Legal Concerns Drive Car Accident Searches

Americans Turn to Google for Legal Answers After Car Accidents — One in Five Top Searches Involves Attorneys or Settlements

When Americans search for advice about car accidents, they aren’t just looking for safety tips. A new study shows that legal concerns dominate many of the top Google searches, with questions about attorneys and settlements making up 20% of the 10 most common car accident-related queries.

The study, conducted by Bader Scott, analyzed more than 500 search terms and found that while immediate “what to do” questions top the list, searches about how long settlements take and whether hiring a lawyer is worthwhile reveal widespread uncertainty about the aftermath of collisions.

The Top Legal-Focused Searches

Among the top 10 most Googled car accident questions are:

• Car accident settlement how long does it take — 2,416 monthly searches

• Is it worth getting an attorney for a car accident — 2,256 monthly searches

These join broader queries like “What do after a car accident” (8,840) and “Car accident what do I do” (4,999) to form a clear hierarchy of concerns: first, immediate safety steps; second, legal and financial recovery.

Why the Legal Angle Matters

According to Seth Bader, spokesperson for Bader Scott, this isn’t surprising.

“Car accidents are often confusing and overwhelming. Insurance companies have their own interests, which may not align with victims’ needs. It’s no wonder so many people search for information about attorneys — they want to know whether legal help will make a difference, and in most cases, the answer is yes.”

Bader also emphasized that settlements can take time. “People are understandably anxious about how long it will take to receive compensation. The reality is that the timeline depends on the complexity of the case, the severity of injuries, and how willing insurers are to negotiate fairly.”

The Bigger Search Picture

The full ranking of top searches reveals that more than 30,000 people a month in the U.S. ask Google about car accidents. The most common queries are:

1. What do after a car accident (8,840)

2. Car accident what do I do (4,999)

3. How many people die in a car accident every year (4,723)

4. What to do after a car accident not your fault (3,745)

5. What do when you get in a car accident (3,416)

6. Car accident settlement how long does it take (2,416)

7. Is it worth getting an attorney for a car accident (2,256)

8. When was the first car accident (2,227)

9. How long does a car accident stay on your record (1,707)

10. Chance of getting in a car accident (1,578)

While questions about safety dominate the top five, the presence of multiple legal-related queries in the top 10 underscores just how central legal representation is to the recovery process.

Lesser-Known Searches Highlight Gaps

Beyond the major categories, smaller-volume searches reflect overlooked challenges, like how to cope with the trauma of driving again (23 monthly searches) or dealing with international accidents and claim procedures. These searches may not appear in high numbers, but they highlight areas where resources are lacking.

Conclusion

This analysis makes one point clear: when it comes to car accidents, Americans are just as concerned with the courtroom as the crash site. The prevalence of attorney-related searches reflects the complexity of navigating insurance claims and personal injury cases — and the importance of legal support when the stakes are high.

Methodology: Data collected via Google Keyword Planner, based on average monthly searches in the U.S. over 12 months, across 500+ accident-related terms.