Western Australia Car Accident Statistics
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Principal Lawyer and Director · Last updated 31 July 2026
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Key Takeaway: Car accidents attended by ambulance in Western Australia fell from 6,165 in 2010 to around 5,243 in recent years, yet personal injury claims have risen again since 2016. Drivers aged 17 to 24 cause the highest share of WA crashes. If you were injured, the Insurance Commission of Western Australia (ICWA) may fund your compensation.
WA Car Accident Statistics: Quick Answers
If you’ve recently been involved in a car accident in Western Australia, it’s important to understand both the frequency of these incidents and what compensation may be available. Updated WA car accident statistics reveal key trends in road safety, accident severity, and claim outcomes. At the same time, the Insurance Commission of Western Australia (ICWA) publishes annual data on the compensation it pays out (known as ICWA payout figures) which help illustrate the financial and legal impact of accidents across the state. Whether you’re seeking legal advice or just researching your options after a WA car accident, this guide covers the latest figures, causes, and your rights.
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Motor vehicle-related crashes cause hundreds of people’s death and thousands of injuries in WA. Sometimes car accident injuries are inevitable. In WA, all road users are required by law to have a third-party insurance by ICWA that provides motor vehicle accident injury compensation benefits.
Every year, ICWA pays more than a half-billion dollars to 4,000 people on average. If you are injured in a car accident, reach an experienced car accident compensation lawyer in WA to know your entitlements and how to claim them.
Road Accident Statistics in Western Australia
The charts below demonstrate WA roach accident statistics between 2010 and 2021. ICWA’s reports are used to visualise the data. The road accident statistics includes data surrounding:
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Number of accidents attended by an ambulance
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Number of personal injury claims received
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Number of accident-related fatalities
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Gender of liable person in the accident
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Age of liable person in the accident
Number of Car Accidents Attended by Ambulance in WA
The number of car accidents in WA attended by an ambulance has steadily declined, dropping from 6,165 in 2010 to 5,243 in recent years.
According to the latest data, around 15 people were hospitalised due to road accidents in Western Australia in 2021. These figures highlight a reduction in emergency responses but also reinforce the ongoing risks on WA roads.
Number of Personal Injury Claims from Car Accidents in WA
While the number of hospitalisations following car accidents in WA has consistently declined, the volume of personal injury claims has shown a more variable trend over the past 11 years. Between 2010 and 2016, personal injury claims from motor vehicle accidents in Western Australia decreased.
However, from 2016 onwards, the number began to rise steadily, reaching a peak in 2021, when motor vehicle-related injury claims exceeded 4,000 for the first time. This shift suggests a growing awareness of legal rights and access to compensation, despite fewer ambulance-attended hospitalisations.
Number of Accident-Related Fatalities in Western Australia
On average, one person dies every two days as a result of a road accident in Western Australia.
While the number of accident-related fatalities has varied over the years, recent figures show a downward trend. In both 2020 and 2021, the total number of road deaths in WA remained below 200 per year, highlighting some improvement in road safety, though the human impact remains significant.
Gender of At-Fault Drivers in Car Accidents in WA
According to ICWA statistics, the number of car crashes in Western Australia has shown a consistent downward trend between 2010 and 2021. However, the data also reveals a notable gender disparity: men are twice as likely to be at fault in a road accident compared to women.
These figures highlight ongoing road safety improvements, while also pointing to behavioural differences between male and female drivers in WA.
Age of At-Fault Drivers in Car Accidents in Western Australia
ICWA Payout Figures 2023: What Western Australians Need to Know
The data highlights the age groups most commonly at fault in car accidents in WA. Drivers aged 17 to 24 were responsible for the highest percentage of motor vehicle accidents in Western Australia, followed by those in the 30 to 39 age bracket. In contrast, the lowest number of accidents was caused by drivers aged 50 to 59.
This trend suggests that younger drivers continue to pose a higher risk on WA roads compared to more experienced age groups.
Understanding the Insurance Commission of Western Australia (ICWA) payout figures can provide valuable insight for anyone involved in a motor vehicle accident in WA. Each year, ICWA publishes detailed data outlining how much is paid out in compensation and claims, which reflects trends in accident severity, claims finalisation, and future liabilities.
In the 2023 ICWA Annual Report, the Commission reported the following key figures:
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$263.6 million in claims finalised: marking a 19.7% increase from the previous year, largely due to more severe and long-term injury claims being resolved.
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$870.8 million in total payments: this includes compensation to injured persons, legal costs, treatment expenses, and operational payments.
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$4.6 billion in estimated future claims liabilities: highlighting the ongoing cost of supporting claimants with long-term injuries or impairments.
These figures emphasise the scale of personal injury claims in WA and the importance of accessing professional legal advice to ensure fair compensation.
