When reviewing fatal car crash statistics by state, it becomes clear that certain vehicle makes and models appear more often in collisions that result in the death of either drivers or vehicle occupants. Using data compiled from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration between 2019 and 2023, we identified the vehicle make and models that are involved in the highest number of fatal crashes in each state.

Understanding car accident fatality statistics by make is not just about looking at numbers. For drivers and families in Florida, this information can provide valuable context about roadway risks and trends, which can help keep them safe when on the road, no matter what state they are in.

At Abrahamson & Uiterwyk, our Florida car accident lawyers have represented injured victims and grieving families for decades, earning a collective 1 billion dollars in compensation. We have seen firsthand how devastating fatal car accidents can be.

Fatal Car Crash Data (2019–2023): Statistics of the Deadliest Car per State and the Deadliest Vehicle in Each State

Alabama – 8 Fatal Freightliner Crashes

In Alabama, the Freightliner brand of vehicles was involved in 8 fatal crashes, which is the highest of any vehicle brand in the state. Freightliner typically makes commercial vehicles, such as semi-trucks, which shows that commercial trucks play a significant role in deadly accidents in Alabama.

Alaska – 2 Fatal Kawasaki Crashes

In Alaska, Kawasaki motorcycles were involved in 2 fatal crashes, which is more than any other 4 wheeled vehicle type in the state. These fatal crashes show how motorcycles contribute to Alaska’s crash statistics and how dangerous they can be on public roadways.

Arizona – 15 Fatal Freightliner Accidents

In Arizona, the commercial vehicle manufacturer Freightliner was involved in 15 fatal crashes between 2019 and 2023, which is more than any other vehicle brand. Large commercial vehicles account for a notable amount of fatal crash statistics in Arizona. 

Arkansas – 5 Fatal Freightliner Accidents

In Arkansas, commercial vehicles produced by Freightliner were involved in 5 fatal crashes, the highest total for a single make. Commercial truck traffic throughout the state continues to influence fatal accident statistics in the state.

California – 22 Fatal Kia Accidents

In California, Kia vehicles were involved in 22 fatal crashes between 2019 and 2023, which is more than any other brand. Passenger vehicle fatal accidents remain a major factor in the state’s fatal crash totals, as there are many people who commute to and from work every day.

Colorado – 5 Fatal Kawasaki Accidents

In Colorado, Kawasaki motorcycles were involved in 5 fatal crashes, which is more than any other type of passenger and commercial vehicle manufacturer. Motorcycle fatalities are a big part of Colorado’s traffic death data, as they do not have the same type of protections that a 4 wheeled vehicle does.

Connecticut – 3 Fatal Freightliner Accidents

Freightliner vehicles were involved in 3 fatal crashes in Connecticut from 20019 to 2023, which is the most of any commercial or passenger vehicle brand. This data proves that even states that are smaller still see commercial trucks prominently represented in fatal accidents.

Delaware – 1 Fatal Chevrolet Accident

A Chevrolet vehicle was involved in 1 fatal crash in Delaware, which ties for the highest total in the state with Dodge, Ram, and Subaru. Although overall numbers are lower than in other states, passenger vehicles still lead fatal crash statistics in Delaware.

Florida – 26 Fatal Toyota Accidents

In Florida between 2019 and 2023, Toyota vehicles were involved in 26 fatal crashes, the highest of any vehicle make. Given Florida’s population and the amount of roadway traffic, passenger vehicles dominate fatal car accident statistics throughout the state.

Georgia – 9 Fatal Kia Accidents

In Georgia, Kia vehicles were involved in 9 fatal crashes, and are tied with Ford for the most of any other brand in the state. The data shows a strong representation of passenger vehicles being involved in fatal collisions throughout the state.

Hawaii – 1 Fatal Toyota Accidents

In Hawaii, Toyota vehicles were involved in 1 fatal crash, which is not that surprising considering it is also one of the most bought vehicle makes in the state. Due to narrow roadways and winding roads, passenger cars account for the majority of the state’s fatal accident statistics.

Idaho – 2 Fatal Ford Accidents

In Idaho, Ford-manufactured vehicles were involved in 2 fatal crashes, tied with Kawasaki and Kenworth. Pickup trucks and passenger vehicles are very common in the state, and significantly impact Idaho’s crash data.

Illinois – 9 Fatal Kia Accidents

In Illinois, Kia-made vehicles were involved in 9 fatal crashes, which is more than any other make. Urban and highway traffic throughout the state contributes to these fatal crash statistics.

