How Many Fatal Car Accidents Occur Each Year? 

According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration crash data, 38,824 people died in fatal car accidents in 2020, the largest number since 2007. The same data show the total number of fatalities by state and person type in the years 2019 and 2020. In New York 934 and 1,046 were killed in 2019 and 2020, respectively. That represents a 12-percent uptick in 2020.  

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has also analyzed data using the United States Department of Transportation’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System. According to IIHS’s analysis, 2020 data for New York State motor vehicle crashes helps to break down motor vehicle crash deaths by road user type:  

• Fatalities in car accidents (32%)  
• Fatalities in pickup and SUV accidents (16%)   
• Fatalities in large truck accidents (2%)  
• Motorcyclist fatalities (19%)   
• Pedestrian fatalities (22%)  
• Bicyclist fatalities (4%)  

Where Do Most Fatal Car Accidents Occur?  

According to IIHs’ analysis in New York State, 73% of crash deaths occurred on urban roads and 27% happened on rural roads in New York.   

According to The National Safety Council’s analysis of national data, on average in 2020, fatal car crashes were more frequent on weekends. NSC also found that accidents are most likely to happen between “4 p.m. to 7:59 p.m.” for both fatal and nonfatal crashes. However, this depends on the time of the year and other factors.   

For a full breakdown of the data by state, visit the (IIHS) website. Again, the analysis is based on data from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System.  

Contact an Experienced Car Accident Attorney at William Mattar, P.C. 

As you can see, fatal car crashes happen across New York State. Fatal car accidents can be grounds for a wrongful-death claim, or a claim for pre-impact terror and conscious pain and suffering. The attorneys at William Mattar, P.C. have experience helping people after car accidents on New York roads. If you are seeking an attorney to help after a car accident, please do not hesitate to give us a call at (844) 444-4444 or contact us online 24/7.