2023 Florida Car Accident Statistics
Florida has long been known as a hotbed for accidents. That includes car accidents, motorcycle collisions, truck accidents, and more. But, are you curious about the statictics behind the reputation? In this guide, we’ll explore preliminary data on Florida’s car accident statistics for the first half of 2023. Get started now.
Most Common Types of Traffic Crashes in Florida
Here is a breakdown of the data for the entire state of Florida from January 1, 2023, to July 6, 2023 :
| Types of Traffic Accidents | Total Numbers |
|---|---|
| All Crashes | 196,355 |
| Fatalities From All Crashes | 1,688 |
| Injuries from All Crashes | 125,530 |
| Total Fatal Crashes | 1,577 |
| Total Injury Crashes | 81,596 |
| Total Bicycle Crashes | 4,097 |
| Total Bicycle Fatalities | 109 |
| Total Motorcycle Crashes | 4,938 |
| Total Motorcycle Fatalities | 290 |
| Total Pedestrian Fatalities | 367 |
| Total Hit and Run Crashes | 52,567 |
| Total Hit and Run Fatalities | 132 |
| Total Hit and Run Injuries | 11,420 |
Preliminary crash data provided by the Florida Highway Safety And Motor Vehicles Department (FLHSMV).
Some insights to be drawn from this data are indeed troubling. Despite ongoing efforts from law enforcement agencies and safety advocates to improve road safety for drivers and pedestrians, Florida still sees a significant number of accidents on its roads.
Most alarmingly, there are over 50,000 hit-and-run crashes, leading to hundreds of fatalities and thousands of injuries. The total fatalities from all types of crashes are also alarming, indicating that the risks associated with motor vehicles in Florida are high.
Trivia: How many car accidents per day are there in Florida? Estimates suggest there are more than 1,050 car crashes every day.
Hillsborough County Crash Statistics
Now, let’s zoom into Hillsborough County, from January 1, 2023, to July 6, 2023:
| Types of Traffic Accidents | Total Numbers |
|---|---|
| All Crashes | 14,130 |
| Fatalities from All Crashes | 95 |
| Injuries from All Crashes | 9,698 |
| Total Fatal Crashes | 91 |
| Total Injury Crashes | 6,210 |
| Total Bicycle Crashes | 295 |
| Total Bicycle Fatalities | 5 |
| Total Motorcycle Crashes | 309 |
| Total Motorcycle Fatalities | 14 |
| Total Pedestrian Crashes | 353 |
| Total Pedestrian Fatalities | 33 |
| Total Hit and Run Crashes | 3,669 |
| Total Hit and Run Fatalities | 11 |
| Total Hit and Run Injuries | 939 |
Preliminary crash data provided by the Florida Department of Highway Safety And Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV).
Given these numbers, it’s clear why traffic safety is a significant concern in Hillsborough County. The county’s rate of fatal accidents is lower than the state average, but injuries from crashes remain high.
In case you’re interested in crash statistics from other counties (i.e., Palm Beach County, Broward County, Miami Dade County, Pinellas County, Duval County, Orange County, etc.), you can check the FLHSMV Report for the most updated information about accidents in Florida.
What’s The Most Common Location For Accidents in Hillsborough County?
The Vision Zero Action Plan has identified the 20 most hazardous stretches of roadway in Hillsborough County where a high volume of car accidents occur. Let’s take a quick look at the top five roads where most traffic fatalities and car accidents occur:
- Brandon Boulevard, from Falkenburg Road to Dover Road
- Gibsonton Drive, Boyette Road, Interstate 75 to Balm Riverview Road
- Hillsborough Avenue, Longboat Boulevard to Florida Avenue
- Fletcher Avenue, Armenia Avenue to 50th Street
- Dale Mabry Highway, Hillsborough Avenue to Bearss Avenue
These roads are a big focus for road-safety improvements because they have been highlighted as places where most car accidents occur. If you traveling roads known for car crashes, it’s in your best interest to be vigilant and practice save driving techniques.
