Car Accident Statistics San Diego

Car accidents are responsible for a staggering number of injuries and deaths in the United States. Each year, an average of 37,000 people are killed, and another 2.35 million are injured in car accidents across the country. Many of these accidents happen right in our backyard. San Diego is frequently at the top of any list reporting where traffic accidents occur. Know the San Diego Car Accident Statistics here.

San Diego Crash Statistics

Car accidents resulting in injury or death are not uncommon in San Diego. The number of reported crashes has been steadily increasing over the past few years. Let’s read the San Diego Car Accident Statistics.

All Injury-Causing and Fatal Accidents

Recently, more car accidents resulting in injury and death have been reported on San Diego roads and highways. The number of accidents between 2010 and 2015 increased by nearly 15 percent:
2011: 17,718
2012: 18,178
2013: 10,400
2014: 19,236
2015: 20,385.

Fatal San Diego Car Accidents

Many San Diego car accidents result in serious, life-changing injuries. Approximately two percent of all San Diego crashes are fatal. The number of fatal car accidents in San Diego has been slowly increasing over time:
2012: 216
2013: 198
2014: 233
2015: 246
2016: 239.

Other Vehicles Involved in San Diego Car Accidents

Cars are not the only vehicles on San Diego roads. San Diego’s climate and local attractions generate a lot of traffic from motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians. These drivers (and pedestrians) are frequently involved in San Diego car accidents.

  • Motorcycles: In 2015, 8 percent of accidents involved motorcyclists.
  • Bicycles: In 2015, 5 percent of accidents involved bicyclists.
  • Pedestrians: In 2015, 6 percent of accidents involved pedestrians.

Causes of San Diego Car Accidents

Why do so many devastating car accidents happen in San Diego? Accident statistics show that some causes are cited more frequently than others.

Drunk Driving

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a leading cause of car accidents in San Diego. According to the Office of Traffic Safety, alcohol is frequently cited as a factor in San Diego crashes:

  • 2011: 13%
  • 2012: 13.2%
  • 2013: 13%
  • 2014: 11.6%
  • 2015: 12%

Speeding and Reckless Driving

Drivers must operate their cars and vehicles with care. Unfortunately, many San Diego roads are designed for high-speed traffic. When drivers become impatient, speeding and reckless driving are inevitable. According to the Office of Traffic Safety, speeding is frequently cited as a factor in San Diego crashes:

  • 2011: 22.1%
  • 2012: 22.5%
  • 2013: 16.2%
  • 2014: 22.5%
  • 2015: 23.6%

Driving at Night

Drivers who are behind the wheel between the hours of 9 PM and 3 AM are more likely to be fatigued, distracted, and/or under the influence. Visibility on the roads between these hours is also limited. As a result, many accidents can be attributed to driving at night. According to the Office of Traffic Safety, driving at night is frequently cited as a factor in San Diego crashes:

  • 2011: 9.8%
  • 2012: 9.7%
  • 2013: 9.5%
  • 2014: 9.7%
  • 2015: 10%

Intersections

An analysis of federal traffic data found that approximately 40 percent of all accidents occur at an intersection. In San Diego, intersection-related accidents are particularly dangerous. You are 10 times more likely to be killed in a car accident in San Diego if it takes place at an intersection. In 2016, 20 percent of all reported car accident deaths (48 of 239) in San Diego were intersection-related.

Distracted Driving

As San Diego roads become more crowded, it will be increasingly important for drivers to pay attention. Unfortunately, drivers are more distracted behind the wheel than ever before. Cell phones, tablets, and interactive car systems prevent drivers from keeping their attention focused on the road.  In 2015, distracted driving was cited as the cause of 3,477 car accident deaths across the country.

Where Do San Diego Car Accidents Happen?

Many car accidents in San Diego are reported at intersections. Unfortunately, these accidents tend to be particularly dangerous and devastating for pedestrians. The most dangerous intersections in San Diego include:

  • University Avenue and 1st Avenue (Hillcrest)
  • Valley Parkway and Midway Drive (Escondido)
  • Front Street and Ash Street (San Diego)
  • Linda Vista Road and Ulric Street (Linda Vista)
  • 4th Avenue and C Street (Chula Vista)
  • Federal Blvd and Euclid Avenue (Oak Park)
  • Camino Del Rio and Sports Arena Blvd (Point Loma)
  • Rosecrans Street and Midway Drive (Point Loma), and
  • Pala Mission Road and Pala Temecula Road (Pala).

Common San Diego Car Accident Injuries

At Injury Trial Lawyers, APC, our experienced San Diego car accident attorneys are prepared to help you recover compensation for your accident-related injuries. No injury is too big or too small. We have successfully recovered millions in compensation for clients through personal injury claims for a wide range of injuries, including:

Call us today to find out how we can help you recover the compensation you need and deserve for your San Diego car accident injuries.

Injured in a San Diego Car Accident? Get Help Today

Have you been injured in a San Diego car accident? It is important to contact an attorney as soon as you can. If another person is responsible for your injuries, you may be entitled to an award of monetary damages.

Recovering from a car accident can be expensive. At least one report found that the average cost of a car accident bodily injury claim in 2013 exceeded $15,500. The compensation you recover from a personal injury lawsuit can help to pay for:

  • Medical bills
  • Rehabilitation
  • Property damage
  • Lost earnings
  • Disability
  • Pain and suffering, and
  • Emotional distress.

At Injury Trial Lawyers, APC, our San Diego personal injury attorneys can help to make sure you get the money you deserve after an accident. Call us today to request a free consultation and find out more. We will review your case, explain your rights, and answer the questions you have as we are aware of the San Diego Car Accident Statistics.

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