Average number of car accidents in a lifetime
Car Accident - February 12, 2022 by Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates
The average American changes jobs 12 times in their life, and from birth to death they’ll interact with an average of 80,000 people. These are fun statistics that put an interesting perspective on the human condition, but not all figures are as positive.
According to research published on Fox Business, the average American will be in a car accident once every 18 years, which works out to 3-4 accidents in a lifetime.
While this might not sound like a big number, any car accident can cause potentially serious, long-lasting injuries.
If you were injured in a crash that was caused by someone else, you may be entitled to full compensation through a personal injury claim. Call the Chicago car accident lawyers at Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates today at (800) 985-1819.
Certain factors increase the risk of an accident
Even when you’re doing your best to remain vigilant and responsible on the road, you can’t control other drivers and their behavior. Under certain situations, unfortunately, accidents are more likely to happen, no matter how safely you operate your vehicle.
Driving at night
When your schedule or preferences result in you regularly driving at night, you can be at a greater risk of being in a motor vehicle crash. Visibility is the chief concern under these circumstances, whether due to low light or momentary blindness from bright headlights on other cars.
Party-goers are also more likely to be out on the roads at night when there are more drunk driving accidents.
Driving during rush hour
Rush hour typically includes the hours between 4 and 8 pm. It’s a time of day known for aggressive driving and speeding, as people are either rushing to get to work or rushing to get home. During rush hour, there’s an increased likelihood that you’ll encounter drivers who are speeding.
Additionally, drivers are more likely to be engaging in aggressive driving like fast lane-switching and other risky behaviors that cause accidents. It can be impossible to avoid rush hour, and when other drivers aren’t being responsible, you could be injured in the accidents they cause.
Trying to multitask while driving
Distracted driving is engaging in any activity while driving that takes your attention off the road. This includes talking and texting while driving, playing with the radio or in-dash display, applying makeup, or even talking to your passengers.
Knowing what other drivers are doing in the moments before an accident can be difficult, if not impossible, to determine. This is where your car accident lawyer is of tremendous value, as they collect the evidence you need to get the compensation you deserve.
Average number of DUI accidents
On the roads today, many drivers make the irresponsible decision to get behind the wheel of their car while on drugs or alcohol, putting themselves and other drivers at risk.
DUI accidents are very common, and on average, three in five people, or 60% of individuals, will be involved in a crash as a result of impaired or drunk driving at some point in their lifetime.
Crashes involving alcohol and illicit drugs are significantly linked to accidents. In fact, if a driver is impaired by drugs or alcohol, they are 36 times more likely to be involved in a crash.
All drunk driving accidents are preventable, as the driver simply needs to not make the irresponsible, illegal decision to get behind the wheel while intoxicated.
If you’ve been injured in an accident with a drunk driver, you’re entitled to compensation for your damages. While the police may not have conducted a sobriety test on the other drivers involved in the accident at the scene, your attorney knows what evidence to collect to determine whether the other drivers were engaging in safe driving.
Hurt in a car crash? We can help
Insurance industry research indicates that there are about 10 million car accidents each year. Of these 10 million accidents, about two million people are injured. The average claim for injuries to cover the insured driver and other drivers involved in the crash has risen to more than $23,000.
To recover what you’re entitled to, you have to collect evidence, draft and file a claim, and negotiate a fair settlement. A car accident lawyer from Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates will handle this for you every step of the way. Call (800) 985-1819 now to schedule your free, no-obligation case consultation.
