You’ll often hear people talking about a “common” car accident in Florida but that statement doesn’t really weigh in until you look at Florida car accident statistics. The numbers recorded annually in car accident statistics show just how common a car accident in Florida can be, but they also reveal a great deal about the risks drivers and pedestrians face every day.
If you have been seriously injured or if a loved one has been killed in a car accident in Florida you have the right to the legal help of a Palm Beach car accident lawyer. An experienced Palm Beach car accident lawyer will bring their knowledge and experience with common car accidents in Florida and help you give your case the best opportunity for a positive outcome.
Car Accident Statistics for a Fatal Car Accident in Florida
The 2009 reports from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) show that there were 2,563 recorded fatalities statewide for instances of a car accident in Florida. These car accident statistics were a positive decline from the previous year, with 420 fewer fatalities reported. Unfortunately, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) their 2009 car accident statistics still show Florida ranks 3rd for traffic fatalities in the nation.
These car accident statistics mean that your likelihood of being involved in a fatal car accident in Florida is much higher in this state than in 47 others. Only California and Texas outrank Florida in number of fatal car accidents. In most fatal instances of a car accident in Florida the passengers were unrestrained and the drivers were typically older than 21. There were 466 pedestrian fatalities reported in the NHTSA car accident statistics for 2009.
Motorcyclists were the next highest group of motorists with non-vehicle occupant fatalities. They had 413 fatalities reported by the NHTSA in 2009. Nearly half of these victims were not wearing a helmet at the time, and the most common age range of riders involved in fatal motorcycle accidents were between 20 and 29 years old.
Alcohol as a Factor in Car Accident Statistics for a Car Accident in Florida
Driving while intoxicated is also a major factor for car accidents in Florida. If you were injured by a drunk driver your Palm Beach car accident lawyer can site the 9,605 DUI arrests made in Florida, proof that drunk driving is a serious hazard to innocent victims like yourself. Along with these arrests came 1,004 reported fatalities from drunk driving car accidents in Florida.
The fact that so many instances of a car accident in Florida involve driving while intoxicated means that statistically, there is a high chance that your car accident may have been caused by a drunk driver. If that is the case, your Palm Beach car accident lawyer can use evidence of their intoxication to help support your injury claim.
Florida Car Accident Statistics Showing High Risks
Florida the car accident statistics can also help determine high risk accidents, both by the type of car accident and where the car accident took place. Many counties in Florida have higher instances of certain types of crashes than others that may serve as warnings to drivers in these areas.
The Florida car accident statistics for fatal accidents reveals the counties with the most risk for certain types of crashes:
- Highest overall fatalities: Duval, Volusia, Marion, Orange, Polk, Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Lee, Palm Beach, Miami-Dade, and Broward.
- Alcohol-impaired fatalities: Miami-Dade.
- Single vehicle fatalities: Duval, Volusia, Orange, Hillsborough, Pinellas, Palm Beach, Miami-Dade, and Broward.
- Fatal crashes with a large truck: Duval, Volusia, Marion, Orange, Pasco, Hillsborough, Pinellas, Polk, Highlands, Lee, Palm Beach, Miami-Dade, and Broward.
- Speeding fatalities: Orange, Hillsborough, Palm Beach, Miami-Dade, and Broward.
- Motorcyclist fatalities: Volusia, Orange, Hillsborough, and Miami-Dade.
- Pedestrian fatalities: Palm Beach, Miami-Dade, and Broward.
- Cyclist fatalities: Orange, Hillsborough, Pinellas, Palm Beach, Miami-Dade, and Broward.
As you can see, Miami-Dade tops the list of counties with the most fatal accidents according to the 2009 car accident statistics from the NHTSA. Palm Beach, Broward, Orange, and Hillsborough counties also spark concern for high risk of fatal accidents.
An experienced Palm Beach car accident lawyer should be able to handle any of the common types of car accidents in Florida, and even the not so common ones. Remember that your case is unique, no matter how many other car accidents took place annually similar to yours, which means your injury claim will also be unique.
A Palm Beach car accident lawyer will treat your case as the specific scenario it is and help you file an injury claim based on the specific injuries you sustained and how those injuries have affected your life and ability to work.
Finding a Palm Beach Car Accident Lawyer
When it comes to choosing a car accident lawyer, you can’t afford to play a game of chance. Picking a Florida car accident lawyer based on a colorful bus ad or a touching TV commercial won’t necessarily put you in touch with the attorney best suited for your case.
Palm Beach injury attorney Theodore Babbitt has spent years building his practice and growing his network of trusted colleagues and well-respected lawyers. Simply fill out our online form, and Mr. Babbitt will personally review your story to see if you have a valid car accident claim. He will then put you in touch with the attorney best-suited to handle your case. There is no cost to get started – 1-877-751-8087.