to the prior year. The age group that was most heavily involved with traffic crashes in the state was 20- to 29-year-olds, who were responsible for 27.2% of all reported crashes.

Furthermore, over 1,700 died as a result of a North Carolina car accident in 2021, which was up 7.5% from the previous year. In terms of fatality, this means that, for every 100,000 people living in North Carolina, 16.9 of them were killed due to traffic accidents. Of these fatal crashes, almost a quarter of them had to do with speeding.

Overall, there were more crashes reported in the state in 2021, with an increase of 11.7% from the year before. There were about 276,000 traffic crashes that were on record in 2021. Roughly 70% of these reported crashes occurred during peak hours, which are between 7:00 am and 7:00 pm.

Driver Distraction: A Leading Cause of NC Traffic Accidents

According to the NCDoT report, distracted driving is a serious concern that causes a large amount of traffic accidents in the state. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration considers distracted driving to be any activity that a driver engages in while driving that does not have to do with driving, which leads to an increased risk of crashing. The number of crashes that were reported to involve distracted driving was 17.9%. However, this number is self-reported and, therefore, expected to be much higher than this figure.

FAQs

Q: What Is the Leading Cause of Car Accidents in North Carolina?

A: The leading cause of car accidents in North Carolina, and the United States overall, is distracted driving. Distracted driving can involve:

• Eating
• Responding to texts or emails
• Speaking to passengers
• Changing the station on the radio
• Looking at directions

When drivers are distracted, they cannot be fully aware of what is happening on the road around them, and this leads to smaller reaction times before crashes or an immediate crash, depending on the situation. If you have been hit by a distracted driver, it is critical to get in touch with a compassionate personal injury lawyer.

Q: Where Do the Most Fatal Car Accidents Happen in North Carolina?

A: In the state of North Carolina, the most fatal car accidents have been found to happen in the cities of Charlotte and Raleigh. In Charlotte, there is a reported 11.2 deaths per 100,000 living in the city. In Raleigh, there were a reported 3.9 deaths due to traffic accidents per 100,000 residents. While deadly accidents often happen in densely populated cities in the state, it’s important to keep in mind that many fatal accidents can also occur in rural areas.

Q: What Is North Carolina’s Fender Bender Law?

A: North Carolina introduced a “Fender Bender Law” to address a dangerous situation that can slow traffic and cause other cars to potentially crash. The law requires all people who have been in a minor crash that does not result in injuries to pull over to the side of the road.

If an individual does not pull over after a minor crash, then they can face court costs and a fine of $110. If you have been involved in a fender bender and sustained even minor injuries as a result, it is important to get in touch with an experienced personal injury lawyer.

Q: How Is Liability Determined in a North Carolina Car Accident?

A: In North Carolina, liability is determined based on the strict law of contributory negligence. By analyzing evidence such as police reports, eyewitness testimony, photos, videos, and recounts of those who experienced the road accident, insurance companies and courts will determine the percentage that each involved party was at fault. If one party is considered to be even one percent at fault for the accident, then they are not entitled to compensation.

A knowledgeable personal injury attorney can present your case and fight for you to get compensation for your car accident injuries.

Get the Support You Deserve: Reach Out to a North Carolina Car Accident Attorney

If you have fallen victim to a car accident in North Carolina, then it is critical to act fast. An NC car crash lawyer from Bridgman Gantt Law can help you gather evidence that you need to prove your case while there is still time. Then, we can help you file a claim with the insurance company of the at-fault driver. Our firm can work to prove the liability of the other driver and, in certain cases, help you pursue your car crash compensation through the court system.

Contact our loyal personal injury team today to discuss your options for securing compensation.