Washington DC has some of the busiest traffic in the country. As the center of our federal government, DC draws commuters, tourists, delivery drivers, and public vehicles. Car accidents are common throughout the metro area.
Sadly, the number of people injured or killed on the roads has increased in recent years. Local data shows a steady rise in injuries and fatal crashes. Here’s what you need to know about Washington DC car accident statistics if you drive, bike, or walk in the metro area.
Are the Number of Car Accidents in DC on the Rise?
Between 2020 and 2024, traffic injuries in Washington DC increased. In 2020, DC reported about 6,200 total injuries. The number rose to around 6,600 by 2023 and stayed high in 2024. Most of the increase came from minor crash injuries, which jumped from about 5,800 in 2020 to over 6,500 in 2023. The number of major injuries reported in DC car accidents ranged from 345 to 440 during that period, but those numbers did not show an upward trajectory.
Injuries to drivers stayed steady, hovering around 3,600 to 4,000 per year. The numbers dipped slightly in 2024 compared to earlier years, but remained the largest share of crash injuries. Injuries to passengers, pedestrians, and bicyclists showed a more apparent upward trend. Pedestrian injuries rose from 538 in 2020 to 703 in 2024. Bicyclist injuries climbed from 290 to 450 during the same period.
Fatal crashes also increased. In 2020, 37 people died in traffic crashes. The number grew to 52 by 2024. Pedestrians make up the largest group of traffic deaths each year. DC recorded 19 pedestrian deaths in 2021, 2022, 2023, and again in 2024.
Overall, DC saw more accident-related injuries and deaths on its roads over the most recent five-year period.
What Are Different Types of Car Accidents in Washington DC?
DC’s busy roads, dense neighborhoods, and stop-and-go traffic create many chances for things to go wrong. Below are common types of car accidents that occur in Washington DC:
- Rear-end collisions – These crashes happen when one car hits the back of another. They commonly occur in stop-and-go traffic, near red lights, or during sudden slowdowns. Many rear-end crashes involve drivers who follow too closely or fail to notice that the cars in front of them have stopped.
- T-bone crashes at intersections – A T-bone crash happens when the front of one car hits the side of another, often in the middle of an intersection. These crashes typically involve drivers who go through red lights or stop signs. The people in the car that gets hit on the side often face the highest risk of injury because car doors provide less protection than front or rear bumpers.
- Sideswipe accidents during lane changes – Sideswipe crashes happen when one car moves into another lane, and its side hits the side of another vehicle already there. These accidents frequently take place on busy multi-lane roads like I-95. They often happen when a driver fails to check blind spots or change lanes without using a signal.
- Crashes involving left turns – Many drivers in DC get into accidents while making left turns across traffic. These crashes happen when a driver misjudges the speed or distance of oncoming cars, especially if they’re rushing to beat a yellow light or speed through a break in traffic. These crashes are common on major roads with high traffic volume.
- Pedestrian or cyclist collisions – DC sees too many crashes involving cars striking people on foot or bicycling. These crashes often occur at crosswalks, intersections, or driveways where drivers turn or pull out without checking their surroundings. Even at low speeds, a collision involving a pedestrian or bicyclist can result in severe injuries.
What Causes Car Accidents in DC?
Crash reports from DC’s Metropolitan Police Department show that most accidents in the city happen because of dangerous driving behaviors and the way people move through busy roads. According to the data, speeding, impaired driving, running red lights, and distracted driving are some of the top causes of crashes involving drivers.
For people walking, the data shows that negligent left- and right-turning drivers pose the most significant risks, along with drivers who fail to stop. In some cases, pedestrian accidents happen when those on foot or in wheelchairs move into traffic when they don’t have the right-of-way.
Crash reports involving people biking show a similar pattern. Most bike crashes happen near intersections, especially when drivers turn or open their doors into bike lanes.
What Roads in the DC Area Have the Most Car Accidents?
Crash data from the DC Metropolitan Police Department shows that most injury and fatal crashes happen on major roads, with arterial roads like Georgia Avenue carrying the most risk. These roads support large amounts of traffic and often have several lanes. According to the data, 66 percent of all fatal and injury crashes happen on arterials.
Major collectors and freeways also see a high volume of crashes. For drivers, 65 percent of injury and fatal crashes take place on arterials, major collectors, or highways. These roads have higher speed limits and force people to make quick decisions near other road users.
Crashes involving pedestrians or bicyclists also happen mostly on arterials and major collectors. Among those groups, about 67 percent to 68 percent of fatal and injury crashes occur on these bigger streets. Intersections are hazardous. The data shows that 69 percent of pedestrian and 67 percent of bike crashes happen within 100 feet of an intersection.
Local streets see fewer serious crashes. Around 82 percent of crashes on local roads cause only property damage. So, the streets with the most traffic also cause the most injuries.
Get Help from an Experienced DC Car Accident Attorney Today
If you were hurt in a car accident in the DC area, contact the experienced and dedicated car accident attorneys at Marks & Harrison. Our team has a record of helping crash victims through car accident claims and lawsuits. We know how to deal with insurance companies and help people fight for fair results. Contact us today to get started with your free initial consultation.
