Florida Accident Stats 2019

Florida Car Accident Statistics

While some car accidents are simple to rear-end collisions or fender benders, bad car accidents can result in injuries or even fatalities. Like other states, law enforcement agencies in Florida submit accident reports, and our personal injury lawyer can compile Florida car accident statistics using these reports.

Statewide Car Accident Statistics Show Decreasing Injuries, Fatalities

Florida motor vehicle accidents decreased in 2018 over 2017, but only by a little more than one percent. Statewide, agencies reported there were 397,812 total accidents reported in 2018. This includes 251,970 injuries and 3,004 fatalities. This is an improvement over the previous year. According to records, there were 402,489 total traffic accidents reported in 2017. More than 254,300 people suffered injuries, and there were 3,114 deaths on Florida roads in 2017.

While this is a downward trend, there is still a significant increase in the number of traffic accidents, injuries, and deaths over just a few years ago. However, more people are on the roads and traveling to the Sunshine State. For more information contact a car accident lawyer florida.

A Closer Look at Florida Traffic Accidents Fatalities

Not all traffic accidents involve only passenger vehicles. Luckily, the number of truck and commercial vehicle accidents and the number of car versus pedestrian, and car versus bicycle accidents also decreased in 2018. Unfortunately, though, there were more fatalities of pedestrians and cyclists in 2018 than the previous year.

Florida Accident Statistics: How Many People Die in Car Accidents Each Year

Out of the millions of motor vehicle accidents in America each year, collecting data of each is a troublesome task. Taking this huge task in hand, researchers have released the information about car accidents in Florida dated 2018 or sooner. Here’s what they found 

• There were 3,133 traffic fatalities in 2,915 crashes.
• Florida has one of the highest traffic death rates per 100,000 residents at 14.7.
• 18% of motor vehicle deaths were suffered by motorcycle riders.
• 22% of traffic fatalities were suffered by pedestrians.
• 52% of fatal crashes involved a single vehicle.
• Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) testing was ordered for more than 1,160 fatal traffic collisions due to suspected drunk driving incidents.
• At least 703 traffic deaths were suffered by people who were not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the collision.
• Around 60% of all fatal traffic accidents occurred in urban settings and streets.

If we talk about the year 2019, the full data might take a while to be generated. However, the Florida Department of Health has accounted for 3,273 deaths in traffic collisions in the year 2019. The numbers are 5% larger than in 2018 which is not a good sign for the state of Florida. 

County-by-County Statistics

While many car accidents in West Palm Beach, Florida are simple fender benders, many others involve injuries and even fatalities. By understanding the Florida car accident statistics for bad car accident deaths, it may be possible to prevent future accidents. Here is a breakdown of the 2018 statistics by county in our service area:

Miami-Dade County

Miami-Dade County is the largest county in Florida. The U.S. Census Bureau estimated the population to be 2.752 million as of 2017. Law enforcement agencies in Miami-Dade County reported the following traffic accidents for 2018:

• Total Crashes: 63,034
• Injury Crashes: 20,704
• Total Individuals Injured: 30,562
• Total Traffic Fatalities: 299

Broward County Car Accident Reports

While Broward County is smaller than neighboring Miami-Dade County, with only 1.936 million residents, Broward County is more densely populated. With almost 1,445 people per square mile, people live closer together and must cross paths more in Broward County. The 2018 traffic accident statistics for Broward County, Florida, include:

• Total Crashes: 40,560
• Injury Crashes: 16,482
• Total Individuals Injured: 24,329
• Total Traffic Fatalities: 202

Palm Beach County

The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that Palm Beach County had 1.471 million residents as of 2017. Expressways I-95 and Florida’s Turnpike cut through the county, in addition to U.S. 1 and SR A1A. These major roads bring a lot of traffic into the county from other areas of the state. The 2018 Florida car accident statistics for Palm Beach County include:

• Total Crashes: 26,521
• Injury Crashes: 10,502
• Total Individuals Injured: 15,725
• Total Traffic Fatalities: 166

Monroe County

Monroe County encompasses the southwest tip of the Florida mainland and the Florida Keys. It contains Key West, Key Largo, Marathon, and Islamorada. The main highway through Monroe County is U.S. 1, which runs the length of the Florida Keys.

Census Bureau estimates the county population to be 77,013 as of 2017. The 2018 Florida car accident statistics for Collier County, Florida, include:

• Total Crashes: 1,566
• Injury Crashes: 623
• Total Individuals Injured: 931
• Total Traffic Fatalities: 16

Car Accident Deaths Happen in Florida in 2019

According to data from the Florida Department of Health, there were 3,273 traffic deaths in Florida in 2019. This death toll is higher than the 3,224 car accident deaths in 2018. The root cause of these car accident deaths per year may vary, but it can largely be attributed to unsafe driving practices.

