When Was the First Car Accident? A Look Back at 1891

The first recorded car accident in the United States occurred in 1891 in Ohio, involving inventor and engineer James William Lambert. At the time, Lambert was operating one of the very first single-cylinder gasoline-powered vehicles, a prototype he had developed with his business partner, John Lambert. While driving through the town of Ohio City, the vehicle hit a tree root on the road, causing it to veer off and crash into a hitching post. Although both Lambert and his passenger sustained only minor injuries, the event marked a significant turning point—it was the first documented automobile accident on American soil.

What makes this accident notable isn’t just its novelty, but the fact that it symbolized the beginning of a completely new kind of public safety concern: the automobile crash. Up until then, transportation accidents mostly involved horses, carts, or trains. The concept of an internal combustion engine vehicle causing injury was brand new—and would soon become increasingly common. If you’ve been involved in a crash, speaking with an experienced Houston car accident lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and options for seeking compensation.

Early Automobile Incidents

Long before Lambert’s historic crash, there were other incidents involving steam-powered vehicles in the early 1800s. These machines, although innovative, were bulky, difficult to control, and operated at low speeds. Some even exploded due to poorly controlled boiler pressure. These incidents, however, were not widely classified as “car accidents” because the vehicles had limited practical use and were often operated off public roads.

With the introduction of gasoline-powered cars in the late 19th century, vehicle use became more practical and widespread. But without traffic laws, speed limits, or driver training, roads were chaotic. Accidents began happening more frequently, often with tragic results.

Documented Car Accidents in the U.S.

After Lambert’s 1891 accident, the first automobile fatality in the United States occurred in 1899, when Henry Hale Bliss, a 69-year-old real estate broker, was struck and killed in New York City. He was stepping off a streetcar when an electric-powered taxicab ran over him. Bliss suffered fatal injuries and died the next morning. This tragic event marked the first pedestrian death caused by an automobile in U.S. history.

It shocked the public and prompted discussions around urban transportation safety, particularly in bustling cities like New York where foot traffic, streetcars, bicycles, and horse-drawn carriages all competed for space.

The Story of Mary Ward

Even before either of these American accidents occurred, Mary Ward became the first recorded person in the world to be killed by an automobile in 1869 in Parsonstown, Ireland (now Birr, County Offaly). She was riding in a steam-powered vehicle built by her cousins—an experimental design—when the car jolted, throwing her under its heavy iron wheels. Mary Ward died instantly.

Although her death happened decades before the invention of the gasoline-powered automobile, her tragic accident is widely recognized as the first motor vehicle fatality in world history. Her story is a somber reminder of how technological progress can come at a cost, especially in the absence of safety standards and regulation.

Henry Bliss and the New York City Collision

The death of Henry Bliss on September 13, 1899, was a major event in American transportation history. As he was helping a female companion off a streetcar at West 74th Street and Central Park West, an electric-powered taxicab swerved too close and crushed him against the streetcar. He suffered a fractured skull and injuries to his chest.

The driver, Arthur Smith, was arrested and charged with manslaughter, although he was ultimately acquitted after it was determined the incident was unintentional. Bliss’s death served as a stark wake-up call to lawmakers and city planners, who now had to face the risks posed by a growing number of motor vehicles in public spaces.

Today, a plaque in New York City honors Bliss’s memory and marks the location of the tragic accident—the first known pedestrian death caused by an automobile in the U.S.

Early Automobile Regulations

As the number of vehicles increased in the early 20th century, so did accidents, prompting government officials to take action. The first formal attempt to regulate motor vehicles came in 1903, when New York City enacted its first traffic code, which included:

Speed limits of 8 mph in cities and 15 mph in rural areas
Requirements for drivers to yield the right-of-way
Mandated use of bells or horns to signal presence
Rules prohibiting reckless driving

By 1910, more states began requiring driver licenses, although there were often no tests involved. It wasn’t until 1913, when New Jersey introduced the first driver exam, that the concept of assessing driver competency took hold.

Traffic laws continued to evolve alongside the automobile industry, eventually leading to safety innovations like stop signs (1915), traffic signals (1914), and seat belts (1950s). These changes helped reduce the growing number of accidents, but they came only after many lives had been lost or injured.

A Look at the Numbers

To truly understand the impact of car accidents, it helps to look at the numbers:

In 1900, there were only around 8,000 cars in the U.S., and traffic deaths were rare.
By 1920, there were more than 8 million vehicles on American roads. That year alone saw over 15,000 fatalities due to car crashes.
Fast-forward to modern times, and the numbers are even more staggering. In 2023, the U.S. recorded over 40,901 traffic deaths, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Despite advances in vehicle safety technology—airbags, anti-lock brakes, lane assist, and crash-avoidance systems—car accidents remain a leading cause of injury and death in the U.S., especially for people under age 30.

The Lasting Impact of Car Crashes

The 1891 crash involving James Lambert may have resulted in only minor injuries, but it set the stage for over a century of auto-related tragedies, policy reforms, and safety innovation. Today, the legacy of that crash lives on through:

Public awareness campaigns like “Click It or Ticket”
Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) in modern vehicles
State and federal traffic regulations designed to protect drivers, passengers, and pedestrians alike

From Mary Ward in 1869 to the modern-day crash statistics, car accidents have shaped the way we build cities, create laws, and design vehicles. They also underscore the need for ongoing education, responsibility, and vigilance behind the wheel.

Injured in Your First (1st) Car Accident in Texas?

Whether it’s your first car accident or not, being involved in a crash in Texas can be overwhelming—both physically and emotionally. Dealing with medical bills, vehicle repairs, insurance adjusters, and legal paperwork can be confusing and stressful.

At Dhanani Law, we specialize in helping Texans navigate the aftermath of auto accidents. If you’ve suffered injuries in a car crash—minor or severe—you may be entitled to compensation for your pain, lost wages, and damages. Our team is here to advocate for your rights and ensure you receive the support and recovery you deserve.