Florida Car Accident Statistics

While Florida is a beautiful state, its reputation for car accidents is far from pretty. Surveys show that Florida consistently ranks as one of the worst states for traffic crashes. One study based on data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) ranked three Florida cities among the top 15 worst for car crashes — Daytona Beach, Ocala, and Fort Lauderdale. A separate study examining contributing factors in fatal car accidents found Tampa as the 10th worst city for drivers in the nation.

A key step in crash prevention is understanding how accidents happen and what you can do if you are involved in one. The car accident attorneys at Zervos & Calta, PLLC have compiled the following information for you.

How Many Car Accidents Happen Each Year in Florida?

Florida car accident statistics show that around 400,000 motor vehicle accidents occur statewide each year. Over 3,300 people died and 252,000 sustained injuries from car accidents in a single recent year. The high rate of collisions in Florida is often due to various factors, including heavy traffic, distracted driving, speeding, diverse driving behaviors, and seasonal tourists.

Do Car Accidents Happen More Often in Florida Than in Other States?

When comparing car accident rates across the United States, Florida ranks among the top states with a high number of collisions. Additional NHTSA data shows that Florida consistently appears in the top five states for car wrecks, with preliminary data for the first half of a recent year showing the Sunshine State ranked 8th for the highest number of traffic fatalities.

Where Do Car Accidents Happen the Most in Florida?

Certain areas in Florida are notorious for higher accident rates. Due to their dense populations and heavy traffic, major cities like Miami, Orlando, and Tampa report the most incidents. Highways such as Interstate 95, US Highway 1, Interstate 75, and Interstate 4 are also frequent sites of collisions.

In addition to urban areas, intersections are common hotspots for accidents. Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) reports that many car crashes occur at intersections when drivers become confused while driving on roadways with multiple lanes and traffic signals.

How Many Car Accidents Result in Death?

According to FLHSMV, a total of 3,405 people lost their lives as a result of 3,185 motor vehicle accidents in Florida in one recent year. Counties with the highest number of fatal collisions include:

• Glades County
• Dixie County
• Calhoun County
• Putnam County
• Franklin County
• Gilchrist County
• Hendry County
• Levy County
• DeSoto County
• Bradford County

How Many Collisions Cause Injuries?

In addition to fatalities, many car accidents result in injuries. The annual average for injury accidents in Florida is around 250,000. These injuries may range from minor cuts and bruises to severe and life-altering conditions.

What Is the Leading Cause of Car Accidents in Florida?

Distracted driving is the leading cause of car accidents in Florida. Activities such as texting, eating, and using in-car technologies are Florida’s most common cause of accidents. When drivers are not paying attention to the road, they may not see pedestrians, motorcycles, other vehicles, or objects nearby.

Other common causes of auto accidents include:

• Speeding – Driving too fast for the conditions of the road or exceeding the roadway’s speed limit can result in the loss of control.
• Driving under the influence – Operating a vehicle while impaired by substances can affect judgment and reaction time.
• Running red lights – Ignoring traffic signals and proceeding through intersections without stopping can lead to T-bone accidents.
• Failure to yield – Not giving other drivers, pedestrians, or cyclists the right of way can have catastrophic consequences.

What Are the Most Dangerous Months for Car Crashes in Florida?

Certain months see higher rates of car accidents in Florida. Data indicates that the summer months, particularly June, July, and August, have the highest accident rates. This increase may be due to our state having more drivers on the road during vacation season and frequent rainstorms that make driving conditions hazardous.

The holiday season, including December, is another dangerous period for car crashes. Increased travel and festivities often lead to more accidents, emphasizing the need for extra caution during these times.

How Many Hit and Runs Occur in Florida?

Hit-and-run accidents are alarmingly common in Florida. Each year, over 100,000 hit-and-run accidents take place. Over the past five years, the annual average rose to 103,868. These incidents occur when one or more drivers flee the crash scene without providing insurance or contact information or assisting the injured. In addition to injuries from hit-and-run accidents statewide, a total of 277 fatalities from hit-and-run accidents in a recent year.

What Should I Do After a Florida Car Crash?

After a car accident in Florida, it is essential to prioritize your health first. Call 911 and request a police officer and medical personnel to respond to the accident scene. A police officer can create a report of the accident, which you will need to submit to your insurance company if you file a personal injury claim later.

If you don’t need emergency care, get the names and insurance information of any drivers involved in the crash. Take photos of the accident scene and contact information for any witnesses. Be sure to capture any factors that may have caused the accident. This can help you establish fault if you need to file a car accident claim against the other driver.

Even if you didn’t need medical treatment at the scene, you should still see a doctor. You may not feel seriously hurt, but a thorough medical evaluation is critical to determine if you suffered internal injuries that are not immediately apparent. Make sure to tell your doctor that you were involved in a car accident.

Keep all records related to the wreck. Doctor’s notes, prescription lists, test results, and other medical reports can demonstrate the extent of your injuries and link them to the crash.

Contact a Florida Car Accident Lawyer

Florida has complex laws for recovering compensation after a car accident. At Zervos & Calta, PLLC, we can review your case and discuss your options in a free consultation. Call or contact us today for a free consultation.

Visit Our Florida Car Accident Law Offices

About the Author

Lauren Calta
Attorney Lauren Calta is a partner in the Tampa Bay law firm Zervos & Calta, PLLC. For 25 years, Lauren Calta has focused her legal practice on representing people who have been harmed in personal injury, car accidents or lost loved ones due to the negligence of others. A distinguished personal injury trial attorney, she has secured millions of dollars for her clients and is a lifetime member of the Million Dollar and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum in recognition of having obtained a settlement or verdict in excess of $2 million. She also is an official member of Lawyers of Distinction, Tampa Bay Trial Lawyers, Clearwater Bar Association and Florida Justice Association.