Pennsylvania Car Accident Statistics

One of the most terrifying aspects of car accidents is that they could truly happen to anyone. Whether you are in your car, on a bike, or a pedestrian crossing the street, motor vehicle collisions can strike quickly and unexpectedly. If you are one of the many individuals factored into the more recent Pennsylvania car accident statistics, you may benefit from the help of a car accident lawyer.

Pennsylvania Car Accident Statistics

A lot of variables go into the process of predicting future Pennsylvania car accident statistics, but here is a brief breakdown of what goes into this detailed procedure.

In 2024, there were a reported 110,765 car accidents in the state of Pennsylvania. This is slightly higher than the number of crashes in 2023. Broken down, this means that, in 2024, there were 303 reportable traffic crashes daily, or roughly about 13 crashes every hour. Pennsylvania had a rate of approximately 1.13 deaths per 100 million miles traveled, totaling 1,127.

The highest cause of these fatalities was the collision of a motor vehicle with a fixed object, such as a tree, wall, or guardrail.

The National Safety Council (NSC) predicted that there would be 18,720 total motor vehicle deaths nationwide within the first six months of 2025. There are several variables that must be factored in to estimate future car accident statistics for 2025, including the type of vehicles involved, the variety of accidents, and potential causes of the collisions.

Who Can Be Involved in a Car Accident in Pennsylvania?

Due to the mobility of motor vehicles, the potential car accident victim pool is larger than ever. Motorcyclists, bicyclists, pedestrians, and other drivers are all at risk. In 2024, the group with the highest number of driver-error-related car accidents was males aged 21-25, totaling 12,957. At less than five reports behind, males 16-20 have the second highest involvement in these kinds of accidents.

What Causes Accidents in Pennsylvania?

Accidents can be caused by a whole host of things, including the following examples:

• Hazardous road conditions. Sometimes, construction or poorly managed roads can lead to sudden swerving or other driving actions that can endanger those around you.
• Distracted driving. While it may be tempting to send a text, flip through radio stations, or apply your makeup while driving, this can put the lives of everyone around, including yourself, at risk. Even if you keep the car on the road, something unexpected may pop up, and if you are driving while distracted, you may not be able to react appropriately in time.
• Speeding. Whether you’re running late, making a point, trying to get home, or street racing for fun, speeding is never a safe driving option and is often one of the causes of fatal car accidents. While it’s wise to prepare ahead of time to arrive at work on schedule, speeding should never be something you do to compensate for lost time.
• Tailgating. Aggressive and angry driving are both unsafe and unwise. Even when you are frustrated, running late, or stuck behind a slower vehicle, tailgating can result in fender benders if not something far more serious.
• Improper turning etiquette. Turning signals and obeying the rules of the road are two of your greatest tools when it comes to avoiding an accident. Not only does it make your driving plans clear to those around you, but it also allows them to rely on your understanding of proper turning lane usage, as well as traffic indicators.
• Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Operating a vehicle while high and/or intoxicated is not only dangerous but also against the law. Inebriation of any kind can keep you from driving straight, focusing, and operating your vehicle safely and correctly. It is always better to sleep it off or call an Uber, regardless of where you are driving or how far away your destination is.
• Limited visibility due to snow, rain, or low lighting. The weather can have a strong impact on driving conditions. Ice, rain, and snow can make roads slick, which makes it harder for your tires to gain the traction they need to stop, and low lighting can make it hard to discern where the road is. It is imperative, then, that you remain focused and alert so that you can react early enough to any unknown driving variables you could encounter.

While some of these things may be outside of the driver’s control, it is always wise to remain alert and focused, as you may be held responsible for not reacting in time.

An Overview of No-Fault Insurance and Tort Options

Pennsylvania is considered a choice no-fault state, which means that drivers can choose between limited tort, no-fault, or full tort coverage for insurance purposes. This is why Pennsylvania law requires that all drivers must carry a minimum liability insurance but are responsible for their own damages up to their coverage limits. Here is a brief breakdown of limited tort and full tort:

• Limited tort/no-fault. With limited tort, your own insurance company can cover your medical expenses, as well as any lost wages due to the accident, regardless of who is at fault. This does mean, however, that you cannot file a claim for pain and suffering unless you can meet a specific threshold for related injuries.
• Full tort. Full tort coverage allows you to seek compensation for economic damages, such as medical bills and lost wages, as well as non-economic damages, like pain and suffering, from the at-fault driver’s insurance company.

Hire a Car Accident Lawyer

Car accidents can leave you feeling overwhelmed, confused, and unable to afford the necessary aftercare. When you hire a car accident lawyer, however, you can seek compensation for the suffering and expenditures you have been forced to handle. This can include coverage for your medical bills, car repair and/or replacement, as well as compensation for the pain and suffering you have endured.

FAQs

What Is the Rate of Car Accidents in Pennsylvania?

There were approximately 110,765 reported car accidents in Pennsylvania in the year 2024. This means that, per 100,000 residents, Pennsylvania has a car accident fatality rate of 9.3. That same year, Pennsylvania ranked fifteenth in the nation for motor vehicle collisions. If you are concerned about car accident rates in your area, check with your local police department, local city officials, or a car accident lawyer.

Which States Have the Highest and Lowest Rates of Motor Vehicle Collision-Related Fatalities?

As of 2024, Mississippi experienced the highest number of motor vehicle accident-related fatalities in the state population, falling at a rate of 24.9 deaths per 100,000 residents. Wyoming came in second, with a rate of 24.7, only 0.2 behind Mississippi. Massachusetts had the lowest car accident fatality rate, and Pennsylvania fell slightly below the national average with an overall rate of 9.3.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in Pennsylvania?

Each car accident case is unique, which means that the cost of hiring a car accident lawyer tends to vary case by case in the state of Pennsylvania instead of following a one-size-fits-all format. There are, however, some consistent variables that can often influence your overall price, including the level of complexity your case presents, the amount of time it needs to reach a resolution, and who you hire to represent you.

Is Pennsylvania a no-fault car accident state?

Pennsylvania has a system in place for no-fault car accident insurance. It is important to note, however, that if you accept the no-fault, limited tort insurance option, you cannot file a claim against the other driver’s insurance company to pursue damages unless your injuries, as well as your overall pain and suffering, meet a pre-established threshold.

Why You Should Choose The Frank Santini Law Firm

At The Frank Santini Law Firm, we believe in helping our clients pursue justice and compensation for the suffering they have been forced to endure. Contact The Frank Santini Law Firm today to schedule a consultation and see how we can help you pick up the pieces of your life after your car accident.

About The Author

Frank Santini

Frank Santini, Esq., is a highly accomplished personal injury attorney and the founder of The Santini Personal Injury & Car Accident Law, specializing in personal injury law. A summa cum laude graduate of Stetson University College of Law, Frank is licensed in Florida and New Jersey and has earned recognition as a Rising Star" by Super Lawyers and high ratings from Martindale-Hubbell. Education: Graduated cum laude from Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA Graduated summa cum laude from Stetson University College of Law Professional Associations: Member of The Florida Bar and the New Jersey Bar. Experience: Founder of The Santini Personal Injury & Car Accident Law, representing personal injury clients with dedication and expertise.

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