Florida Car Accident Statistics 2024 – Traffic Fatalities

Every year, various government agencies and nongovernment organizations collect state car accident statistics and release reports of their findings. These reports show various trends, such as whether accident rates have risen or fallen from year to year and the most common causes of accidents. It’s vital for all drivers to understand Florida car accident statistics so they can recognize the greatest risks they face on the road.

Understanding Florida Car Accident Statistics

Merritt & Merritt Law Firm offers compassionate legal counsel to victims of all types of car accidents, and we encourage clients and prospective clients to read the latest accident reports from reliable sources so they understand the state of road travel in the state. However, simply knowing the risks you face on the road is not enough to prevent a crash. You should also know what to do when an accident occurs.

The state’s Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FHSMV) recently released preliminary crash data for 2023. This data shows the total number of crashes in the state, the number of crashes resulting in injuries and fatalities, and more precise details for each county. Data for 2024 is not yet fully available, but the most recent reports do indicate that drivers face several significant risks on the road.

Fatalities from motor vehicle accidents decreased only slightly from 2022, according to the latest preliminary data. In 2023, 3,411 fatalities were reported, while there were 3,553 fatalities reported in 2022. Alcohol impairment continues to be one of the most commonly cited causes of fatal accidents throughout the state year after year. Speeding is another commonly reported factor in many fatal accidents and accidents resulting in severe traumatic injuries.

Recovering From a Car Accident

The state enforces the no-fault system for resolving car accidents. This means each driver is required to have their own insurance policy, which they use if they experience an accident, regardless of who was at fault for the accident. However, under certain conditions, it is possible for an injured driver to have grounds for a personal injury claim against another driver who is liable for causing the accident.

If you have grounds to file a personal injury claim, you could potentially recover more compensation than your insurance policy would provide. However, navigating even a seemingly straightforward car accident case may be more challenging than you expect, and it will be vital to have legal counsel you trust on your side. An experienced attorney can help gather the evidence you may need to prove another driver is responsible for your recent accident.

You’re likely to have many pressing legal questions in the aftermath of your accident, so it is crucial that you connect with legal counsel. No matter how your accident happened and no matter how you intend to seek recovery, the right attorney can be invaluable to your recovery efforts. They can help file your insurance claim, resolve any disputes the insurance company raises against your claim, and ultimately help you maximize your total compensation.

FAQs

Q: What Are the Most Common Causes of Car Accidents?

A: The most common cause of car accidents in Florida is driver negligence, and this can take many forms. Some of the most commonly cited examples of driver negligence responsible for accidents throughout the state include speeding, moving violations, and distracted driving. It is also possible for illegal misconduct to cause a serious accident. Driving under the influence is the most common example of this and another leading cause of car crashes in the state each year.

Q: How Do I Prove Fault for a Car Accident?

A: You can prove fault for a car accident by leveraging various forms of physical and digital evidence along with witness testimony from those who saw the accident happen. While Florida uses the no-fault system and drivers’ insurance covers their own damages for most accidents, proving fault for an accident will be necessary if insurance won’t fully cover your damages and you must pursue a civil claim against another driver.

Q: What Is the Chance of Dying in a Car Accident?

A: It is impossible to discern a percentage chance of dying in a car accident in Florida because fatal accidents happen in so many different ways, often from unpredictable circumstances that even the most experienced drivers can’t anticipate. A few of the most commonly cited factors that contribute to the severity of an accident and increase the chance of fatal injury include the speed and location of the accident and the conditions of the vehicles involved in the crash.

Q: Why Should I Hire a Florida Car Accident Lawyer?

A: You should hire a Florida car accident lawyer after your recent accident because you are more likely to succeed with your recovery efforts with an attorney’s assistance. Your attorney can also shorten the time it takes for you to recover. Regardless of whether you anticipate recovering with auto insurance alone or you expect to file a personal injury suit, having legal counsel you trust will be essential if you want to reach optimal results in your recovery efforts.

Q: How Much Compensation Can I Claim for a Car Accident?

A: The amount of compensation you could claim for a car accident will largely depend on the scope and severity of the damages you sustained in the accident. Insurance may cover most or all your damages from a minor accident, but if you have grounds to pursue a personal injury claim, success with the claim could yield substantially more compensation. An experienced attorney can offer an estimate of your claim’s potential value.

The team at Merritt & Merritt Law Firm is ready to help you make sense of your legal situation after an accident. Knowing Florida car accident statistics can help you recognize the risks you face on the road, but it is still essential to know what to do after any type of accident happens unexpectedly. Contact Merritt & Merritt Law Firm today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Florida car accident lawyer who can assist you with your recovery.