Raleigh is the capital of North Carolina and the 2nd largest city in the state. Unfortunately, car accidents happen every day in our city. Read on to learn about Car Accident Statistics for Raleigh and what they can mean for you and your loved ones.
The Bishop Law Firm represents Raleigh Car Accident Injury Victims in personal injury cases. We offer free case reviews and no fee unless you win. Call us today, 919-615-3095 or start your free case review online now.
Raleigh Car Accident Statistics
Per the North Carolina Department of Transportation, in 2021, there were 15,502 car accidents in Raleigh which resulted in 6,448 injuries and 39 deaths. Those numbers average to over 42 car accidents and almost 18 car accident injuries per day.
Alcohol was involved in 483 of those car accidents and 10 of the fatal accidents. The 39 Raleigh deaths in 2021 also included 9 pedestrian deaths. Also, 122 of the car accidents involved pedestrians while 59 involved bicycles.
From 2019 - 2021, there were 68,877 car accidents in Raleigh with 12,947 injuries and 110 deaths. For reference, in Charlotte, there were 122,821 car accidents with 30, 057 injuries and 317 fatal crashes during the same period.
In Wake County from 2017 - 2021, there was an average of 76 deaths, 12,002 injuries, 243 pedestrian injuries, 83 bicycle accidents and 242 motorcycle accidents per year.
Also read Raleigh Car Accident Injuries
There were 27 firetrucks crashes, 299 single unit truck (3 or more axles) crashes, 69 commercial bus crashes, 116 school bus crashes and 386 tractor trailer truck crashes in Wake County in 2021.
Statewide, those aged 20 to 29, had the greatest number of deaths from car accidents in 2021, followed closely by those 30-39 years of age. The most common time of the day to be involved in an accident in North Carolina is 5:00 p.m. but the most dangerous (resulting in fatalities) is surprisingly, 8:00 p.m.
In 2021, Thanksgiving and Christmas resulted in the most car accidents and injuries from the holidays, followed by Easter, Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Via The North Carolina Department of Transportation
Per the North Carolina Department of Insurance, distracted driving caused 44,128 auto accidents, 18,552 injuries and 157 deaths in 2020. Distracted driving can result from drivers using their phone, eating, performing personal grooming, fixing radio stations and watching children in the back seat (NC DOI).
Also read Four Most Dangerous NC Drivers and NC Distracted Drivers
Dangerous traffic areas in Raleigh
According to Raleigh Police Chief Estella Patterson (Via CBS17) in January 2023, New Bern Avenue, Capital Blvd and South Saunders Street are the most dangerous places for traffic accidents. Chief Patterson also noted that her officers were seeing more red light running, speeding and impaired driving.
Also read: What not to do after a Raleigh Car Accident
Per Relocating to Raleigh, the top three worst intersections for car accidents are I-440 at Capital Blvd, I-440 at Wake Forest and I-40 at South Saunders Street. This was followed by I-440 at Glenwood, New Bern Avenue and Six Forks.
The worst roads for car accidents in Raleigh from 2015 - 2022 were I-440, Capital Blvd, I-40, Glenwood Avenue, Falls of the Neuse, New Bern Avenue and Six Forks.
Tips to Avoid Raleigh Car Accidents
Based on the data above, as a broad generalization, if you want to reduce your chances of being involved in a car accident in Raleigh, avoid Raleigh holiday travel, certain roads from 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. and be extra cautious when entering and exiting I-440. This would be especially relevant to those 20-39 years of age based on their higher risk of being involved in a fatal car crash.
Also read Twenty Tips to Avoid Raleigh Car Accidents
Also, watching out for tractor trailers or buses can help avoid accidents. Despite a commercial vehicle drivers' best efforts to keep a look out, we do know that large vehicles have large blind spots (via FMCSA).
Distracted driving is problematic for all North Carolina drivers. While a fellow driver may be driving distracted, keeping a close lookout for distracted driving behaviors can prevent you from being hurt due to their negligence.
Distracted driving behaviors to watch out for can include lane departure, swerving, visibly holding a phone, driving too fast or too slow, tailgating, sudden braking and failure to use a turn signal, to name a few (via EverCare).
Avoiding car accidents at all costs and protecting yourself and your family is always the best action to take. Don't assume that the other driver sees you or that they will do the right thing. Putting your life in the hands of someone else is never a good idea.
What to do if you have been involved in a Raleigh Car Accident
- After an accident, always call 911 and report motor vehicle accidents. If you do not report the accident, the at-fault party can say that the accident did not really occur.
- Be courteous to the at-fault party. Mistakes happen and you do not want to take any action that will diminish your position as a victim.
- Take photos of your car and the at-fault parties' car if you can at the scene.
- Seek immediate medical treatment after the accident or tell the officer you need EMS.
- Follow all medical advice.
- If you are in pain, you need to report that pain to your medical providers and also inform them about when the pain started.
- Take photos of your bodily injuries when the accident first occurred and also throughout the healing process. Photos of injuries speak volumes!
- File a claim with the at-fault party's insurance company.
- Obtain a copy of the accident report from the police officer who was at the scene or the agency that they work for. Also read Raleigh Car Accident Reports.
- Verify that the police report is correct about what happened. If the police report is not correct, you will need to contact the officer.
- Decide if you need a Raleigh Car Accident Lawyer to help with your case.
Also read: Twenty Steps to Take After Raleigh Car Accident
How a Raleigh Car Accident Lawyer near you can help
If you have sustained an injury in a motor vehicle accident that was not your fault, under NC Law, you can recover the cost of your medical expenses, lost wages and pain & suffering. If a physician determines that you will need future medical care and resulting missed time from work, you can also be compensated for those future needs as well.
Also read What does a Raleigh Car Accident Lawyer Do?
If the at-fault party was willful or malicious, you may also be entitled to punitive damages. An attorney can help you ensure you receive all compensation that you are entitled to. Don't rely on the insurance company to inform you of your right to recovery.
A Raleigh Car Accident Lawyer can help you achieve fair compensation and help you negotiate with the insurance adjuster. If the insurance adjuster will not offer a fair settlement, a car accident attorney can help you decide if litigation is the correct choice for your case and then navigate your case through the North Carolina courts.
The Bishop Law Firm is a contingent fee law firm which means that we do not get paid unless we win and we offer free case reviews. Call us today, 919-615-3095, or start your free case review online now.
Also read North Carolina Car Accident Lawyer