At Withstand Lawyers, we help clients understand how ICWA compensation works and what their claim could be worth. Whether you’re dealing with a motor vehicle accident, whiplash injury, or a total and permanent disability (TPD) claim, our team is here to guide you through the process and maximise your entitlement. Contact us today to find out what you could be eligible to claim.
How to Make an Injury Claim After a Motor Vehicle Accident in WA
If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Western Australia, it’s strongly recommended that you speak with a qualified motor vehicle accident lawyer. An experienced personal injury lawyer can assess your situation, explain your eligibility for compensation, and guide you through the legal process. Having a senior lawyer on your side can significantly improve your chances of receiving the benefits and entitlements you deserve under WA law.
How to Find a Personal Injury Lawyer for a Car Accident Injury Claim in WA
Finding the right car accident lawyer in Western Australia can make a significant difference in the success of your personal injury claim. The ideal lawyer should have proven experience in motor vehicle accident cases, a strong track record of successful claims, and a clear communication style that makes you feel supported and informed.
Look for a lawyer who offers:
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A free initial consultation or free claim assessment
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No-win, no-fee agreements
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Expertise in WA personal injury law
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Transparent advice tailored to your situation
At Withstand Lawyers, we offer a free claim assessment to help you understand your rights and the strength of your case. Our experienced legal team will guide you through every step, from evidence collection to negotiating with insurers, so you can focus on recovery while we handle the legal work. Contact us today on 1800 952 898 or fill in our online form to get started with a free claim assessment today!
WA Car Accident Statistics FAQ
Are car accidents in WA increasing or decreasing?
Overall car accidents in Western Australia have trended downward, with ambulance-attended crashes falling from 6,165 in 2010 to about 5,243 recently. However, personal injury claims declined between 2010 and 2016 and then began rising again from 2016 onwards, showing that serious injuries remain a real risk on WA roads today.
How many personal injury claims come from WA car accidents?
The number of personal injury claims from motor vehicle accidents in Western Australia has been variable over the past 11 years. Claims fell between 2010 and 2016, then increased from 2016 onwards. This upward trend since 2016 shows that many Western Australians are still injured each year and pursue ICWA compensation.
Are men or women more likely to be at fault in WA crashes?
ICWA data on liable drivers in Western Australia reveals a clear gender disparity: men are twice as likely to be at fault in a road accident compared to women. While total crashes trended downward between 2010 and 2021, this behavioural difference between male and female drivers has remained consistent across WA.
What is ICWA and what does it cover in WA?
The Insurance Commission of Western Australia (ICWA) administers the state’s compulsory third-party motor injury insurance and publishes annual payout figures, including the ICWA 2023 data. If you were injured by an at-fault driver, ICWA may fund compensation for medical treatment, lost income and other losses. Withstand Lawyers helps clients understand what their claim is worth.
How do I make an injury claim after a car accident in WA?
If you have been injured in a car accident in Western Australia, it is recommended you speak with a qualified motor vehicle accident lawyer early. A lawyer can assess your situation, explain your eligibility for compensation and guide you through the ICWA process, improving your chances of receiving the full benefits and entitlements you deserve under WA law.
Which age group has the fewest car accidents in WA?
According to ICWA age data for Western Australia, drivers aged 50 to 59 cause the lowest number of motor vehicle accidents. The highest share of crashes comes from drivers aged 17 to 24, followed by the 30 to 39 bracket. Experience appears to reduce crash risk on WA roads considerably.
What injuries can I claim compensation for after a WA car accident?
Withstand Lawyers assists Western Australians with a range of injuries, from whiplash after a motor vehicle accident through to total and permanent disability (TPD) claims. If another driver was at fault, ICWA may cover treatment, rehabilitation and lost income. We assess your eligibility and work to maximise your entitlement on a free claim check.
How much does a car accident lawyer cost in WA?
Withstand Lawyers acts for injured Western Australians on a no win, no fee basis, meaning you pay no upfront costs to start your claim. We offer a free claim check so you can understand your options before committing. Having a senior lawyer on your side can significantly improve the compensation you recover under WA law.
About the author
Issa Rabaya · Principal Lawyer and Director
✓ Admitted to the Supreme Court of NSW and High Court of Australia ✓ LLB ✓ IRO-approved ✓ Law Society of NSW
Acts for injured people in CTP, workers compensation, TPD and public liability claims.
Why Choose Withstand Lawyers for Your WA Car Accident Claim?
When you have been seriously injured in a Western Australian car accident, you want a legal team that treats your claim as if it were their own. Withstand Lawyers has decades of combined experience helping injured Australians navigate ICWA and motor injury claims, and we lead on the most serious injuries, from whiplash to total and permanent disability. Our team explains your entitlements in plain language, handles the paperwork, and fights to maximise what you recover. We know how stressful recovery can be, so we carry the legal load for you. Over $47 million recovered, 99% success rate, no win, no fee.
Call Withstand Lawyers on 1800 952 898 for your free claim check today.
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