Accidents are frequent, unavoidable events. Learn about some Virginia Beach car accident statistics and why you could use a Virginia Beach car wreck lawyer shortly after an accident.
Driving is an important part of our lives in the modern day. We need it to get from point A to B, and if we’re not driving, we’re in a public means of transportation. While in a vehicle, we do not consider the possibility of being involved in a car accident. The reality, however, is accidents are bound to happen.
Accident rates in the United States fluctuate every year. These auto accidents are responsible for many fatalities and injuries annually. It is important to get familiar with the car accident statistics in Virginia Beach. It’s also vital to know the causes of these crashes and how to avoid being involved in one.
If you or a loved one have been involved in a car accident, you may be liable for some financial compensation according to state laws. Contact a Virginia Beach car wreck lawyer at Virginia Injury Law to get started.
Car Accidents Statistics in Virginia Beach
The United States is home to over 300 million people with over 200 million licensed drivers. There was a significant drop in the number of motorists in 2020 due to the pandemic. However, this did not reduce the number of motor vehicle traffic crashes. In fact, there was an increase.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 38,680 fatalities due to car accidents in 2020, which is a 7.2% increase from the 36,096 fatal accidents from the previous year.
It was the largest projected number of fatalities since 2007. In 2021, there was a 16% increase in fatalities from multi-vehicle crashes, an increase from 2020.
The Virginia Beach car accident statistics are quite similar too. In the state of Virginia, 2020 saw 105,600 motor vehicle crashes with 847 fatalities and 52,668 recorded injuries.
In 2021, the crash rate increased to 118,498, with 986 deaths and 58,786 injuries. Of the 118,498 crashes, Virginia Beach contributed 5,805, with 34 fatal crashes and 2,906 severe injuries.
In addition to these traffic accidents, there were 1,399 pedestrian crashes in 2021, a 12.6% increase from 2020. There were also 2,048 motorcycle accidents, a 12.1% increase from 2020.
According to the Department of Motor Vehicles, in Virginia, on average:
- One crash happens every 4.4 minutes
- 2.7 lives are lost per day because of traffic crashes
- 161 persons are injured per day because of traffic crashes
- One out of every 27.9 licensed drivers is involved in a crash
Causes of Virginia Beach Accidents
Car accidents occur for several reasons. However, it’s mostly a direct result of human action, inaction, or negligence. Other non-human causes of motor vehicle crashes include bad weather conditions (thunderstorms, fog, snow) and poor road conditions.
Below are some of the leading causes of car crashes in Virginia Beach.
Alcohol
Drinking under the influence of alcohol is a bad idea and often carries strong consequences. Alcohol impairs the brain, and no one should be drunk driving.
In 2021, there were 6,749 alcohol-related car accidents with 247 fatalities and 4,224 injuries in Virginia. Virginia Beach city recorded 418 alcohol-related crashes in the same year, with 19 fatal crashes and 248 injuries.
Speeding
As statistics show, driving above the speed limit of an area increases the chances of an accident occurring. In 2021, Virginia recorded 24,620 speed-related accidents recording 445 fatalities and 12,902 injuries.
Distracted Driving
Driving requires 100% focus. Driving while distracted is an obvious leading cause of accidents in Virginia. There were 20,918 distracted driver-involved motor vehicle accidents, an 11.2% increase over 2020.
Other causes of car accidents in Virginia Beach include:
- Improper lane change
- Swerving to avoid other vehicles
- Failure to yield
- Aggressive driving
- Inexperienced drivers
- Negligent drivers
- Improper turning
- Impaired drivers
- Improper passing
- Illegal or improper parking
- Following too close
The driver who performs any of these actions is the negligent party, while the other one involved is the victim.
What To Do After a Car Accident?
An accident can be confusing because the event is traumatizing and leaves those involved disoriented. We’ve highlighted below some important things to do after an accident.
Call 911
Immediately an accident occurs, try as much as possible to get immediate medical help for you and the other car accident victims. Even if the accident seems minor, still seek medical attention. Health is the most important thing. Also, the medical bills could help in your case against the at-fault driver’s insurance companies or court.
Call the Police
After an accident, it’s important to let the police come to the scene and take your report. Leaving an accident scene may let the police assume it was a hit and run.
The police will speak to everyone at the scene, including the accident victims, and collect CCTV footage before making their report. The presence of law enforcement may help in your case against the at-fault party.
Hire a Virginia Beach Car Wreck Lawyer
It may seem like an unnecessary move, but in reality, it’s one of the most important decisions you can make after a car accident. A lawyer will guide you and offer legal advice about your car accident claims.
An auto accident lawyer will also help you fight your case against the liable party’s auto insurance company and get you the financial compensation you deserve. They can also help you file a wrongful death claim if necessary.
What an Attorney Can Do for You
If you have decided to hire a Virginia Beach car wreck lawyer, below are some things they can do for you.
Offer Legal Advice
An experienced Virginia Beach car wreck lawyer will take a look at your case critically and state the legal options you have while advising you on which course of action is best.
Gather Evidence
Once you have hired an attorney, they get to work and begin to gather evidence that’ll strengthen your case against the at-fault’s party insurance company or in court, should the case escalate. Relevant evidence that’ll be collected includes CCTV footage, eyewitness accounts, photographic evidence, police reports, and medical reports.
Negotiate With the Insurance Company
The lawyers at insurance companies are well versed with the law. They work tirelessly to pay you as little as possible or nothing at all. A good car accident lawyer is also experienced with these types of cases. They know what cards to play to get you the maximum compensation you deserve.
Defend You in Court
If the matter becomes a criminal case or the insurance company refuses to settle, your Virginia Beach car wreck lawyer will defend you and file your personal injury lawsuit in court. They will fight to get you fair compensation for your damages.
Let Our Virginia Beach Car Wreck Lawyer Help You!
If you or a loved one have been involved in a car accident, our legal team at Virginia Injury Law sympathizes with you, and we hope that you return to good health as quickly as possible.
Our Virginia personal injury lawyers here at Virginia Injury Law have years of experience and success with personal injury claims. Our goal is to always fight for maximum compensation for our clients. All you have to do is call us today for a FREE consultation.
Let's get started with your free consultation!