Common Causes for Florida Car Accidents

While there are countless car accident deaths per year simply caused by natural forces out of the motorists’ control, such as inclement weather, many others are the direct result of negligence. For example, in 2017, there were 374 confirmed fatalities on Florida roadways related to alcohol use, as reported by the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. There were also 1,946 injury crashes involving drivers under the influence of alcohol. When accounting for drug use among drivers, there were an additional 310 deaths.

Other Causes of Auto Accident Deaths Includes:

Unfortunately, driver intoxication only makes up a portion of these negligent driving practices. Other common causes for car accident deaths include:

• Speeding, sometimes causing rollover accidents or resulting in fatal rear-end collisions when drivers fail to slow down in time
• Becoming distracted behind the wheel, either by talking to passengers, tuning the radio station, texting, eating, or any number of other unsafe practices
• Failing to properly use turn signals
• Aggressive driving, including instances of road rage
• Reckless driving, such as making illegal passes or driving too fast during inclement weather
• Falling asleep at the wheel, or even driving while too tired to pay close attention to the road
• And more

The Consequences of Causing a Car Accident Death in Florida

The various repercussions that drivers faced after the traffic deaths in Florida in 2019 ranged from criminal charges—including charges of vehicular manslaughter and murder—to civil action by the victim’s family. In some cases, the accident will be deemed an unavoidable tragedy, in which case both parties will simply go on their way and try to rebuild. This decision will depend on the mitigating circumstances surrounding the accident.

Hire an Attorney To get Full Accident Compensation

For example, if a victim’s family hires a personal injury attorney, and the attorney can prove that the other driver’s negligence caused the accident, the family may be entitled to receive compensation for their pain and suffering. These damages can be awarded to the victim’s spouse, children, parents, and immediate family. For more help contact a Fort Lauderdale car accident Attorney.

Damages awarded in cases of wrongful death can include, but may not be limited to:

• Funeral costs
• A loss of support, companionship, and guidance
• The loss of income capacity held by the deceased
• In extreme cases, punitive damages may be awarded

Personal Injury Lawyers Fighting for Florida Victims and Their Families

When a victim is killed in a car accident at the hands of a negligent, reckless, or intoxicated driver, the personal injury attorney at the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato can be there to represent their family as they fight for their right to compensation. Even if a victim sustains non-fatal injuries, our firm is here to stand in their corner as they navigate the justice system.

Truck Accident Statistics & Information in Florida, USA

Injured in a hit and run? Statistics analyzed by the AAA Foundation found that the problem is more prominent than you may think. Uninsured motorist coverage in Florida may help cover your medical bills and other losses if you are injured by a driver who leaves the scene. For legal help, speak with an personal injury attorney in  Florida about your accident insurance claim.

Florida Pedestrian Accident Statistics

Although we usually look to accident insurance claims to protect drivers and passengers injured in an accident, what’s often not considered is the protection that pedestrians need. There is clearly a need.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 4,280 pedestrian fatalities in 2010, which made up 13 percent of all motor vehicle fatalities that year. In Florida, pedestrian fatalities made up 20 percent of the total traffic fatalities in the state in 2010.

Meanwhile, the AAA Foundation analysis mentioned earlier found that there was 1,557 hit and run fatalities in 2003. The analysis found that roughly 11 percent of accidents reported to the police involve a hit-and-run driver, and roughly 60 percent of hit-and-run fatalities are pedestrians.

Florida Accident Insurance Claims: Uninsured Motorist Coverage and You

Florida has a big problem with pedestrian danger. In its 2011 report, Transportation for America found that the 10 most dangerous metropolitan areas for pedestrians were (in ascending order):

• Orlando-Kissimmee;
• Tampa-St. Petersburg;
• Jacksonville; and
• Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano.

The good news for drivers and pedestrians who carry uninsured motorist coverage in Florida is that they may be covered in the event of a hit-and-run accident. Of course, there could still be other legal options available, which may discuss with an attorney.

Also Florida Ranks Top 10 for Train Accidents in The Country

According to the Miami Herald, Florida ranked sixth out of all states in terms of railroad crossing accidents. Florida is not necessarily a state known for reliance on train travel, especially outside of its tourist hotspots, and this ranking indicates that there are serious problems afoot.

If you or a loved one was involved in an accident that involved a train, inadequate safety protocols by train operators, and the company that hired those operators may be a cause. You could be eligible for compensation for any losses that you sustained in the wake of a train pedestrian accident. A train accident lawyer can discuss your case with you and help you explore your options.

The State of Train Accidents in Florida

There were 462 documented accidents between trains and pedestrians in Florida between 2014 and 2018, according to a study discussed in the Miami Herald. Brightline, a private passenger rail service that operates between Miami and West Palm Beach, is particularly dangerous. It has the worst death rate per-mile of any railroad in the country, according to NPR.

NPR also reports that more than 40 people have died crossing Brightline tracks or standing in proximity to a rail crossing in just its first two years of operation in Florida. Inadequate safety measures by train operators and their employers can lead to serious injury and death.

