When it comes to car accidents in Seattle, our city is certainly not the worst in the United States, but we aren’t the safest either. Our foggy roads, occasional black ice, and frequent rain showers present hazards that we can’t control. But what about those aspects that you, as a driver, CAN control?
Here is the information that you need as a driver in Seattle to keep yourself out of harm’s way:
Step 1. Pay special attention when driving city streets and back roads
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Despite what most people think, you are more likely to be in a car accident on a city street or country road than on a highway. Of the 56,000 collisions that occur on an average yearly basis in King, Snohomish, and Pierce counties, less than half will occur on a state highway.
Even so, the Seattle area accounts for more car crash injuries and fatalities than any other area in Washington. The Seattle metro area alone is responsible for 35% of all Washington state car accident fatalities.
So where do you need to be most aware? While driving on city streets and on country roads, especially at night, dusk, or early morning hours. By being more alert and cautious in these areas, you may be able to avoid an auto accident or personal injury.
Step 2. Understand the major causes of most Seattle area accidents
Was your first guess drugs or alcohol? Wrong! The number one cause of serious car accidents is actually speeding. Speeding accounts for 29% of the deaths that occur in the greater Seattle area.
The second leading cause of serious car accident injuries and fatalities is driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and it accounts for 24% of Seattle vehicular fatalities.
Finally, failure to yield is the third most prevalent cause of a serious car accident. This includes failing to yield to vehicles, pedestrians, and bicycles and accounts for 11% of fatal car wrecks.
By driving safely within the speed limit, avoiding drugs and alcohol while driving, and by being careful to yield to other drivers and people using the roads, we can help to limit the chances of becoming involved in a serious car accident. These accidents result in severe and often long-term personal injuries for drivers, passengers, and anyone else involved in the accident.
Step 3. Know who to watch for, and what the consequences could be
For most everyday accidents, the driver is at the greatest risk. Passengers are only injured 19% of the time, while in 43% of accidents the driver is seriously injured. Up to 48% of fatal car accidents see the driver killed, while 18% of car wreck fatalities are passengers.
Accidents that involve pedestrians, understandably, pose a far greater risk for the pedestrian, as they have little to no protection. In these cases, the pedestrians are seriously injured in 14% of cases, and 15% of fatal car crash victims are pedestrians. When walking or driving in areas where there is high foot and vehicle traffic, be cautious and careful.
Despite our own best efforts to avoid accidents on the road, we know that not all collisions can be avoided. Some accidents occur due to the negligence of other drivers or people on the roadways, or may even occur from faulty roadways, improper signage, or other issues.
Auto Accident Attorney
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, it is important to speak with an experienced attorney as soon as possible so that you are able to file a personal injury claim and receive compensation to cover your medical bills.
If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Seattle, our personal injury car accident attorney Dax Jones is here to help you. He is a Seattle car accident attorney that has spent years focusing on this area of law so that he is best able to help those injured receive the monetary compensation they need in order to recover well.
Contact our office if you would like to schedule a free consultation and discuss your options for filing a personal injury car accident claim in Seattle.
