According to PennDOT crash data, there were 104,475 reportable traffic crashes statewide. On average, 286 auto accidents occurred daily in 2020, including three fatalities and 168 injured persons per day.
The number of traffic crashes in 2020 was the lowest reported in the state since 1950. The fatality rate (1.10) per hundred million miles driven was the second-lowest rate in history. However, COVID-19 significantly impacted the number of miles driven in 2020, which may have impacted the lower numbers for 2020.
How did York compare to other cities and counties throughout the state for traffic accidents? Let’s look at some York accident statistics to get an idea.
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York County Accident Statistics
York County is in the top ten counties with the most miles of state highways and local roads and streets. It is also the eighth-most populated county in Pennsylvania. Not surprisingly, the county is also in the top ten counties for the most reported traffic crashes.
Car accident statistics in 2020 for York County include:
- 3,972 total crashes reported (3.8 percent of state count)
- 28 traffic fatalities
- 1,510 injury accidents
- 2,435 property-damage accidents
- 5 pedestrian fatalities
- 69 pedestrian accidents
- 6 alcohol-related traffic fatalities
- 149 motorcycle crashes
- 32 bicycle accidents
York City had the highest number of traffic accidents within the county. Accidents in the city totaled approximately 11 percent of the county accidents.
Traffic accidents are more common during the fall months. September, October, and November had the highest crash statistics for the year. The highest percentage of accidents in York County occurs on Friday.
The afternoons had the most accidents of any time throughout the day. Rush hour (4 pm to 6 pm) had the highest combined totals, followed by 2 pm to 4 pm.
Teenagers and senior citizens made up a significant number of individuals involved in traffic accidents in York County. Accidents involving teen drivers totaled nearly 17 percent of the total accidents in York County in 2020. Senior drivers aged 65 years and older represented approximately 18 percent of the individuals involved in traffic crashes.
Common Causes of Traffic Accidents in York County
There are many different reasons for car crashes in York County. Many of the causes of car accidents in York can be attributed to driver negligence.
Factors that could lead to motor vehicle accidents include, but are not limited to:
- Distracted driving
- Accidents involving impaired driving (alcohol and drugs)
- Improper lane changes
- Fatigued and drowsy driving
- Following too closely (tailgating)
- Aggressive driving and road rage
- Speeding
- Failure to obey traffic laws
When a person causes a traffic accident, that person could be held financially liable for damages. However, the accident victim has the burden of proving another party caused their injury.
How Do You Prove Fault for a York Car Accident?
Most car accidents are based on negligence claims. Negligence is the failure to act with the level of care that a reasonable person would have used in the same situation.
The legal elements you must prove to win a car accident case based on negligence are:
- The other driver owed you a duty of care
- The other driver breached the duty of care
- The breach was the proximate and direct cause of your injuries
- You incurred damages
Motorists in Pennsylvania have a duty of care to operate their vehicles safely and avoid putting others at risk of harm. Drivers must follow the state’s traffic laws as part of that duty.
Breaching the duty of care could include breaking any traffic law or recklessly operating a vehicle. The facts of the case will determine whether the driver breached the duty of care.
Evidence Used to Prove Fault in a Car Accident
Many different types of evidence can be used to prove fault in a car accident case. Evidence that might be used in a personal injury case includes, but is not limited to:
- Crash reports and police reports
- Statements made by the drivers
- Eyewitness statements
- Photographs and videos of the accident scene
- Physical evidence from the vehicles and crash site
- Traffic videos or surveillance videos of the collision
- Opinions and information from accident reconstructionists and other expert witnesses
The stronger the evidence, the better chance you will receive the compensation you deserve for car accident injuries and damages. However, some insurance companies will fight injury claims even in the face of strong evidence.
What Compensation Can I Receive for a York County Car Accident?
Regardless of whether you sustain minor injuries or catastrophic injuries, you deserve to be compensated for your damages. The types of damages you could recover depend on the facts of the case.
Economic damages are the monetary losses you incur because of the crash. Examples of these damages include:
- Medical bills and expenses
- Cost of physical, vocational, occupational, and other therapies
- In-home or long-term nursing care
- Assistance with personal care and household chores
- Loss of income and benefits
- Future lost wages
- Travel expenses to and from medical appointments
- Reductions in future earning capacity
Documenting your financial losses is essential for receiving full compensation. Also, don’t forget to track and document out-of-pocket expenses for medications and other costs.
Non-economic damages include the pain and suffering caused by the accident. They also include permanent impairments and disabilities caused by the accident. In addition, you may also recover compensation for your loss of enjoyment of life, reduced quality of life, and emotional distress.
Statute of Limitations for York Car Accidents
The Pennsylvania statute of limitations for most car accidents is two years from the date of the traffic accident. Failing to file a lawsuit before that date means that you lose your right to pursue a legal claim related to your accident.
There are some exceptions to the general two-year statute of limitations for Pennsylvania car accidents. Therefore, it is best to seek legal advice from an experienced Pennsylvania personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after the car accident.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our York Car Accident Lawyers
If you were involved in a car accident, you could be entitled to compensation for your non-economic and economic damages. Contact Marzzacco Niven & Associates by phone at (717) 995-8998 or online to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced car accident attorneys in York, PA.