Playing Accident Roulette

Every time you get in a car, you’re essentially spinning the wheel in a game of Accident Roulette. The sobering truth? Your number will eventually come up. Statistics show that 12.4% of all U.S. drivers will experience at least one no-fault accident in their lifetime – meaning even the most careful drivers can’t completely dodge the bullet.

This grim reality affects every city across America, from sleepy small towns to bustling metropolises. Whether it’s a fender-bender in a grocery store parking lot, or a more serious collision on the highway, the odds suggest most of us will have at least one “it wasn’t my fault!” story to tell.

The takeaway? While defensive driving can improve your odds, there’s no guaranteed way to opt out of this dangerous game – you can only try to stack the deck in your favor.

Which US City Has the Most Car Accidents?

To find the answer, we analyzed insurance rate data instead of police accident reports—partly because insurance data was easier to access, but also because we work with insurance companies regularly, whether in routine business or while resolving disputes for clients.

We didn’t separate the results by metro size. Instead, we treated all U.S. drivers as one big group—and the findings were surprising.

Drumroll, please… The metro area with the worst drivers per capita is Johns Island, South Carolina—a suburb of Charleston. But here’s a twist: When we split the U.S. into four regions (West, Midwest, Northeast, and South), the West actually ranks as the worst, with a 12.75% accident rate. The South and Northeast fall in the middle, while the Midwest has the safest drivers at just 11.18%.

What counts as the Midwest? Think Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, Michigan, Wisconsin, Montana, Missouri, and the Dakotas. While these states have some big cities, they’re nothing compared to coastal hubs or Texas. They’re also more rural, with plenty of farmland—though not as wide-open as Nevada or Arizona.

So, are farmers better drivers than city folks? Not necessarily. Take Lincoln, Nebraska—a relatively small state capital (population: 250,000) surrounded by cornfields and poultry plants. Despite its rural setting, it landed in the Top 20 worst cities for accidents.

Being as we’re in Nevada, you’ll be happy to know California has 3 urban areas in the worst Top 20. Like, we knew that!

Now in truth, the average cost of vehicles owned and driven in metro areas skews these statistics and rankings because, again, they are based upon insurance rates. It costs more to insure upscale vehicles. Not a big deal, but something to weigh and consider when you’re thinking about this.

States With the Highest Number of Accident Deaths?

Let’s examine Accident Roulette from another angle—fatalities per state. Of course, factors like population, number of drivers, and road conditions play a role.

In 2020, the states with the highest number of vehicular deaths were:

Texas (3,642)
California (3,563)
Florida (3,133)

On the other end, the safest states recorded far fewer fatalities:

Rhode Island (59)
Vermont (68)
Alaska (80)

For context, Nevada had 330 deaths that year—far lower than usual, like most states. Why? COVID-19 lockdowns meant fewer drivers on the road, leading to an unusually low death toll compared to previous years.

Why Las Vegas Is Different When Looking at Accidents

When it comes to car accidents and fatalities, Las Vegas presents some unique challenges. McCarran International Airport (now Harry Reid International) welcomes 50 million visitors annually—many of whom rent cars. That means thousands of out-of-town drivers hit the roads daily, each with different:

Driving skills (or lack thereof)
Familiarity with U.S. road signs
Experience with local traffic patterns

And let’s not forget: Some are used to driving on the left side of the road! Throw in the sensory overload of the Strip—flashing lights, distractions, and general chaos—and it’s no surprise that accidents happen. Then, these visitors fly home and file insurance claims from afar.

Does this distort accident statistics? Absolutely.

Las Vegas Crashes: Tropicana & Maryland Parkway

This intersection is one of the most dangerous in Vegas, thanks to:

Heavy traffic (east-west and north-south flow)
UNLV’s student and faculty foot traffic
Nearby businesses and a large homeless population
A constant stream of turning vehicles, especially at rush hour

Pedestrians, beware: Always make eye contact with drivers before crossing. Assume they don’t see you—because half the time, they’re tourists who might be looking at a GPS or a casino marquee instead of the road!

Why hire Paul Powell if you’ve been injured in an accident?

The numbers don’t lie: 1 in 5 drivers will be involved in a car accident at some point. When that day comes, you need a law firm that fights as hard for you as you would for yourself.

For over 20 years, the Paul Powell Law Firm has been Las Vegas’ trusted advocate for injury victims. Here’s why clients choose us:

Proven Experience – Paul Powell knows Nevada law inside and out.
Full-Service Team – We’re heavily staffed to handle every detail of your case.
Fair Guarantee – You’ll never pay more than you receive. (We put it in writing!)

Don’t gamble with your recovery. Call the firm that delivers More Lawyer. Less Fee.

Paul Powell Law Firm
Top-Rated Personal Injury Lawyers in Las Vegas

*Local TV Station KNTV-ABC reported 314 deaths for this same year.