Auto Accidents are Increasing in Miami
Miami auto accidents are not increasing. In fact, they decreased when comparing 2019 to 2021, according to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). However, fatal crashes have increased. This is a statewide trend.
Even with fewer accidents overall, it is a major concern when accident-related fatalities increase. The number of collisions fell, but many were much more serious when compared to the previous year’s collisions. There were likely more catastrophic injuries, as well.
A Look at the Statistics Shows a Significant Issue in Miami-Dade County
When comparing the FLHSMV’s statistics statewide and in Miami-Dade County, it is difficult not to notice the increase in deaths from car accidents. Consider the following information.
In 2019, Florida saw:
- 401,867 collisions
- 254,816 injuries
- 3,185 fatalities
Two years later, Florida experienced:
- 401,076 collisions
- 252,860 injuries
- 3,739 fatalities
The same trends occurred when looking only at the number of collisions, injuries, and fatalities in Miami-Dade County. Consider the following data:
- In 2019, in Miami-Dade County, there were 65,143 collisions, 31,698 injuries, and 298 fatalities.
- In 2021, Miami-Dade County experienced 62,514 crashes, 28,692 injuries, and 373 deaths.
COVID-19 Affected South Florida Auto Accident Rates
While 2020 is worth looking at, you can see the COVID-19 pandemic and the near-shutdown of daily commutes affected the car accident numbers as well. In 2020, Florida reported 341,399 total accidents. This included 212,432 injuries and 3,332 fatalities.
In Miami-Dade County in 2020, law enforcement handled 51,543 collisions. This included 24,228 injury accidents and 314 deaths. If you notice, even this number of fatalities was more than 2019’s totals, despite significantly less traffic and fewer overall crashes.
Are These Collision Numbers Unique to Florida and Miami-Dade County?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), this is a national issue. Looking at only the first nine months of 2021, the NHTSA said that car accident fatalities increased in 38 states, including Florida. Compared to the first nine months of 2020, the 2021 fatality totals were 12 percent higher. This is the largest increase in a single nine-month period since fatal crash data tracking began in the 1970s.
Experts believe the increase stems from drivers’ behaviors, not any other outside force. They worry the lengthy pandemic allowed motorists to develop new, dangerous habits behind the wheel. There is a wealth of evidence showing that drinking and drug use increased substantially between 2020 and 2021. Naturally, this would increase the number of drunk or drugged drivers behind the wheel.
At the same time, more drivers are exhibiting reckless behaviors on the road. This includes speeding, violating passing laws, and other dangerous, aggressive driving behaviors. Reports also show seat belt use is down, as accidents involving ejected passengers increased in 2020.
Pursuing Compensation for Miami Auto Accident Injuries
In Florida, all drivers must carry personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. This pays for basic costs related to a minor to moderate collision: portions of your medical bills and lost income. However, basic PIP coverage may not cover all losses related to serious collisions. This is why state law allows you to pursue fault-based claims under certain circumstances.
This may be possible in your case. Meeting with an personal injury lawyer Miami for a free case analysis will tell you more. Hurry, though. Florida Statutes § 95.11 sets a deadline for suing in these cases. A lawsuit may be necessary if the insurer or liable party will not accept responsibility and agree to a fair settlement during negotiations.
Work with a Miami Car Accident Lawyer on Your Case
Florida law allows you to pursue fault-based compensation if you suffer serious injuries in a Miami auto accident. We recommend hiring a Florida personal injury law firm that will devote the necessary time to explaining your rights and legal options. They can also provide the information you need to make informed legal decisions.
Working with a South Florida car accident lawyer lets you focus on healing from your injuries. Your car accident attorney Miami will handle your claim or lawsuit, and you can continue your treatment, rehabilitation, and physical recovery with no concerns.
Discuss Your Legal Options with Our Team for Free Today
At the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato, our attorneys provide free legal case consultations for crash victims in South Florida. We can evaluate your case and rights under Florida car accident law. We will discuss your options with you today for free. We can also discuss why Miami auto accidents are increasing. To learn more about the action you can take based on your Miami collision, call (954) 633-8270 now.
