Orange County Car Accident Statistics [2024 Updated]

Orange County is one of the busiest areas of California. Having one of the highest populations in the entire state, there is a constant flow of traffic on the streets. Therefore, it’s no surprise that the roads see hundreds of fatal car accidents every year. Although accident numbers have been slowly improving, compared to previous years, they are still fairly high. Many people must enlist the help of a California car accident attorney to take the next steps to resolve their situation.

The data for car accidents in the last year is not readily available, as it takes time to collect and validate data and reports from any recent accidents. This is especially true for accidents that are undergoing a thorough investigation, which could take years to complete and become a part of the official statistics. The information that will be provided here will be from data collected from accident reports in 2022 and before. These statistics can give an idea of what the data may look like for accidents in 2023 and even 2024.

The California Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System holds data and information from previous years regarding the car accidents that took place each year, respectively. For example, in 2023, the system was updated to include more accurate accident data from 2022.

Cities in Orange County With the Most Car Accidents

Orange County as a whole had 12,600 car crashes in 2022 alone. This was an increase of a few hundred from 2021 and an increase of over 3,000 from 2020. Although it seems like a big jump from 2020 to now, car accidents were at a record low during the height of the COVID pandemic and are now rising to what they were before. According to SWITRS, these are the five cities in Orange County that had the most car accidents in 2022:

• Santa Ana – 1,560
• Orange – 774
• Irvine – 722
• Fullerton – 716
• Huntington Beach – 693

Car Accidents in Orange County by Collision Factor

The SWITRS summary has broken down the cause of all the accidents that occurred in Orange County in 2022:

• Speeding – Speeding accounted for over 6,000 car accidents of every level of severity in Orange County.
• Drugs or Alcohol – Nearly 300 accidents involved drugs, and nearly 2,000 involved alcohol.
• Distracted Driving – Over 900 accidents were caused because of distracted driving.
• Unrestrained Individuals – 360 car accidents with fatalities or injuries were due to the occupants not wearing their seatbelts.

Car Accident Preventative Measures

The state of California as a whole has taken an important step with strict seatbelt laws to help reduce car accident fatalities. To continue this fight, there are actions that every driver can take in addition to wearing a seatbelt, including:

• Avoid distracted driving. This is one of the leading causes of car accidents everywhere. There are so many things to get distracted by these days, but you have to avoid them and focus on the road.
• Do not drive under the influence. Not only is it illegal, but driving under the influence is dangerous for everyone on the road. If you plan to consume alcohol or drugs, it is important to plan for that and make sure you have alternatives to driving, such as someone else who can drive, a ride-share or taxi, or somewhere to stay until you sober up.
• Do not speed. Speeding is the leading cause of car accidents in all of California. The temptation is there, but you must consider your safety and the safety of others. Driving the speed limit, going with the flow of traffic, and adjusting under certain conditions will keep the roads safe.

Based on the data that shows the leading causes of car accidents, most can be prevented by being proactive and taking the right preventative measures.

FAQs About Orange County, CA Car Accident Statistics

How Many Accidents Happen in Orange County?

According to the California Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), of the thousands of fatal car accidents in California, the roads of Orange County were responsible for over 200 of those crashes in 2022. Based on that data from SWITRS, the number of car accidents of any severity reached over 12,000 that same year.

How Many Car Accidents Happen in California Each Year?

A recent estimate from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states that California had over 4,000 fatal accidents in 2022, coming in second to Texas. The total number of accidents of any severity exceeds 160,000. The large population of the state, along with the constant bustle of daily traffic, creates a bit of a challenge for the citizens who drive.

Is California a No-Fault Car Accident State?

No. In car accidents, the state of California maintains the fault system. This means that the at-fault driver will be held responsible for causing the accident and is liable for any damages sustained due to the incident. You will, however, have to prove that the other driver was at fault if you expect to be compensated. Obtaining all the evidence that you can will be crucial for your case. This could be video footage, pictures, witness statements, etc.

How Much Can Someone Sue for a Car Accident in California?

How much a person can sue for an accident varies widely from case to case. Essentially, the amount is dependent on factors like the amount of damage done to the vehicle, if there were any injuries sustained and lost wages. A person could also sue for emotional distress or pain and suffering, but this amount is a little more subjective.

Corrales Law Group: Your California Accident Attorneys

Car accidents are a very common occurrence in Orange County, CA, but that doesn’t reduce the major effects they can have on a person’s life. There are so many long-term and short-term hardships that come after a car accident, and no one should have to deal with all of it alone. At Corrales Law Group, we are here to support those who were involved in a car accident, no matter the severity. Contact our office today to begin the process with a consultation.