Florida Car Accident Statistics [2024 Updated] – Traffic Crash Facts

Every year, many government agencies and nongovernment organizations collect and analyze Florida car accident statistics, releasing reports to the public showing their findings. While only preliminary data for 2024 is currently available, looking at recent trends can help drivers understand the risks they face on the road. It’s vital to review available car accident statistics and to know what to do after an accident occurs.

Important Florida Car Accident Statistics

Spohrer Dodd Trial Attorneys has years of experience representing victims of car accidents. We believe it’s important for all drivers to review available crash data so they are aware of recent trends and what risks they face on the road. However, it is also vital for all drivers to understand that simply knowing and understanding these statistics cannot prevent an accident. They also need to know what to do when an unexpected accident occurs.

State Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FHSMV) has a preliminary report for 2024 showing important Florida car accident statistics all drivers should review. The report for 2023 has yet to be certified, and reports from earlier years are also available from FHSMV so drivers can review accident trends over longer periods of time. It is also possible to browse reports at the county level to find information specific to your area.

Early traffic accident reports show that there have already been more than 100,000 vehicle collisions reported throughout the state during the first four months of 2024. So far this year, vehicle accidents have caused more than 66,000 injuries and more than 830 deaths. For comparison, 2023 reports showed more than 394,000 total crashes, resulting in more than 251,000 injuries and more than 3,400 deaths.

Recovering From Car Accidents

If you have been injured in an accident that another driver caused, it is natural to wonder whether you can hold them accountable for your damages. In most cases, the answer is no because Florida is one of the states that enforces a no-fault rule for car accidents. This means you will need to use your own auto insurance policy to cover your losses regardless of fault for the accident. However, you could have grounds for legal recourse under certain conditions.

When your insurance cannot fully cover all the damages you suffered in an accident and/or you suffered a catastrophic injury resulting in permanent harm, you may have grounds for a civil claim if you believe that another driver is directly responsible for causing the accident. An experienced attorney can be an invaluable asset in this situation as they can handle your legal affairs so you can focus on your recovery with confidence and peace of mind.

State car accident statistics are valuable references for all drivers, and various government agencies support programs and initiatives designed to reduce the number and severity of accidents in the state each year. If you experience an accident in the state and are unsure how to recover, it’s important that you reach out to an attorney who can provide the guidance you need in this difficult situation.

FAQs

Q: What Is the Leading Cause of Traffic Collisions?

A: The leading cause of traffic collisions in Florida is driver negligence, which can manifest in different ways. Whenever a driver fails to operate their vehicle responsibly or breaches their duty of care, they can easily cause a serious accident. Distracted driving, speeding, and traffic violations are just a few examples of driver negligence. Accidents also commonly occur because of intoxicated driving, which can lead to criminal charges for the at-fault driver.

Q: Is Florida a Fault State for Car Accidents?

A: No, it is not a fault state for car accidents. The no-fault rule applies, meaning drivers are required to have auto insurance that will cover their damages when accidents happen regardless of fault. It will not be necessary for a driver to prove fault for their recent car accident unless they cannot recover all their damages through insurance alone. If you intend to pursue a personal injury claim for an accident, you will need to prove fault to succeed with the claim.

Q: How Can I Avoid Accidents?

A: You may not be able to entirely avoid accidents in the state because you cannot always predict how other drivers might behave. You can, however, limit your own risk of causing an accident by maintaining your vehicle, driving defensively, and refraining from risky maneuvers behind the wheel. While the no-fault rule applies to accidents in the state, you could face a civil suit if you cause an accident and the other driver cannot fully recover their losses with insurance.

Q: What Happens if More Than One Driver Is at Fault for an Accident?

A: If more than one driver is at fault for an accident in Florida, each driver will have the right to file a claim against their own respective insurance policies to seek compensation for their losses. However, if a driver cannot fully recover through insurance, they may file a personal injury suit against the other driver. The modified comparative fault rule will apply, and each party will have a fault percentage assigned to them, indicating their respective levels of liability for the damages.

Q: Do I Have to Hire a Lawyer for a Car Accident Claim?

A: You do not have to hire a lawyer for a car accident claim in Florida, but doing so can make your recovery process much easier to manage. Your attorney can help you file an auto insurance claim and resolve any issues you encounter with an insurance company’s handling of the claim. If you intend to pursue a personal injury claim against another driver, you are more likely to succeed with this case when you have legal counsel on your side.

Spohrer Dodd Trial Attorneys has years of experience helping clients recover from all types of car accidents. We know the challenges you could encounter in your efforts to recover and the questions you might have about the compensation you could claim if you have grounds for a civil suit. State car accident statistics may show you the risks you face on the road, but you need to know what to do after an accident. Contact us today to learn how we can help you recover.