What are Some Frequent Causes of Washington Car Accidents?

Unfortunately, car accidents are all too common throughout the state of Washington. Anytime an individual suffers injuries in a Washington crash that was the fault of another, they will likely be eligible to recover compensation to cover their damages. Each accident is unique in its circumstances and consequences, but there are some common causes of accidents that motorists everywhere should be aware of. Let’s take a look at some frequent causes of Washington accidents, so that you may be better prepared moving forward.

Troubling Data Behind Washington Car Accidents

According to the Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT), there were over 85,000 total reported motor vehicle accidents in 2021 alone. Of these incidents, the data shows that there were:

• • 581 confirmed deaths
  • 2,507 cases of suspected major injuries

• 8,718 cases of suspected minor injuries
• 14, 026 cases of possible injuries

Here are some of the most common accident causes:

Driving Under the Influence

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WSDOT data indicates that there were over 450 alcohol-related crashes in 2021 that resulted in fatalities or severe injuries. Even though there have been nationwide efforts and campaigns to help reduce the number of drug and alcohol-related deaths, it remains a serious issue both in Washington state and around the country.

Speeding and Reckless Driving

In 2021 alone there were just under 750 speed-related crashes that featured deaths or serious injuries. New technologies like interactive speed monitors and traffic light cameras have reduced these numbers over the years, but it remains a leading cause of car accidents.

Incidents of Distracted Driving

It’s no secret that motorists have more distractions than ever before, and the data only confirms this–the number of fatal or near-fatal accidents attributed to distracted driving was over 600 in 2021. This was the highest mark in nearly 15 years.

Failure to Yield and Other Traffic Violations

Everything runs smoothly when we work together and adhere to established traffic rules. If everyone understood the idea of merging and properly yielding, there would be substantially less accidents, and less traffic as well. Failure to follow proper protocols can result in a number of bad outcomes, most notably T-bone and rear-end collisions.

Reckless Driving in Inclimate Weather Conditions

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It’s no secret that Washington is one of the wettest states in the U.S. in terms of precipitation. That being said, drivers continuously try to push the envelope by not reducing their speed or otherwise driving aggressively in bad weather. The biggest reason why this is so dangerous is because once a car hydroplanes or loses control, it poses a much bigger risk to other drivers than it normally does in good conditions.

Injured in a Washington Car Accident? Contact Van Law Firm Today

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If you need help getting compensated for injuries suffered in a car accident, contact the Washington car accident attorneys from Van Law Firm right away. We have the expertise and the resources to recover the compensation you deserve. With over 500 5-star reviews, it’s clear to see that we strive for excellence in all that we do. Call (360) 200-0000 now to schedule a confidential, risk-free consultation.