Columbus car accident statistics show that the city has relatively safe streets. In 2022, it had 26 traffic deaths, according to the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) Crash Portal. But, the city has a population of over 202,000 residents. This gives the city a fatality rate of 12.8 deaths per 100,000 residents, lower than the fatality rates for both the U.S. and Georgia.
But “safe” does not mean “accident-free.” If you get injured in a car crash in Columbus, GA, Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm can identify all of your options for pursuing compensation under Georgia law. Contact our law firm today at (706) 940-4030 for a free consultation with a Columbus car accident attorney to learn more.
How Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm Can Help After a Car Accident in Columbus, GA
Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm has been helping accident victims in Columbus, Georgia, since 2016. Our founding attorney has over 26 years of experience representing clients against those responsible for their injuries.
If you suffer an injury, our Columbus car accident lawyer provides:
- A free case evaluation to assess your claims and explain your options for compensation
- Aggressive negotiation to settle your claim quickly so you can move forward
- Extensive courtroom experience in battling insurers and at-fault parties who do not settle
Car crashes can jeopardize your physical health and financial future. Contact Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm for a free consultation to discuss your car accident and the compensation you can pursue for it.
How Many Car Crashes Happen in Columbus, GA?
Columbus had 6,801 motor vehicle accidents in 2022, according to the GDOT Crash Portal. Columbus has 202,616 residents, roughly 18.6% of Georgia’s population. According to the GDOT Crash Portal, only about 17.7% of Georgia crashes happened in Columbus in 2022. Thus, roads and highways in Columbus are safer than those in Georgia as a whole.
Statistics About Columbus Car Crashes
Columbus’s 6,801 traffic crashes included 58 pedestrian accidents and six bicycle accidents. This number also included 775 single-vehicle accidents. Subtracting these numbers from the total gives you 5,962 multi-vehicle collisions.
The GDOT Crash Portal gives detailed statistics about these car crashes, including the following:
Crash Outcomes
Columbus’s crashes in 2022 included:
- 26 fatal crashes
- 1,447 non-fatal injury crashes
These crashes caused:
- 26 fatal injuries
- 208 serious injuries that incapacitated the victim
- 602 visible injuries that did not incapacitate the victim
- 1,379 possible injuries that caused the victim pain or other symptoms
No motorists died in single-vehicle crashes, while 20 motorists died in multi-vehicle crashes. Columbus’s fatalities and injuries also included six pedestrians killed, 19 pedestrians injured, and three cyclists injured.
Common Causes of Crashes in Columbus, GA
Most of Columbus’s crashes were classified as intersection-related in GDOT’s crash data. Failure to yield was one of the top causes of crashes in the city.
Failing to yield happens when a driver does any of the following:
- Disobeys a traffic signal or sign
- Turns in front of approaching vehicles
- Goes through a multi-way stop without waiting their turn
These violations often result in a side-impact crash that can produce serious injuries. A vehicle’s sides are weak, particularly at the doors, and can collapse in a collision. Victims can get crushed, suffering serious head, chest, and abdominal injuries.
Another leading cause of crashes in Columbus is following too closely. Also called tailgating, this violation often happens at intersections when drivers follow so closely that they hit another vehicle when they try to stop at a stop sign or red light.
The top cause of crashes in Columbus was distracted driving. Police confirmed 200 distracted driving crashes. They suspected distracted drivers of causing an additional 2,282 collisions. Importantly, distracted driving can cause other harmful events like failing to yield and tailgating.
When Crashes Happen
The most dangerous time of the day to drive in Columbus falls between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Over 18% of crashes in the city happen during the evening commute, even though these two hours account for only 8% of the hours in a day.
This pattern makes sense, given the types of crashes the city experiences. Intersection crashes often happen when impatient or careless drivers hit congested roads.
The most dangerous days of the week to drive fall on weekdays, with crashes peaking on Fridays. But the deadliest days fall on the weekend, when the number of intoxicated drivers increases. In 2022, drunk driving caused 106 crashes that resulted in eight deaths and 65 injuries.
Schedule a Free Initial Consultation With Our Columbus Car Accident Attorneys
Car accidents can cause injuries that leave you unable to work or care for yourself. Contact Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm today at (706) 940-4030 for a free consultation to learn about your rights after you suffer a car crash injury.