Indiana – 5 Freightliner Fatal Chevrolet Accidents

In Indiana, 5 fatal accidents involved various Freightliner vehicles, which is more than any other vehicle manufacturer. Commercial vehicles remain a key aspect of Indiana’s fatal accident data.

Iowa – 3 Fatal Freightliner Accidents

Freightliner vehicles were involved in 3 fatal crashes in Iowa, which is the highest in the state. Rural roadway conditions, especially in the winter, influence these vehicle-related fatality statistics significantly.

Kansas – 4 Fatal Freightliner Accidents

Freightliner is a popular vehicle manufacturer in Kansas, and they were involved in 4 fatal crashes, topping all other brands. Commercial vehicles frequently travel through the state, which affects Kansas fatal crash numbers.

Kentucky – 5 Fatal Kia Accidents

In Kentucky, Kia was involved in 5 fatal crashes, which is the most of any brand. These statistics show the consistent involvement of common passenger vehicles, such as SUVs and sedans.

Louisiana – 4 Fatal Freightliner Accidents

Louisiana experienced 4 fatal Freightliner accidents between 2019 and 2023, leading statewide totals when looking at manufacturers. Commercial trucking routes throughout the state strongly impact fatal accident figures here.

Maine – 2 Fatal Chevrolet Accidents

In Maine, Chevrolet vehicles were involved in 2 fatal crashes, which is the highest of any make in the state. Pickup trucks are frequently driven throughout the state, which is why they are commonly seen in Maine’s fatal crash statistics.

Maryland – 6 Fatal Kawasaki Accidents

Kawasaki motorcycles were involved in 6 fatal crashes, which is more than any other brand between 2019 and 2023. Dense traffic corridors in the state contribute to these fatality numbers.

Massachusetts – 2 Fatal Kawasaki Accidents

In Massachusetts, Kawasaki was involved in 2 fatal crashes. Motorcycles remain a key aspect of fatal accident data.

Michigan – 13 Fatal Chevrolet Accidents

In Michigan, Chevrolet was involved in 13 fatal crashes between 2019 and 2023. The brand’s popularity, especially in pickups, throughout the state due to rural living, is reflected in these crash statistics. 

Minnesota – 3 Fatal Freightliner Accidents

In Minnesota, Freightliner is popular due to commercial traffic, which is no surprise the brand was involved in 3 fatal crashes, topping all other makes. Winter driving conditions may also influence fatal collision data in Minnesota.

Mississippi – 3 Fatal Peterbilt Accidents

In Mississippi, Peterbilt was involved in 3 fatal crashes, more than any other brand in the state. Commercial transport throughout the state plays a significant role in this crash statistic.

Missouri – 6 Fatal Freightliner Accidents

In Missouri, Freightliner was involved in 6 fatal crashes, leading the totals when looking at brands. Commercial vehicles continue to dominate fatal accident data in the state.

Montana – 4 Fatal Freightliner Accidents

In Montana, Freightliner vehicles were involved in 4 fatal crashes, which is the highest of any other vehicle brand. Rural highways are a big factor when looking at these fatal crash statistics.

Nebraska – 2 Fatal Freightliner Accidents

Freightliner was involved in 2 fatal crashes in Nebraska, which is more than any other make. Pickup trucks manufactured by Chevy are common in statewide fatal accident data.

Nevada – 3 Fatal Freightliner Accidents 

In Nevada, Freightliner was involved in 3 fatal accidents, leading all vehicle manufacturers. Passenger vehicle crashes remain constant across the state.

New Hampshire – 1 Fatal Freightliner Accident

In New Hampshire, Freightliner was involved in 1 fatal crash, which is the highest recorded for a single make. Even smaller totals still reflect patterns in fatal vehicle crash data.

New Jersey – 4 Fatal Kia Accidents

In New Jersey, Kia was involved in 4 fatal crashes, leading statewide fatal accident data. Heavy traffic in the state influences these accident numbers.

New Mexico – 5 Freightliner Accidents

In New Mexico, Freightliner was involved in 5 fatal crashes, topping all other makes. Long highway stretches with commercial vehicles present play a role in crash outcomes.

New York – 7 Fatal Toyota Accidents

In New York, Toyota was involved in 7 fatal crashes, the highest of any brand. Urban congestion contributes heavily to these accident statistics in the state.

North Carolina – 6 Freightliner Accidents

In North Carolina, Freightliner was involved in 6 fatal crashes, leading the state. Commercial vehicles are central to fatal collision data in North Carolina.

North Dakota – 1 GMC Fatal Accident

In North Dakota, GMC was involved in 1 fatal crash, as well as Ford. Rural driving conditions do contribute to fatal accident data.

