Indiana Car Crash Statistics You Should Know About

Posted on behalf of Pfeifer Morgan & Stesiak

on May 8, 2019

. Updated on March 23, 2022

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cars after t-bone accident2018 saw a six percent decrease in traffic deaths in the state of Indiana compared to 2017. However, there were still 859 deaths on our state’s roadways. There were also a total of 4,077 car accidents in South Bend in 2017, including 342 speed-related accidents and 59 crashes involving alcohol. Despite the 2018 decrease in traffic deaths in the state, there is still work to be done in reducing traffic fatalities and accidents in our state.

If you or a loved one sustained injuries in a car crash, it is important to seek the help of a knowledgeable South Bend car accident lawyer at Pfeifer, Morgan & Stesiak. We know how to advocate for your rights and the fair compensation you deserve.

Important Statistics

In 2017, more than 9,000 collisions occurred in St. Joseph County, with 862 involving speeding, 141 due to alcohol and 130 involving motorcycles.

Overall, in Indiana, fatal crashes rose from 820 in 2016 to 910 in 2017 but then declined again to 859 in 2018. The 21-24 age group had the highest percentage of impaired drivers in 2017. Approximately 9.2 percent of passenger vehicle drivers and passengers involved in accidents were not wearing seatbelts.

There are multiple reasons for crashes in Indiana, including speeding, drunk driving and reckless behavior. It is important to know why drivers engage in these behaviors to help you avoid them.

Reasons Why People Speed

These are some of the top contributing factors to people speeding:

  • Familiarity with the roads – Drivers who are used to certain routes and know every curve may speed. Anticipation can help with speeding, but the driver may not take other cars into consideration.
  • The need to hurry – A person may be late to work, rushing because of an emergency or need to go to the bathroom.
  • Thrill-seeking – Younger drivers and other thrill-seekers may drive fast simply because they enjoy it.
  • Intoxication or impairment – People who have consumed drugs or alcohol may have lowered inhibitions and may drive faster than normal.
  • Lack of attention – A person may not realize that he or she is speeding.
  • Road rage – Drivers may speed as a form of road rage.
  • Arrogance – Drivers may have too much confidence and may believe that they will not get caught by the police.

Why Do People Drive Drunk?

Drivers often have reasons why they drive after drinking, even though there is no excuse for drunk driving. However, these are some of the common the excuses drunk drivers may give:

  • The driver has done it before and not gotten into an accident
  • The person feels pressured to drink and drive because of friends
  • The person is used to drinking and driving
  • The person does not have another way home

Across the country, thousands of people continue to be injured or killed in car accidents caused when people drink and then choose to drive.

Contact a Lawyer for Assistance with Your Claim

If you were injured because of the carelessness or reckless behavior of another driver, contact Pfeifer, Morgan & Stesiak for help with your claim. We have worked on many accident cases and will use our knowledge and experience to attempt to recover maximum compensation for your damages.

We will walk you through the steps to take after the accident and can explain what to say to avoid damaging your case. We can also handle communication with the insurance carrier. Contact us today by filling out the free case evaluation form. We work on a contingency fee basis and charge no fees unless we are able to successfully recover compensation for your claim.

You can also call us right now at (844) 678-1800.

Pfeifer, Morgan & Stesiak

Serious Attorneys for Serious Cases