If you drive on Florida roads, you may want to know how common accidents are. It will also be invaluable to learn what you should do if you are involved in a crash.
So, take a look at the following insightful information.
How common are car accidents in the state of Florida?
According to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, an average of 400,000 car accidents occur in Florida each year, with the exception of 2020, which saw a huge decline of cars on the road due to the lockdowns imposed because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Disregarding 2020, Florida has seen fatalities from road accidents steadily rise over recent years. In 2022, the figure was 3,434.
So, tragically, not only are car accidents common in the state of Florida. Deaths from those accidents are also high.
Which counties in Florida have the most car accidents?
The most recent report from Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles shows that in 2021, Miami-Dade had the most car accidents by far. There were 62,536 accidents in the county.
Following Miami-Dade, the other Florida counties with the most car accidents in that year were, in order:
- Broward, with 41,381 accidents.
- Hillsborough, with 28,020 accidents.
- Orange, with 27,422 accidents.
- Palm Beach, with 24,857 accidents.
Which month is the most dangerous for driving in Florida?
Reports from Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles also tell us which months commonly see the most car accidents in the state.
March is the most dangerous, with 36,507 accidents occurring in 2022. The next two most common months for car accidents are October and December.
What should you do if you are involved in a car crash?
Seeing as car accidents are common in Florida, especially in certain counties and at specific months of the year, you should always stay alert and carefully follow the rules of the road when driving in the Sunshine State.
However, if you do find yourself involved in a crash, you should make sure you follow these steps.
Stay Calm and Safe
Firstly, it is essential to remain calm. Adrenaline can be high after a crash. Despite this, assure your safety and those around you. If possible, move the car to prevent more accidents.
Check for Injuries
Evaluate yourself and your passengers for injuries. It might be best not to move if the injuries are severe. Dial 911 immediately in such cases. Even if you only have minor injuries, make sure you seek professional medical attention.
Contact the Authorities
Reporting the incident is crucial. Call the local police or state highway patrol. They will assess the accident scene professionally.
A responding officer will also complete an official car accident report.
Having a report to document the incident, such as a police accident report in Tampa, Florida, is crucial, as it provides evidence about your crash that can be used by your insurance company – and by your lawyer if you decide to pursue compensation.
Capture Evidence
Where possible, document as much as you can about the situation. Take pictures of vehicle damage and surrounding areas or road conditions that contributed to the accident. Like the police report, capturing evidence can help your insurance claim or your legal proceedings.
Gather Information
You should also exchange details with the other drivers involved in the accidents. Get their names, addresses, driver’s license numbers, and car insurance information.
Get Witness Information
Noting down contact details of any potential witnesses could greatly help during claim disputes afterward, too.
Contact Your Insurance Provider
After you have left the scene of the accident and have had your injuries examined by a medical professional, inform your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. Your insurer can then start processing your claim promptly.
Contact a Lawyer
Lastly, if you were injured in a car accident in Florida that was not your fault, make sure you consult an experienced personal injury lawyer. With legal assistance, you could claim damages like medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Likewise, if the accident may have been your fault, it will be invaluable to use the services of a professional attorney.
Final Thoughts
As we have seen, car accidents in Florida are far too common. So, make sure you drive carefully in the state to keep yourself and others safe.