Ohio – 7 Fatal Freightliner Accidents

In Ohio, Freightliner was involved in 7 fatal crashes, which is the highest of any manufacturer statewide. 

Oklahoma – 5 Fatal Freightliner Accidents

In Oklahoma, Freightliner was involved in 5 fatal crashes, leading all brands. Highway traffic patterns with commercial vehicles contribute to fatal crash totals in the state.

Oregon – 5 Fatal Peterbilt Accidents

In Oregon, Peterbilt was involved in 5 fatal crashes, the most of any passenger vehicle brand in the state. Commercial vehicles remain the leading category in fatal accident data in the coastal state.

Pennsylvania – 7 Fatal Yamaha Accidents

In Pennsylvania, Yamaha was involved in 7 fatal crashes, topping the list. Riding motorcycles on urban and rural roads both factor into the numbers.

Rhode Island – 1 Fatal Toyota Accident

In Rhode Island, 1 Toyota-manufactured vehicle was involved in 1 fatal crash, which is the highest for a single make in the state. Even with lower fatal accident totals, passenger vehicles still appear in Rhode Island’s fatal crash statistics.

South Carolina – 7 Fatal Toyota Accidents

In South Carolina, there were 7 fatal accidents involving Toyota-made vehicles, which is more than any other manufacturer statewide. Passenger vehicles represent a significant share of South Carolina’s fatal car accident statistics.

South Dakota – 2 Fatal Chevrolet Accidents

In South Dakota, Chevrolet vehicles were involved in 2 fatal crashes, the highest total recorded for a single make. Pickup trucks and passenger vehicles manufactured by Chevy are frequently involved in the state’s fatal crash statistics.

Tennessee – 7 Fatal Freightliner Accidents

Freightliner, a commercial vehicle manufacturer, was involved in 7 fatal crashes in Tennessee, which is more than any other vehicle brand in the state. Commercial trucks account for a notable portion of Tennessee’s fatal accident statistics due to the trucking routes that run through the state.

Texas – 33 Fatal Chevrolet Accidents

In Texas, Chevrolet vehicles were involved in 33 fatal crashes, which is the highest out of any other manufacturer in the state. As one of the largest states by roadway mileage and population, Texas has consistently seen high fatal crash data.

Utah – 3 Fatal Chevrolet Accidents

Chevrolet vehicles were involved in 3 fatal crashes in Utah, topping the state’s fatal accident totals when looking at my make. Passenger vehicles continue to play a leading role in Utah fatal car accident statistics, especially during the winter months when weather causes unsafe road conditions.

Vermont – 1 Fatal Kenworth Accident

A Kenworth commercial vehicle was involved in 1 fatal crash in Vermont, which is the highest total recorded for a single make. This data proves that even in smaller states, commercial vehicles appear in a good portion of fatal crash statistics.

Virginia – 5 Fatal Toyota Accidents 

Toyota-manufactured vehicles were involved in 5 fatal crashes throughout Virginia, leading all makes in the state. Passenger vehicles make up a substantial share of Virginia’s fatal accident statistics, which includes residents and tourists.

Washington – 4 Fatal Ford Accidents 

In Washington, Ford vehicles were involved in 4 fatal crashes, the highest total for any vehicle brand. Both urban and rural roadways with passenger and commercial vehicles contribute to Washington’s fatal crash statistics.

West Virginia – 2 Fatal Toyota Accidents

In West Virginia, there were 2 fatal crashes that involved Toyota vehicles, topping statewide totals. Hilly terrain and rural highways can influence fatal accident patterns in the state.

Wisconsin – 2 Fatal Freightliner Accidents

In Wisconsin, Freightliner commercial vehicles were involved in 2 fatal crashes, the highest total recorded for a single make. Commercial vehicle traffic throughout the state, especially in the livestock industry, plays a role in Wisconsin’s fatal crash statistics.

Wyoming – 2 Fatal Freightliner Accidents

In Wyoming, Freightliner commercial vehicles were involved in 2 fatal crashes, the highest recorded for a single manufacturer in the state. Long highway corridors and commercial transport routes throughout the state contribute heavily to the fatal accident statistics.

Florida Fatal Car Accident Statistics, the Most Dangerous Cars, and Your Legal Rights

Florida consistently ranks among the states with the highest number of fatal car accidents by vehicle brand every year. Learn more about the deadliest car brands in Florida and which vehicles are most often involved in serious crashes. If you or a loved one has been injured or been wrongfully killed in a serious crash involving any vehicle make or model, our team at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk is prepared to stand by your side, investigate the facts, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact our Florida car accident lawyers today to schedule a free case consultation to learn about our car accident claim services and your rights to compensation.

On This Page show