Collecting data on car accidents helps lawmakers better understand trends, including how the pandemic affected the rate of accidents and the state’s insurance rates. This can help to protect residents as everyone has a better understanding of car accidents in Pennsylvania.

Car Accident Trends During the Pandemic

The pandemic led to unique habits, with fewer drivers on the roads. During the beginning of the pandemic when many businesses were closed, people spent far less time on the roads. Interestingly, this didn’t lead to a decrease in car accidents. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were just over 36,000 fatal car accidents in 2019. In 2020, there were 38,680. This means that the rate of fatal car accidents actually increased despite far fewer people on the roads.

 

In fact, this rate is the highest since 2007. To better understand this, it can be helpful to review the statistics in detail. For one, fatal car accidents that involved alcohol use increased by 9% in 2020. An additional 15% of fatal car accidents were related to not wearing a seatbelt. The rate of car accidents that involved younger generations and single drivers also increased.

Using this data, we can infer that the following may have contributed to the increase in fatal car accidents during the pandemic:

• Drivers were less cautious with fewer transporting their children
• Drivers were more likely to drink and drive
• Drivers were less likely to use a seatbelt
• More younger drivers were on the road

With many schools moving virtually in 2020, households were less likely to transport their children from one place to another. With many people laid off or working remotely, they may have been more likely to engage in drinking. This may have led to some drivers being less cautious and running to the corner store or a friend’s house despite intoxication.

The pandemic also led to an increase in overall stress for most people. This could have also contributed to younger people being in fatal car accidents at higher rates.

Pennsylvania Car Insurance Requirements

Pennsylvania is a no-fault auto insurance state. This means that regardless of who is at fault for an accident, every driver involved will turn to their own insurance company for compensation for damages. This system, in combination with the increase in car accidents in 2020, may lead to higher rates for Pennsylvania drivers.

Additionally, Pennsylvania drivers are required to carry a minimum level of coverage. This includes a minimum of $5,000 of personal injury protection (PIP), $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident of bodily injury liability, and property damage liability of $5,000.

Drivers in Pennsylvania may also opt for full coverage. Some drivers, such as those with auto loans, may be required to carry full coverage.

If you’re injured in a car accident and you want to collect compensation through a personal injury case, you’ll need to demonstrate liability. Liability may include things like drinking and driving, driving while distracted, reckless driving, or aggressive driving.

Contact a Pittsburgh Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Car Accident Case in Pennsylvania

Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a car accident in Pennsylvania? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at The Law Office of Mark A. Smith represent clients injured because of car accidents in Pittsburgh, Homestead, Erie, Greensburg, and throughout Pennsylvania. Call 412-567-9598 or email us to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 707 Grant Street Suite 3250 Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.