Raleigh car accident statistics paint a grim picture. The city has the second-most crashes in the state after Charlotte. On the other hand, Allstate’s America’s Best Drivers Report ranks Raleigh, North Carolina, 60th out of 200 cities. The city’s drivers typically go about 10 years between crashes, roughly 4% above the national average.
When a car accident occurs, North Carolina law allows the victim to seek financial compensation. A Raleigh car accident lawyer from Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers can stand with you as you take legal action against the at-fault driver. Call (919) 876-3020 to schedule a free consultation.
How Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Car Accident in Raleigh, NC
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers has supported car accident victims in Raleigh, North Carolina, for over 40 years. Our Raleigh car accident lawyers have nearly two centuries of combined experience and have successfully recovered $850 million in financial compensation (see disclaimer below).
Our team can assist you in the following ways after you’re injured in a car accident caused by a negligent or reckless driver:
- Evaluate your circumstances and advise you of your legal options
- Investigate your crash to gather evidence that bolsters your position
- File a claim with the at-fault driver’s auto insurance company
- Negotiate a settlement or file a lawsuit if a settlement is impossible
The injuries from a car accident can leave you facing severe financial and physical difficulties. Call us to schedule a free consultation with a skilled Raleigh car accident attorney. We’ll explain your right to seek compensation for your injury-related losses.
Car Accidents in Raleigh, NC
According to the North Carolina Traffic Crash Facts report, Raleigh had 16,778 traffic accidents in 2023. These accidents included 162 pedestrian accidents and 50 bicycle accidents.
While car accidents can happen at any time, one of the most dangerous periods for road users falls between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Friday afternoons. This afternoon rush tends to be busier because workers rarely stay late on Fridays.
The most dangerous months include October and November. Unfortunately, there’s no ready explanation for the increase in crashes in these months, but higher volumes of holiday travel could potentially be one factor.
The days begin to shorten in early fall, leaving drivers commuting in poor lighting conditions. Additionally, October includes Halloween, a holiday that often involves alcohol consumption.
Crash Outcomes in Raleigh
Raleigh traffic accidents caused 44 deaths and 6,424 non-fatal injuries in 2023.
The victims included the following:
- Nine deceased pedestrians
- 165 injured pedestrians
- One deceased bicyclist
- 49 injured bicyclists
These statistics mean that vehicle collisions with pedestrians and bicycles injured around one person per collision, with at least a few accidents harming multiple road users.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in North Carolina
The Traffic Crash Facts report doesn’t provide detailed information about the causes of car accidents in Raleigh. However, it does highlight contributing factors collected from crashes across the state. According to the report, the following driving behaviors commonly lead to collisions:
Failing to Yield
Drivers who failed to yield the right of way caused more than 44,000 crashes in North Carolina in 2023. This violation often happens when a driver turns without waiting for a gap in traffic. Disregarding stop signs and red lights caused another 13,000 crashes that year.
These behaviors frequently result in side-impact or angle collisions at intersections. Such crashes can be particularly dangerous because seat belts aren’t designed to prevent vehicle occupants from sliding sideways. The impact can cause a driver or passenger to strike the adjacent door or window, injuring their head, shoulder, chest, or abdomen.
Speeding
Speeding is a leading cause of crashes in North Carolina. Failure to reduce speed was identified as a contributing factor in nearly 69,000 collisions in 2023. Drivers may speed by exceeding the speed limit or by driving too fast for the weather or road conditions. In either case, they may not be able to retain control of their vehicle.
Distracted Driving
Distractions can take many forms, including texting, posting on social media, checking one’s appearance, or reaching for objects inside the vehicle. All of these activities pose a risk to both the driver and other road users.
A distracted driver who fails to pay attention to the road might miss something happening in plain sight. As a result, they may not have time to refocus and safely navigate around it.
Impaired Driving
Drugs and alcohol hinder a driver’s judgment, reflexes, and coordination, as well as alter their perceptions of speed or distance. Consequently, the driver may make poor decisions or lose the ability to maneuver to avoid other road users.
Drug or alcohol use contributed to more than 10,000 crashes in North Carolina in 2023, causing 275 fatal crashes.
Contact Our Raleigh Car Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Car crashes frequently arise from careless, distracted, or risky driving behaviors. Contact Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers today to set up a free consultation and learn how our Raleigh car accident lawyers can help you hold the at-fault party liable for your injuries.