You may hear about car accident statistics and know that they happen frequently, but you might not realize how they affect you close to home in South Florida. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), there are more than 59,000 crashes in Miami-Dade County and almost 38,800 in Broward County every year. This data places these counties in the top two spots for the total number of traffic collisions in Florida. Plus, another 24,000 car accidents take place in nearby Palm Beach County, ranking it in the Top 10 most dangerous counties in Florida for auto crashes.
Some additional statistics on traffic collisions may help you know how to avoid them, and information on the deadliest roads by number of fatalities is also helpful. You have rights if you were hurt, so get in touch with a Miami car accident lawyer to learn about your remedies. An overview of the dangers is also useful.
Statistics on Auto Crashes in Florida
Being the most populous county in Florida, it is not surprising that Miami-Dade County is the deadliest for traffic collisions. Every year, around 325 people are killed, and another 27,220 suffer injuries in car accidents. Broward County comes in second place with almost 280 fatalities and close to 22,000 injured victims. Combined, these two counties in Southern Florida account for almost 30 deaths due to drunk driving crashes annually. Other causes of auto collision in the region include:
- Speeding;
- Failure to yield the right of way;
- Distracted driving; and,
- Running red lights and stop signs.
Most Dangerous Roads in South Florida
The area is important for tourism, industry, shipping, logistics, and many other industries, so there are numerous roads that are heavily trafficked by all types of vehicles. As you might expect, I-95 is the deadliest road in South Florida because it ranks at the top across the US. With I-75 entering Miami from the west, there are also many fatalities associated with the interchanges. Fatal accidents are also common on several other roads in South Florida, including:
- Florida’s Turnpike;
- US-1 and A1A; and,
- US Highway 41.
How a Lawyer Helps with Legal Claims
You may be entitled to compensation after a car accident, and retaining legal counsel is essential for the process. You will first need to file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company, and an attorney can assist with paperwork and settlement negotiations. If the insurer will not agree to a reasonable amount, it is necessary to file a lawsuit in court. An auto crash lawyer will support you throughout the litigation process and trial.
Contact Our Miami Car Accidents Attorneys Right Away
An experienced auto crash lawyer is critical to getting the compensation you deserve by law, so please contact Gerson & Schwartz, PA, to learn how our team can help. To schedule a free consultation, please call (305) 371-6000 or visit us online. A Florida car accident lawyer can meet with you at our offices in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or West Palm Beach, FL.