Possible Explanations for Train-Related Injuries and Deaths

Those who allege that train companies are at fault for the outsize number of train-related deaths in Florida point to several possible explanations, including:

• Some trains, such as the Brightline, travel at high speeds through densely populated regions, which is a recipe for pedestrian-train collisions.
• Trains that do run through high-population regions lack adequate safety measures, such as signage indicating danger and barriers between the tracks and civilian-heavy areas.
• There are too few alternatives to crossing tracks, such as civilian bridges, which lead some to take a risk in crossing the track.

The speed and weight of a train pose a tremendous danger to a person, as trains are very difficult to stop suddenly. If you have lost a loved one in a pedestrian accident with a train, you may have a case for awards with a train accident attorney.

A-Train Company May Be Responsible for Your Loved One’s Death

Companies that operate trains, especially those that run through dense civilian centers, have a responsibility to protect citizens from harm. Citizens also have a duty to act in a way that is not considered reckless. But, under FL § 768.81, even someone partially responsible for the injuries or death could collect compensation.

As previously mentioned, a train company may have been negligent with respect to your loved one’s accident by:

• Failing to install adequate barriers, namely fencing, between the train tracks and areas where civilians congregate.
• Not having obvious, abundant signage that indicates there are active railroad tracks ahead, especially in areas where somebody may be more likely to walk across the tracks.

These are just a couple of the ways that a train company may make themselves liable for your loved one’s accident.

Compensation You Get From an Accident With The Help of Experienced Lawyers

A Florida car accident lawyer will discuss your case with you at no cost and help you put together a case for compensation, which, if successful, could lead to you obtaining financial coverage for:

• Medical Costs
• Pain and Suffering
• Funeral Costs
• Lost Wages
• Punitive Damages

Call our team at the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato today at (954) 633-8270 for a free consultation.

Florida Accident Stats FAQs

How many accidents happen in a day in Florida?

Negligence among drivers has caused Florida to witness a large number of fatal car accidents, truck accidents, motorbike accidents, and bicycle accidents. According to a report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, around 30,000 people die every year due to fatal road accidents. If we talk about Florida, the state accounts for approximately 2,400 traffic-related deaths in recent years. This has turned Florida into the third-highest state in the country for fatal motor vehicle accidents.

According to a report by Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Department, the state accounts for around 200,000 car accidents per year with an average of 650 crashes per day (which is huge for any state). To overcome these numbers, every driver in the state should abide by traffic regulations to avoid personal injuries or damages caused by negligence. 

How many car accidents in Florida per year?

Car accidents are serious concerns in the United States of America. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, motor vehicle collisions are one of the prime reasons for death in the country. On average 30,000 people die each year due to car crashes. The numbers in Florida are no less. 

How many people died from cars in Florida?

Not every car accident leads to death. While some accidents can cause wear and tear, severe accidents can lead to fatal injuries, fatalities, or even death. The motor vehicle accidents in Florida have seen a declining trend in the year 2018 as opposed to the year 2017. However, the deaths and casualties caused by accidents were still as high as 397,812. Out of which 251,970 were reported injuries and 3,004 fatalities or deaths. 

Even if the trend saw a decrease in the year 2018, the number of road accidents, injuries, and deaths increased in the year 2019. The Florida Department of Health reported 3273 deaths due to car collisions in the state. 

What is the most common location for crashes?

Any outing down an interstate will have you passing a small car accident. Unfortunately, that is the situation in the United States of America of late. However, most car accidents do not usually happen on major highways. To tell you the facts, most of the accidents take place on smaller roads or close to the driver’s home. Here are the most common locations for accidents in Florida:

• Parking Lots

Yes, you read it right! Although not serious yet accidents in parking lots are common. With several cars in close quarters, lax rules and regulations, and constant movement of pedestrians, there’s no doubt why accidents in parking lots are common. 

• Stop Signs 

Stop signs are another common location for car accidents. Mostly, it is because a driver fails to stop in enough time, or rolls through the sign, or fails to stop entirely which results in an accident. 

• Rural Highways

Rural highways are not bustling with traffic but these are still prime locations for single-vehicle accidents. Often, even a lesser number of vehicles can cause the drivers to declare from the side of the road. Also, poor road maintenance in the area adds up to road accidents. 

• Two-lane  Roads

Two-lane roads are the most common sight of car accidents in Florida as they only offer a single lane to the drivers in each direction. Due to this, any driver coming into the oncoming lane can meet a head-on collision or a severe accident.

Talk Our Accident Attorney at The Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato

Every year, thousands of us become one of these statistics. We suffer injuries or lose a loved one in a car accident. If this happened to you, you do not have to go through this alone. The team from the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato is standing by to review your car accident case. Our Florida personal injury lawyer can help you take legal action.

Call us today at 954-633-8270 to get started.