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As Orange County is one of the most populated and highly trafficked areas in California, it is no surprise that hundreds of accidents happen yearly. Understanding Orange County car accident statistics can serve as a form of prevention against future accidents by providing a look into the cause and effects of actions on the road. With high motor vehicle accident rates in Orange County, it is essential that visitors and residents understand how to prevent future accidents.

It’s possible to be involved in a car accident even when taking the proper precautions. However, California is not a no-fault state when it comes to car accidents. This means that accident victims can seek compensation from the party who caused their injuries and property damage. If you’ve been in an accident that happened as a result of someone else’s negligence, carelessness, or recklessness, you could file a claim with the help of a car accident attorney.

The California Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System holds car accident information from the year 2023 and before. This data shows that in 2023, there were a total of 12,518 car accidents involving injuries and fatalities in Orange County. However, data from 2023 could change, as it takes time to collect and verify.

Orange County Car Accident Rates by City

Orange County had an average of 11,747 car accidents between 2019 and 2023, the data shows that some cities had more of those accidents than others. For example, Santa Ana city had an average of over 1,500 car accidents, Orange City over 700, Irvine over 700, Fullerton over 700, and Huntington Beach just under 700. These five cities had an average of close to 4,300 car accidents over 2019 - 2023 in total.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Orange County

Through the California Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System, patterns become apparent in the causes of car accidents in the county. Below is a list of accident causes that were common in Orange County in 2023:

• Speeding: Over 6,000 car accidents occurred in Orange County due to speeding in 2023. While many drivers speed regularly, vehicle operators should adhere to these regulations, as not only does non-adherence cause accidents, but these accidents tend to be more devastating. Moving at a higher speed can cause severe injury and damage.
• Driving Under the Influence: 1,850 accidents in Orange County happened because the driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs in 2023. Driving under the influence can impact a driver's reaction time, sound logic, mental capacity, and more.
• Distracted Driving: Distracted driving was the cause of 833 accidents in Orange County in 2023. Distracted driving is defined as anything that takes a driver's attention from the main focus of operating a vehicle. This often includes texting, calling, changing music, eating, and more.

What to Do After an Accident

If you are in an accident, how you respond can impact your safety and set you up well for pursuing legal action in the future. Below is a list of responses that are helpful after an accident:

• Check for Injury and Move to Safety: Immediately assess yourself and those around you for injuries. If possible, move to a safe location.
• Contact Emergency Services: Call emergency medical assistance if you or others have injuries. Contact local law enforcement if there has been any damage or injury, as it’s required to file a police report.
• Gather Contact Information: Gather contact information from parties involved, such as names, phone numbers, insurance information, and any other necessary details.
• Document the Accident Scene: Photos, videos, or detailed written descriptions of the accident scene can be helpful evidence if you choose to proceed with legal action later on.
• Contact Insurance Provider: As soon as possible, contact the insurance provider, as most insurance policies require contact within 24 to 48 hours after an incident to receive their support.
• Contact Legal Assistance: If you are thinking about pursuing legal action or have questions about the viability of your claim, contact a local Orange County car accident attorney to explore possible options.

FAQs

Q: How Many Car Accidents Happen in Orange County?

A: The average number of fatal and injury car accidents in Orange County from 2019 to 2023 is 11,747 based on the California Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). Of these accidents, an average of 186.6 were fatal, leaving hundreds of families and loved ones devastated at their loss.

Q: Which County in California Has the Most Car Accidents?

A: The county in California with the most car accidents is Los Angeles County, with over 40,000 fatal and injury accidents in 2022. Out of these almost 40,000 accidents, over 800 accidents were fatal crashes. Los Angeles County is densely populated and is known for its extensive road networks, long commutes, and slow-moving traffic. The conditions of a higher population and a greater volume of vehicles on the road create the circumstances for a higher likelihood of car accidents.

Q: What Is the Leading Cause of Car Accidents in California?

A: The leading cause of car accidents in California is distracted driving. Distracted driving is considered anything that keeps a driver's attention away from their main focus of operating a vehicle. Examples of distracted driving include eating, using mobile devices, intensive conversation with other parties in the vehicle, and more.

Q: How Many Fatal Car Crashes Happen in a Day in California?

A: The number of fatal car crashes that happen in a day in California is around 11 if there are 4,000 fatal car crashes in a year. This number is staggering, but it is important to also remember that California is a large state with a large population size. It also welcomes many visitors each year, which can lead to more accidents and, therefore, more fatal accidents.

Contact an Orange County Car Accident Attorney Today

If you have been involved in a car accident in Orange County or surrounding areas, you may have the grounds to pursue compensation in a personal injury claim. Contact us today to speak with a car accident attorney at Duque & Price today to set up a consultation. Learn how our attorneys can support you by acting as your trusted legal advocates.