What Age Group Has the Most Car Accidents?

Car accidents happen all over the US every day. A recent study reveals that over 35,000 fatal crashes occur annually.

There are over 1.5 million accidents on our roadways that result in injuries. Another 3.6 million incidents occurred that caused property damage.

These are big numbers, and they don’t seem to be going down any time soon.

The ages of the drivers in these crashes will vary from accident to accident.

The National Safety Council (NSC) reported in 2022 that the age group between 25 and 44 is involved in the most car accidents.

In this age group, a large percentage of the accidents were fatal.

Here are some of the statistics on licensed drivers in the US.

The 16–19 age group typically has the highest rate of car accidents.
16–19-year-olds represent just 3.5% of drivers but account for over 9% of all crashes.
The 15–24 age group had the highest fatality rate of collisions with a fixed object.
Driver crash rates tend to decrease as their age increases.
Drivers 65-74 account for approximately 13% of all licensed drivers.
Drivers 65-74 represent only 7% of crashes and 8% of all fatalities.
Drivers 75 and older had the highest death rate in car collisions.
Over 75 drivers have almost double the average fatality rate.

Numbers can be confusing.

Insurance companies are constantly analyzing these statistics and will likely charge accordingly.

No matter what age you are, a car accident will have many factors.

Main Causes of Car Accidents?

In Las Vegas these days, car accidents are happening all around us.

Getting from point A to point B has become challenging, to say the least.

People from out of town are unfamiliar with the streets and sites can be a danger.

Locals that are late for work cutting in and out of lanes can end in disaster.

Distracted Driving: Technology can be helpful in many ways. It is also one of the biggest distractions while driving that humanity has ever seen. Texting, talking, checking emails, playing music, and looking at maps are just a few of them. Most of us have been guilty of this while driving, no matter our age group.
DUI: Intoxicated drivers account for over 30% of all fatalities on our highways. The numbers are staggering. With the legalization of marijuana and the 24-hour nightlife in Las Vegas, driving can be hazardous. Driving intoxicated slows reaction time and impairs a driver’s judgment. This puts everyone at risk. Please, just take an Uber if you are intoxicated.
Speeding: Driving at excessive speeds can be fatal. The faster the speed, the more severe the accident. Male drivers aged 15–24 is most likely to be involved in fatal-related speeding accidents. Drivers 18–44 also have a much higher chance of being involved in a fatal accident from speeding. Drivers of all ages are guilty of driving too fast. This has always been a critical issue when it comes to road safety.
Weather Conditions: Adjusting your speed and driving habits are important in inclement weather. Rain, fog, and ice are dangerous and cause many accidents on Nevada roads. Visibility conditions cause many crashes. The most common is a rear-end accident.
Running Red Lights and Stop Signs: Intersections can be dangerous when drivers ignore red lights and stop signs. It is always important to approach an intersection with caution. Driving and looking into the sun may make it difficult to see the traffic light. Speeding through an intersection as it turns red is high-risk and can even be deadly.
Mechanical Issues: Vehicles on the roadways need to be maintained. Tires should be replaced when the tread begins to deteriorate. Brakes must be serviced and replaced when necessary. Oil changes and other fluids need to be regularly checked. Mechanical issues can lead to serious problems and cause accidents.

DUI Accident Statistics in the USA

The minimum drinking age in the US was raised to 21 many years ago.

This was intended to try and stop minors from consuming alcohol and driving intoxicated.

In most states, the Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) legal limit is 0.08 grams.

Unfortunately, there are still thousands of DUIs every year.

And thousands of others travel our roads every day under the influence.

This is troublesome and preventable. With Uber, Lyft, and public transportation, these numbers should be much lower.

Alcohol has a major effect on how the brain functions.

Decision-making, coordination, and reasoning are all compromised. As the BAC increases, so do the effects.

This can cause a driver to swerve or drift in their lane. Eyesight can blur, making it difficult to see signs, lights, or other important details.

Loss of inhibitions can cause the driver to hit the gas recklessly.

A recent yearly National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) study revealed that there were over 13,500 deaths caused by drunk driving in the US.

There are strict penalties for driving under the influence. They can range from misdemeanors to felony charges.

The financial cost can be upwards of $10,000. Minors under 18 driving under the influence are on the rise.

Juveniles can be prosecuted in juvenile or civil court, depending on the offense. Nevada has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to minors drinking and driving.

DUI is a problem with drivers of all ages.

No matter what the penalties are, this remains to be an ongoing problem.

Richard Harris Can Help

If you were in an accident and injured due to the fault of another, we can help.

Having a personal injury car accident attorney on your side is important.

Our legal experts will fight for you and pursue the justice you deserve.

We will seek the maximum compensation for the damages.

Accidents can be confusing and costly.

Our attorneys work on a contingency basis. This means that we will only get paid if you win your case.

There are never any upfront fees. Injuries will need time to heal.

Making a full recovery should be your number one priority.

Ours will be protecting your rights and getting you the maximum payout.

Common Damages from a Car Accident

Car accidents can cause a wide range of damages. No matter what age you are, physical injuries can be devastating. This can also be true when it comes to financial costs.

Financial Costs:

Medical expenses: With rising medical costs, bills can be enormous. Expenses will vary depending on the severity of the injuries. Medications, surgeries, and treatment can add up fast. If the injuries need long-term care, they can be ongoing. Making sure that you are justly compensated is vital. We will seek medical expenses now and in the future.
Lost Wages: Injuries can cause a loss of income. Injuries can leave a person missing days, weeks, or months of work. Some injuries can cost a person their job. If the injuries are long-term, a person may never be able to return to the workforce. We will fight to get you paid for all the lost wages now and in the future.
Pain and Suffering: Our attorneys will fight to get you compensated for both the physical and emotional pain that was caused. Car accidents can be traumatic. Victims can be mentally affected after a crash. Severe injuries have the ability to alter a person forever. Emotional suffering can be as bad as physical pain in some cases.
Loss of Consortium: This refers to a loss of companionship or support. Car accidents can be devastating. Relationships can be changed. Being injured by the fault of another can have long-lasting complications. We will do our best to hold the responsible person or party liable for all the damages left behind.

Physical Injuries:

Whiplash: This is one of the most common injuries in a car crash. The neck suddenly moves back and forth. This causes damage to nerves and muscles. A person will most likely need multiple visits to the doctor.
Broken Bones: All bones are at risk of being fractured in a car accident. In serious accidents, there can be multiple breaks. Broken arms, legs, wrists, and feet are common in crashes.
Head Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries can occur from the impact. Hitting the steering wheel is common in accidents. Hitting the head against the glass on the door can cause a head injury. Head injuries can result in long-term medical care if the TBI is severe.
Back and Spine Injuries: Car accidents are the leading cause of serious spinal injuries. Paralysis can occur if the spine is severely damaged. This will be life-changing. Medical costs can be ongoing. Back injuries, even when minor, may need rehabilitation and therapy in order to make a full recovery.

It is important to always wear a seat belt. Follow the rules of the road. No matter what age you are, accidents will happen.

Las Vegas is full of distractions for all drivers, young and old. Contact the Law Offices of Richard Harris by phone, email, or come to our office.

Rates of Motor Vehicle Crashes, Injuries and Deaths in Relation to Driver Age, United States, 2014-2015 – AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety (What are the Main Causes of Car Accidents?)