Car Occupants Killed in California – Fatal Crash Statistics & Prevention

Car occupants killed in California account for the highest number of vehicle fatalities in the U.S. In 2021 alone, nearly 15,000 car occupants were killed nationwide, making up 34% of all road user deaths, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

California Leads the Nation in Car Occupant Fatalities

California reported 1,502 car occupant deaths, the highest of any state. This accounted for 35% of all road user fatalities in California. The state ranked:

• Second for fatal crashes overall
• Second for deaths of SUV and pickup occupants
• Second for large truck occupant fatalities

What’s Causing Car Occupants Being Killed in California?

Several factors contribute to the high number of car occupant deaths, including:

1. Failure to Wear Seatbelts

Seatbelts are proven lifesavers, preventing thousands of fatalities each year. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), seatbelts saved nearly 15,000 lives in 2021. However, 38% of fatal car accident victims in California were not wearing seatbelts.

2. Speeding: A Deadly Factor

Speeding significantly increases the risk of fatal crashes. In 2022, Los Angeles recorded the highest number of car crash fatalities in three years, contributing to nearly 10% of California’s total crash fatalities.

3. Distracted Driving

Over 3,000 traffic fatalities nationwide resulted from distracted driving. The most common distractions include:

• Texting or using a phone
• Eating while driving
• Adjusting clothing or makeup
• Interacting with passengers or children

Staying alert and focused on the road can help prevent deadly crashes.

Common Injuries in Car Accidents

While fatalities are devastating, many car accident survivors suffer severe injuries, such as:

• Loss of limbs
• Head injuries (concussions)
• Deep lacerations
• Broken bones
• Chest and rib injuries
• Neck injuries (whiplash)
• Internal bleeding
• Facial fractures
• Chronic back pain
• Paralysis

What to Do After a Car Accident

If you're involved in a car accident, take these steps to protect yourself:

1. Get to safety and call 911 immediately.
2. Gather driver and vehicle information, including license plate numbers, make, model, and insurance details.
3. Document the scene with photos and videos of vehicle damage, injuries, and road conditions.
4. Seek medical attention, even if you feel fine.
5. Notify your insurance company and provide them with all collected details.

Get Legal Help After a Car Accident

If you or a loved one were injured due to a negligent driver, you might be dealing with physical pain, financial strain, and emotional distress. You don’t have to go through it alone.

At Tulekyan Law, our Los Angeles car accident lawyers have a 99% success rate in personal injury cases. We’ve helped victims recover compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering

We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case.

Get a Free Consultation Today

Let us help you get the justice you deserve. Call Tulekyan Law today for a free case evaluation.