Young Age Group in Florida Causes the Highest Rate of Car Accidents
In general, younger drivers tend to cause more collisions than older, more experienced drivers when considering the miles they drive. However, neither seniors nor teens cause the most collisions on Florida’s roads. Based on the statistics recorded by Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), that would be drivers between the ages of 21 to 39.
There are a lot of assumptions people have about who causes crashes, and statistics show that not all are true. As South Florida car accident lawyers, though, we do not see statistics. We see individuals who need help understanding their financial recovery options.
Young Adults Cause More Crashes Than Teens or Seniors
The statistics in Florida show us that drivers between the ages of 21 and 39 cause more collisions than seniors or teens. In fact, the top four age groups for traffic accidents in 2020 all fell within these parameters. There is a likely cause for this, though. These people simply drive more.
According to FLHSMV Traffic Crash Facts 2020, the age groups involved in the largest number of collisions in 2020 included:
- Drivers ages 21-24 were in 53,653 crashes with 191 fatalities.
- Drivers ages 25-29 were in 63,385 crashes with 213 fatalities.
- Drivers ages 30-34 were in 57,488 crashes with 214 fatalities.
- Drivers ages 35-39 were in 49,570 crashes with 165 fatalities.
Florida does not track the number of collisions per mile driven for each age group. However, experts assume that the more time someone spends on the road, the more likely they are to be in an accident.
Teen Driving Is Still a Concern in Florida
While teens do not cause as many accidents as their parents or grandparents, there are still reasons to be extra cautious with your teen or other teen drivers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that teens are at an increased risk of causing collisions because:
- They do not have fully formed frontal lobes.
- Teen drivers are more likely to engage in distracted driving.
- Many teens do not have appropriate defensive driving skills.
While older drivers may cause more accidents, the risk is much greater for teens per mile driven. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), there are almost three times as many fatal accidents involving teens per mile driven nationwide than older drivers.
Florida Has Its Fair Share of Elderly Drivers
Data from FLHSMV notes that while seniors are less likely to cause car accidents, they should still exercise caution on the road. Cognitive impairments, hearing problems, and vision issues can impede a senior’s ability to drive safely.
Florida has one of the highest numbers of traffic accidents involving seniors in the entire country. Still, people between 21 to 39 years old are still more likely to cause collisions.
What Causes South Florida Traffic Collisions?
Most traffic accidents occur because of negligence. When a motorist partakes in behavior not expected of a reasonable person in the same situation, they’re considered negligent. Some examples of negligence include:
- Speeding
- Distracted Driving
- Drunk or Drugged Driving
- Ignoring traffic Signals or Signs
- Failure to Yield
- Going the Wrong Way on a One-way Street
- Not clearing an adjacent lane before moving over
- Not maintaining a safe following distance
Under Florida car accident law, most people first turn to their own personal injury protection (PIP) coverage for compensation. However, some situations support pursuing fault-based money damages. An attorney can determine your financial recovery options after suffering a collision.
What Should I Do If I Am Hurt in a South Florida Crash?
If you suffer injuries in a collision, your first option is to submit your medical bills and other documentation to your PIP insurer. You have 14 days after an accident to get medical care under Florida Statutes § 627.736. However, you should act much faster to get a proper diagnosis and begin treatment.
You should also consider speaking with a Fort Lauderdale car accident attorney. They can evaluate your legal options based on the severity of your injuries, the cause of the crash, and the insurance coverage available. If another driver caused your accident, Florida law may allow you to seek compensation from them or their insurer if you meet certain qualifications.
However, there is a deadline for suing the at-fault driver under Florida Statutes § 95.11. Missing this deadline could forfeit your right to damages, and it can also complicate dealings with the insurer.
Connect With Our Lawyers for a Free Case Review
At the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato, our team wants to ensure you understand your legal options based on the facts of your case. We provide complimentary consultations for car accident claimants. Call (954) 633-8270 to learn more or get started today.
