Bakersfield Car Accident Statistics 2024

California is considered one of the more dangerous states to drive in. This is credited to high populations, crowded roads, uninsured drivers, and many drivers who are new to the state. Understanding when and how accidents occur can help you drive defensively.

In the first quarter of the year, from January to March, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported an estimated 9,330 fatalities from car accidents in the nation. In California, there were an estimated 1,096 fatalities, the highest of any of the states. This can be attributed to the higher number of drivers in California. The fatality rate in California in the first quarter of 2024 was 1.46, which is a little over the national average of 1.24.

When you or a loved one are in a vehicle accident, you need compassionate help. It’s important to work with a Bakersfield car accident attorney. You are likely facing a challenging situation, and your rights need to be protected. California is a fault-based car accident state. This means that insurance claims are filed with the provider of the driver who was at fault for the accident. The other driver’s insurance provider will try to get you to admit fault. An attorney can negotiate with providers on your behalf and work to find evidence of the other driver’s fault.

You can work to limit your risk of an accident by understanding the common causes of car accidents in Bakersfield.

Common Causes of California Car Accidents

Bakersfield drivers face similar risks on the road as drivers across the state. In populated locations, drivers need to be especially cautious. Common car accident causes include:

1. Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is a frequently reported cause of vehicle accidents. It occurs when drivers are not focusing wholly on the road. This causes drivers to miss road signs, the path of traffic, or sudden changes on the road. Drivers may be distracted from:

• Texting or calling
• General inattentiveness
• Eating and drinking
• Talking with others in the vehicle
• Dealing with a radio or GPS system

Many actions can distract drivers from driving. Drivers can miss road signs and stop lights or not have enough time to react to a change in the road. Any of these things can lead to an accident.

1. Reckless Driving
   Reckless driving includes actions such as speeding, swerving, intentional moving violations, or tailgating. These can cause issues in traffic flow and lead to accidents. Speeding can prevent drivers from having enough reaction time and increase the damages in a collision. Reckless driving can also lead to a driver facing criminal charges for their actions in addition to civil personal injury claims by injured parties.
2. Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
   Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is illegal for any driver. Driving while intoxicated puts everyone on the road in danger. In addition to civil liability, the DUI driver will face criminal charges. California takes DUIs very seriously, and even a first offense can result in hundreds in fines, jail time, and a suspension of the driver’s license. Subsequent offenses or a DUI that results in serious injury or death will result in more serious penalties. This may include thousands in fines, years in prison, and the permanent revocation of one’s driver’s license.
3. Poor Road or Weather Conditions
   Poor visibility, extreme weather, and road damage often result in accidents. When visibility is low from bad weather, drivers have to reasonably lower their speeds and drive more carefully.If roads are not well-maintained, this can cause accidents. Potholes, uneven ground, and a lack of guard railings can cause collisions. Road maintenance may be the responsibility of the state government, the local government, a private owner, or a commercial owner. These parties may be held responsible if the state of the road caused a collision.
4. Vehicle Malfunctions and Defects
   Vehicle malfunctions can cause a driver to lose control of their car and crash. In some cases, the driver knew or should have known that there was a problem with their vehicle. They may be responsible for failing to fix the issue in a reasonable period of time. If maintenance was done improperly, the person or company who completed the maintenance may be held responsible. If the crash was a result of a defective car component, the seller, distributor, or manufacturer of the car or component may be liable.

FAQs About Bakersfield Car Accident Statistics

Where Do Most Fatal Car Accidents Occur?

In the United States, most fatal car accidents happen in rural areas, though California has the highest number of car accidents. However, this is partially due to the state’s population. Conversely, even though California has the most car accidents, it does not have the highest rate of accidents in the nation. Its accident rate is about average compared with the rest of the country. In California, Los Angeles County sees the most frequent car accidents each year. The area is crowded, sees a lot of traffic, and often has drivers unfamiliar with the location.

How Many Car Accidents Occur Each Year in California?

The most recent California High Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS) was in 2019. According to this report, California saw 187,211 injury crashes that year. SWITRS also reported 3,438 fatal crashes. There were 279,899 crashes where there was property damage. Though California has a significantly higher number of vehicle collisions than other states, this can be attributed to the significantly greater number of drivers.

How Many Miles From Home Do Most Car Accidents Happen?

NHTSA reports that the majority of vehicle accidents, particularly fatal accidents, happen 25 miles from home and at speeds of under 40 miles per hour. Many people may become less alert when close to home, or they may be paying less attention when they begin driving, and this may result in more crashes when returning or leaving home. People may also assume familiarity with the area and take fewer precautions.

What Is the Leading Cause of Traffic Fatalities in California?

Speeding is considered the main cause of traffic fatalities in California. Drivers may be speeding far over the speed limit and driving too fast for road conditions. These actions lower a driver’s time to react, making a collision from a sudden event more likely. Drivers don’t have as much time to slow down, maneuver, or stop. Driving at faster speeds also increases the severity of a collision, making severe injuries and fatalities more likely.

Let the Law Offices of David Davidi, APLC, Help You

A car accident can be incredibly traumatic. At the Law Offices of David Davidi, APLC, we want to help you through this situation. Contact us today, and we can help you file a claim to cover your damages.