Monterey County, California, is mostly comprised of small to medium-sized cities and vast tracts of farmland. Nevertheless, Monterey County car accident statistics report thousands of annual crashes. These traffic accidents can have dire consequences, including medical bills and missed paychecks.
Injured motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists can seek financial compensation under California law. A Monterey County car accident lawyer from Mercado Kramer, LLP can provide legal advice and advocacy to help you pursue damages for your injury-related losses.
How Mercado Kramer, LLP Can Help After a Car Accident in Monterey County, CA
Our law firm has recovered millions of dollars in compensation for those who have been injured or killed by another person’s risky driving. Our Monterey County personal injury lawyers have decades of experience helping people like you get their lives back on track.
When you or a loved one suffers an injury due to another driver’s negligence, we can provide the following assistance:
- Reviewing your accident and identifying possible avenues to compensation
- Building your case by reviewing the police report and other evidence
- Filing a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurer and working to settle it on fair terms
- Suing the driver if their insurance company refuses to pay
A car crash can cause temporary or permanent disabilities that leave you with serious physical and financial difficulties. Contact Mercado Kramer, LLP to schedule a free consultation with a Monterey County car accident attorney. We’ll discuss your situation and how we can pursue compensation for your losses.
Monterey County Traffic Crashes
Monterey County recently adopted a Vision Zero approach to traffic and road management. This philosophy uses data to identify the causes of auto accidents and remedy them.
The county has not yet completed its statistical analysis of local crashes. However, California collects county-level statistics through its Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS).
According to these figures, the number of crashes that cause injury or death has fluctuated between the upper 1,600s and the high 1,700s since 2021. The average since 2022 is 1,727 crashes resulting in injury or death per year.
In 2024, the county recorded 1,771 crashes resulting in injury or death. This was the highest total in the past three years. It also represented a significant increase over the 1,696 injury or fatal crashes in 2023.
Traffic-Related Injuries and Deaths
The 1,771 crashes that caused injury or death in 2024 led to the following outcomes:
- 42 fatal injuries
- 190 serious injuries
- 2,207 minor or possible injuries
Serious injuries disable the victim temporarily or permanently. Severe lacerations, major fractures, and unconsciousness qualify as serious injuries. Minor injuries produce a visible wound but don’t debilitate the victim. Examples include minor lacerations, bruises, and abrasions.
Possible injuries produce symptoms like pain, dizziness, or confusion with no visible trauma to the victim. As such, a crash report might classify a sprain, whiplash, or a concussion as a possible injury.
In total, 2,439 people suffered injury or death in Monterey County traffic crashes in 2024.
Vulnerable Road Users In Monterey County, California
The aforementioned total included vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians and bicyclists. These road users have no vehicle to protect them in a crash. As a result, they have a high risk of injury or death when hit by drivers.
In 2024, pedestrian accidents had the following outcomes:
- 12 deaths
- 21 serious injuries
- 99 minor or possible injuries
The same year, bicyclists suffered the following injuries in traffic collisions:
- 0 fatalities
- 15 serious injuries
- 67 minor and possible injuries
In total, 214 pedestrians and bicyclists were injured or killed on Monterey County’s roads in 2024.
Causes of Monterey County, CA Crashes
Many of the accidents in Monterey County can be traced to the following causes:
Distracted Driving
According to SWITRS, 115 road users suffered injury or death due to distracted driving accidents in 2024. These crashes occur when a driver’s non-driving activities interfere with their ability to focus on the road and maintain control of their vehicle. Distractions include cell phone use, talking, and reaching for objects.
Speeding
SWITRS reports that 692 people were injured or killed due to speeding collisions in 2024. Drivers who speed are more likely to lose control of their vehicles, particularly in adverse weather or road surface conditions.
Drug or Alcohol Use
Drugs and alcohol aren’t a leading contributor to traffic accidents in Monterey County. However, they play an oversized role in fatal crashes.
Contact Our Monterey County Car Wreck Lawyers for a Free Consultation
A serious car accident in Monterey County can turn your life upside down, leaving you with steep medical bills, lost income, and uncertainty about the future. You don’t have to face these challenges alone.
At Mercado Kramer, LLP, our experienced Monterey County car accident attorneys are ready to investigate your crash, fight for your rights, and pursue every dollar you’re entitled to under California law. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation and let us help you take the first step toward recovery and justice at (888) 311-4050.
Visit Our Personal Injury Law Office in Salinas, CA
450 Lincoln Ave Ste. 102, Salinas, CA 93901
(888) 311-4050
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