Does Florida Have More Car Accidents Than Other States?
Are there more car accidents in Florida compared to other states? Well, the numbers are unsettling. While Florida does not lead the pack in fatal crashes or deaths, it remains one of the most dangerous states for drivers and passengers, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Much like other states, most traffic accidents are caused by:
- Speeding
- Distracted Driving
- Drunk Driving
- Reckless driving
- Careless driving
- Aggressive driving
That said, according to widely available crash data reports, Florida ranks third in the number of fatal crashes (3,098) and deaths (3,331 killed) following California and Texas. While not the most dangerous state, Florida residents still face a higher risk of being involved in fatal car accidents than many accident victims around the country.
How to Avoid Car Crashes in Florida
There’s no ‘silver bullet’ that can guarantee that you’ll never become a part of the Florida car accident statistics. However, there are steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of an accident and major injuries sustained. They include but aren’t limited to the following:
- Follow The Rules: Obeying speed limits and traffic signs reduces accident chances.
- Keep Your Distance: Maintain a three-second gap from the car in front to allow reaction time.
- Staw Away Distractions: Activities like texting or eating can lead to accidents. Keep your focus solely on the road.
- Drive Defensively: Anticipate potential dangers and adjust your driving accordingly.
- Think About Weather and Road Conditions: Drive carefully during poor weather conditions and on risky roads.
- Keep Your Vehicle In Shape: Regular check-ups of tire pressure, brakes, and lights can prevent accidents caused by vehicle malfunction.
- Don’t Drive Under Influence: Impaired driving significantly increases accident risk. Plan for alternatives if you consume alcohol or drugs.
- Extra Caution on High-Risk Roads: Exercise added care on roads notorious for accidents.
Even if you follow all of the tips above, there’s still a chance of being involved in a car accident and having significant injuries sustained. Continue reading to learn what you should do immediately after a car accident to protect your health and finances.
What To Do If You’ve Been Injured in a Car Accident in Florida
Experiencing a car accident can be daunting, and it’s even more unsettling when you suffer injuries. In such situations, knowing how to respond appropriately is crucial.
- Immediate Medical Attention: Health is you top pritorty – Whether injuries are apparent or not, seek immediate medical assistance. Some injuries like concussions or internal bleeding, may not show immediate symptoms but can be life-threatening. Further, the earlier you seek medical attention, the better your documentation when seeking a fair settlement.
- Document the Incident: Accurately recording the incident can greatly assist any future legal or insurance proceedings. If able, take pictures of the scene, noting the condition of the vehicles involved, any visible injuries, and the overall context of the accident. Gather the contact and insurance information of the other involved parties and any witnesses.
- Contact Law Enforcement: It’s crucial to involve the police, especially when injuries are sustained. They will create an official accident report that can be a major help when dealing with insurers or the courts.
- Reach Out to Your Insurance Company: Notify your insurance provider about the accident at your earliest convenience. Be honest and provide all the details required, keeping the conversation focused on the fact – That means, don’t admit fault or negligence. Let your lawyer figure that out.
- Consult a Car Accident Lawyer: If you’ve been injured, it’s recommended that you seek help from an attorney as soon as possible. An experienced car accident attorney can guide you through the process and help ensure you’re get fair compensation for your injuries, medical costs, property damage, etc.
Remember, how you respond in the aftermath of a car accident can significantly impact your recovery process, both physically and financially – That’s true for both personal injury and wrongful death claims.
Contact a Florida Car Accident Lawyer For Your Free Consultation
Understanding Florida’s accident laws and negotiating with insuarance companies can be a complicated undertaking – Especially when you’re recovering from a significant injury.
At Ziegler Diamond Law, our Florida car accident lawyers are here to walk you through the personal injury process step-by-step to ensure your right are protected and help you seek compensation that matches your current and future losses.
If you’ve been injured in an accident due to someone else’s negligence, don’t wait until it’s too late to file a claim. Contact us today for your free consulation with a proven personal injury attorney in Florida.
