Florida Car Accident Statistics [Updated 2024]

Car accidents happen in many ways and are a leading cause of accidental injuries and deaths each year. Various government agencies and nongovernment organizations collect vehicle accident data to collate reports that show important trends all drivers should understand. Knowing the risks you face on the road may help you avoid causing an accident, and a Florida car accident attorney can help you recover if another driver has injured you in a crash.

Important State Car Accident Statistics

The car accident rate in the state rose sharply between 2018 and 2021 before gradually declining from more than 396,000 crashes in 2022 to more than 368,000 crashes in 2023. Two of the counties that saw the greatest increase in traffic accident deaths in recent years were Duval County and St. John’s County. Some of the most commonly cited danger spots in these counties included I-95, I-295, and County Road 210.

In 2023, more than 16% of all the accidents reported in the state occurred within Miami-Dade County. Fatal accidents in Miami-Dade County spiked in 2021 and then decreased slightly in 2022, but 2023 saw a sharp increase in the number of fatal accidents reported in the county. The fatal accident statistics available report deaths among vehicle occupants as well as pedestrians. Statewide, pedestrian fatality rates across the state have steadily risen since 2020.

Florida ranked third nationwide for statewide vehicle accident fatalities in 2023. Over the past few years, there has been a substantial increase in interstate immigration to the state, and many policymakers and law enforcement officials have cited the influx of out-of-state drivers as a major contributing factor to the number of accidents reported.

Car accidents can easily cause catastrophic injuries such as severely broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and more. When these incidents happen, victims need to know their rights when it comes to collecting compensation for their damages. While insurance is typically the first avenue of recovery for most victims, they may also have grounds for legal recourse against the specific drivers responsible for causing their accidents.

Most Common Causes of Car Accidents

The Florida Highway Patrol, the Department of Motor Vehicles, and the State Department of Transportation all collect accident data to inform policy and to provide the public with understandable reports concerning vehicle accident trends in the state. Heading into 2024, it’s vital for all drivers to know the most common causes of vehicle accidents so they can reduce their risk of causing accidents.

Most of the vehicle crashes reported throughout the state each year happen because of negligence behind the wheel. When a driver does not uphold their duty of care to operate their vehicle responsibly and attentively, they put themselves and others at risk. Distracted driving, moving violations, and speeding are the most common ways for negligence to cause devastating collisions.

It is also possible for illegal misconduct to cause a serious accident, and an at-fault driver faces criminal prosecution for such an incident. Driving under the influence (DUI) is the most common example of this and a leading cause of serious accidents in the state each year. If you or a loved one was injured in a DUI accident, a Florida car accident attorney can help ensure accountability and compensation for your damages.

FAQs

Q: Is Florida a No-Fault State for Car Accidents?

A: Yes, it uses a no-fault system to resolve vehicle accident cases, meaning a driver must use their own insurance to cover their damages after an accident regardless of fault. However, it does not mean you do not have the ability to pursue compensation from another party responsible for causing your accident. Under certain conditions, you have the right to seek compensation from the responsible driver.

Q: How Much Is a Car Accident Claim Worth?

A: Every driver must have insurance that includes personal injury protection, but if their damages exceed the scope of their coverage and another driver is to blame for the accident, the victim can pursue compensation for their outstanding losses with a personal injury claim. The total value of your claim hinges on the extent and severity of your losses, and a Florida car accident attorney can assist you with maximizing your recovery.

Q: How Do I Prove Fault in a Car Accident Case?

A: If you believe another driver is directly responsible for causing your recent accident, you have the right to seek accountability with a personal injury suit. Success with the claim could require multiple types of evidence, such as physical evidence from the scene of the crash, eyewitness statements, and traffic camera footage. A Florida car accident attorney can assist you with gathering this evidence to support your claim.

Q: What Happens if a Car Accident Is Fatal?

A: If a car accident inflicts fatal injuries, the victim’s surviving family would likely have grounds to file a wrongful death claim against whoever caused the accident. Insurance may provide some compensation for the economic damages resulting from the crash, but a wrongful death suit can ensure a more robust recovery for the family. The at-fault driver may face criminal charges if they caused the fatal accident through any illegal action.

Q: Why Do I Need a Car Accident Attorney?

A: You are not legally required to hire an attorney for a car accident case, but you will be much more likely to succeed with your impending claim when you have experienced legal representation on your side. Your Florida car accident attorney can help navigate the insurance claim filing process and then build a personal injury suit for you if necessary. You’re more likely to win your case and maximize your compensation with their help.

The Santini Law Firm can provide the compassionate legal counsel you need when you need it most after a car accident. Our firm has assisted many clients with a wide variety of vehicle accident cases, and we are ready to put this experience to work for you. Contact us today and schedule your free consultation with a Florida car accident attorney you can trust with your recovery.