Sacramento Car Accident Statistics
From 2010 to 2016, Sacramento County witnessed a staggering 118,576 motor vehicle collisions, resulting in 883 deaths and 72,282 injuries. Distracted driving, impaired driving, and other forms of negligence are common culprits behind these tragedies. Recognizing the dangers on Sacramento’s roads is the first step toward promoting safer driving practices and reducing future accidents.
Source: California Highway Patrol Data
Read more about the Sacramento roads with the most car accidents.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Sacramento
With a population of nearly 480,000, it is not surprising that Sacramento, CA is the location of thousands of car crashes every year. Many people never walk away from these accidents. Others spend the rest of their lives in chronic pain or with permanent disabilities. Driver error is to blame for the vast majority of these Sacramento car accidents – texting, talking, emailing, using apps, eating, drinking, or otherwise failing to pay attention while driving.
Driving is a privilege, not a right. It is the duty of all drivers to keep their eyes on the road, hands on the wheel, and minds on the driving task. Failure to do so, resulting in an accident, is negligence. Eric Ratinoff Law Corp. has the ability to collect cell phone records, video footage of the collision or the moments leading up to the crash, and statements from people who saw the defendant that day to help prove distracted driving. We know what steps to take to prove driver distraction as well as other causes of car accidents, including:
- Improper Vehicle Maintenance: If a driver, trucking company, or another party fails to ensure the safety of a vehicle, the person or company responsible for maintenance may be liable for subsequent accidents.
- Drunk Driving: In Sacramento, there were 508 alcohol-related crashes in 2021, resulting in over 300 injuries and fatalities. According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), an average of 29 people die in drunk driving crashes every day. Even if a driver’s blood alcohol concentration level was below the legal maximum of 0.08%, one can prove intoxication or drug-impaired driving at the time of a crash with a proper investigation.
- Drowsy Driving: Driving while tired is just as dangerous as driving drunk – perhaps more so since most drivers don’t realize they are falling asleep until it’s too late. Driving drowsy slows reflexes and increases the odds of a collision. It is a driver’s duty to pull over and rest if he or she is too tired to drive safely.
- Roadway Hazards: Potholes, loose gravel, broken stop lights, obscured traffic signs, debris, downed power lines, and other such hazardous conditions are common causes of non-driver-related vehicle accidents. In these cases, roadway maintenance crews, the county, or the district may be liable.
- Construction Zones: 899 collisions occurred in construction or repair zones within the city of Sacramento, leading to 565 injuries and 8 fatalities.
- Defective Vehicle Parts: If vehicle defects such as malfunctioning brakes cause a car accident, it may be the manufacturing company or distributor’s legal responsibility. This is also the case if a defective seatbelt or airbag causes injury in an accident.
There may be more than one party responsible for your accident. If this is the case, it is possible to bring auto accident claims against two or more parties. The courts will assign fault and split liability between parties as necessary. Even if you were partially responsible for your car accident, you may still be eligible to receive compensation. Consult with us at our law offices, and we can help you understand your legal options about your case.
Most Common Types of Collisions: Sacramento Car Accidents from 2010-2016
| ID | Type of Accident | Total Collisions | Fatalities | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rear End | 15,028 | 25 | 10,700 |
| 2 | Broadside | 6,636 | 53 | 7,962 |
| 3 | Hit Object | 5,786 | 72 | 2,679 |
| 4 | Sideswipe | 5,608 | 12 | 2,306 |
| 5 | Head-On | 1,603 | 19 | 1,815 |
| 6 | Vehicle/Pedestrian | 1,216 | 82 | 1,196 |
| 7 | Overturned | 571 | 6 | 525 |
The data surrounding car accidents in Sacramento County is sobering. Common factors like distracted driving, drowsy driving, and even hazardous road conditions contribute to the injuries and fatalities that impact countless lives each year. If you’ve been affected by a car accident, Eric Ratinoff Law Corp. can help. We use detailed investigations, expert witnesses, and advanced technology to build your case and pursue compensation for your injuries. Contact us today at (916) 970-9100 or fill out our contact form.
