Analysis of California Car Accidents by Vehicle Type

Road accidents can involve different types of land vehicles including automobiles (sedans), sports utility vehicles (SUVs), trucks and big rigs, motorcycles, and bicycles. In the State of California, traffic accidents can be called “diverse” because they involve various types of land transportation. Hence, it could be said that every California motor vehicle driver is at risk of getting involved in a road accident.

Below are the data of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on the road accident deaths in California by car type in 2009:

•    Cars – 1,275 (42.9%)
•    SUVs and pickups – 622 (20.9%)
•    Pedestrians – 563 (19%)
•    Motorcycles – 383 (12.9%)
•    Bicycles – 99 (3.3%)
•    Large trucks and big rigs – 27 (0.9%)

There are various reasons why road accidents happen in the Golden State, and these include the following:

Impaired driving – According to the California Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV), every 525 minutes, a person dies in the state due to alcohol-related crash. Furthermore, in 2009 alone, about 950 people were killed due to car accidents caused by impaired driving.

Distracted driving – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that in 2009, more than 5,400 people were killed in car accidents in the country due to distracted driving.

Drowsy driving – Sleepy drivers cause about 100,000 car accidents in the country. Additionally, the NHTSA has said that approximately 40,000 injuries and 1,550 fatalities are caused by drowsy driving annually.

Speeding – Drivers who speed are more likely to get involved in car accidents. In fact, according to DMV, in 2008, at least 28.4 percent of all fatal car accidents in California are caused by speeding drivers.

California drivers who get injured in a traffic accident regardless of the motor vehicle that caused it, have the right to claim for personal injury damages. Seeking assistance from a Los Angeles car accident attorney is advised to ensure that they will receive just amount of injury payments from the individual/group involved.