Most Accident-Prone Drivers and Cities in the U.S.

Younger Drivers and Certain Vehicle Brands See Higher Accident Risk

Accident statistics are not just abstract numbers, they represent real people whose lives are disrupted, sometimes permanently, by collisions. Knowing which cities, age groups, and vehicles are most involved in crashes can help injury victims understand potential causes, identify patterns, and determine if negligence played a role.

A new LendingTree analysis of tens of millions of insurance quotes has uncovered striking differences across major U.S. cities. The data points to clear trends: certain locations have double or triple the national average accident rate, younger drivers are significantly more likely to crash, and some vehicle makes and models have disproportionately high accident involvement.

These findings are important for anyone harmed in a car accident. They can help establish whether a collision may have been influenced by broader patterns of risky driving, local enforcement gaps, or vehicle safety issues, all factors that could play a role in determining liability in a personal injury claim.

Which Cities Top the List of Most Accident-Prone Cities

Among the 50 largest U.S. cities, Portland, Oregon, stands out for having 7.46 accidents per 1,000 drivers, more than double the national big-city average of 3.58. This is a significant public safety concern and a key indicator of increased risk for both residents and visitors.

The LendingTree report links Portland’s high accident rate partly to speeding, noting that the city also has the fastest drivers among large metro areas. Excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases crash severity, which can lead to more catastrophic injuries such as spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injury, and wrongful death.

Following Portland are Kansas City, Missouri (7.11), and Minneapolis, Minnesota (6.48). Each of these cities faces unique road safety challenges, but common contributing factors include speeding, distracted driving, and impaired driving.

In contrast, New York City (0.29), Detroit (0.46), and San Jose, California (0.71) report the lowest accident rates. Interestingly, these low-accident cities also rank among the lowest for DUI rates, reinforcing the link between impaired driving enforcement and fewer crashes.

Generational Differences in Accident Risk

Age plays a significant role in accident statistics. The study found that Generation Z drivers (ages 18–26) are the most accident-prone, with 5.70 accidents per 1,000 drivers in major cities. That’s well above Generation X (4.15) and Baby Boomers (4.01).

Younger drivers tend to lack the years of experience needed to anticipate hazards effectively.

They are also more likely to engage in risky behaviors such as:

• Driving at excessive speeds.
• Using mobile devices while driving.
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The higher accident rate among Gen Z is not just a statistical curiosity, it can be a critical factor in accident litigation. If a crash involves a young driver, there may be increased relevance in examining cell phone records, toxicology reports, and prior traffic violations.

Vehicle Makes and Models With the Highest Accident Rates

The study reveals that drivers of certain vehicle brands are more frequently involved in crashes. Lincoln drivers top the list at 5.40 accidents per 1,000 drivers, closely followed by Cadillac at 5.39 and Ram at 5.16. Luxury brands may be overrepresented in crash data because they often have higher horsepower and may be driven in ways that push performance limits.

When broken down by model, the Chevrolet Blazer has the highest accident rate at 9.21 accidents per 1,000 drivers, followed by the Toyota Tundra (8.92) and Toyota Prius (6.38). This is a sharp jump from the national average and raises questions about driver demographics, vehicle handling, and crash survivability.

In personal injury litigation, accident-prone vehicles may invite closer scrutiny of design, visibility, braking systems, and crash safety ratings, especially if an injury appears linked to a vehicle defect or handling issue.

Fatal Crash Trends in Major Cities

While overall accident rates are concerning, the sharp rise in fatal crashes in some cities is alarming. Raleigh, North Carolina, saw a 69% increase in deadly collisions from 2021 to 2022. Long Beach, California (58.3%), Oakland, California (55.6%), and Las Vegas (53.1%) also experienced significant increases.

These spikes often correlate with impaired driving, speeding, and urban growth that outpace infrastructure improvements. Fatal crashes have devastating consequences for families, often leading to wrongful death claims seeking damages for lost income, medical bills, funeral expenses, and loss of companionship.

The Insurance Impact of At-Fault Accidents

The financial fallout from a crash extends beyond medical bills and car repairs. The LendingTree study shows that in some cities, insurance rates rise by more than $2,600 per year after a single at-fault accident. In Los Angeles and Detroit, premiums jump the most, with five other cities, including San Francisco and Las Vegas, seeing increases above $2,000.

For injury victims, this can compound the financial strain after a crash. Legal claims may include not only direct costs from the accident but also the long-term financial burden caused by increased insurance premiums.

Accident FAQs

1. What does “accident-prone” mean in this context? It refers to the rate of reported accidents per 1,000 drivers in a given city, age group, or vehicle category based on insurance quote data. Higher rates suggest a greater likelihood of collisions.
2. If I were in an accident in one of these high-rate cities, would it help my legal case? While accident-prone statistics alone don’t prove fault, they can highlight patterns of dangerous driving behavior in an area. Combined with crash reports, witness statements, and police data, they may support claims of negligence.
3. Are certain vehicles more dangerous to drive? Not necessarily. Some vehicles appear in more crashes due to driver demographics, road use, or regional popularity. However, accident patterns involving specific models may warrant examination for potential defects or handling issues.
4. Does age affect accident claims? Yes. Younger drivers statistically cause more accidents. In a legal claim, this could factor into how liability is argued, particularly if the driver was speeding, distracted, or impaired.
5. Can rising insurance premiums be part of my damages? In some cases, yes. If your accident-related insurance increase is directly tied to another party’s negligence, an attorney may seek compensation for this financial impact.
6. What if I were hit by a driver in a statistically high-risk vehicle? This could prompt a deeper investigation into driving records, possible recalls, and the vehicle’s safety features. It can also strengthen arguments for negligence or liability.

Contact Parker Waichman LLP For A Free Case Review

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, whether in a high-risk city, by a young or distracted driver, or in a collision involving a statistically accident-prone vehicle, Parker Waichman LLP can help. We are a national personal injury law firm representing victims across the country in serious crash cases.

Call 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529) for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your legal rights, and fight for the compensation you deserve.