Summary
- Jacksonville, Miami, Tampa, Orlando, and Fort Lauderdale are the cities with the most car accidents in Florida.
- State leaders have implemented programs to reduce the disturbing statistics regarding Florida car wrecks.
- A skilled attorney can help maximize your compensation if you’re hurt in a car accident caused by someone else.
As you might expect, most car accidents in Florida occur in the biggest cities. What city in Florida has the most car accidents? Jacksonville has the most people in our state and the most devastating vehicle wrecks. The following is a look at the disturbing number of car wrecks throughout Florida.
No matter where you live in Florida, the risk of getting in an accident is high. If you ever suffer an injury in a car wreck that wasn’t your fault, The Eberst Law Firm will be ready to help you obtain fair compensation. Please give us a call at 772-225-5566 or use our online form for a no-cost review of your case.
Disturbing Statistics
There were 392,515 motor vehicle accidents in Florida in 2023, resulting in 250,716 severe injuries and 3,351 tragic deaths. The only good news regarding these numbers is they went down from the previous year when there were 397,618 crashes, 252,168 injuries, and 3,551 fatalities.
With beautiful weather nearly all year and a constant influx of tourists, Florida’s roads and highways are more congested than ever. The largest cities in our state see an incredible amount of traffic every day, making accidents inevitable. These are the eight cities where the most car accidents in Florida occur.
1. Jacksonville
As the state’s most populous city, it’s easy to see why Jacksonville is the answer to the question, “What city in Florida has the most car accidents?” There were 33,960 crashes in Jacksonville in 2023, resulting in 493 severe injuries and 154 deaths, which goes to show just how serious and life-changing a car accident can be.
One road stands out as a trouble spot in not only Jacksonville but all of Duval County. Local television station News4 analyzed crash data and found that 337 accidents occurred on Blanding Blvd. in 2020, with 116 occurring at the intersection of Blanding and Youngerman Circle.
Other dangerous intersections along Blanding included Argyle Forest Blvd. (90), Collins Road (72), and 103rd St. (59). These intersections rank numbers 1, 2, 3, and 6 respectively on the News4 list of the 10 worst intersections in Duval County.
But Blanding Blvd. also runs through Clay County. Six streets that intersect with Blanding appear on the News4 list of the 10 most dangerous intersections in that county as well, accounting for 384 wrecks.
2. Miami
Miami saw 26,868 motor vehicle collisions in 2023. These accidents led to 216 severe injuries and 60 fatalities. Some of the most dangerous hotspots include the following:
- I-95 – This is one of Miami’s most heavily used highways since it runs north to south through the entire city. The I-95/I-195 interchange is particularly congested daily and is the site of many accidents.
- US-1 – Another major north-south thoroughfare, US-1 is especially dangerous between I-195 and I-395.
- 12th Street – The portion of 12th St. running between SW 1st St. and Flagler St. is another dangerous area, thanks to heavy traffic from residents and tourists.
3. Tampa
There were 19,290 crashes in Tampa in 2023, resulting in 286 injuries and 55 fatalities. One of the worst areas is the intersection of I-275 and US-92, where 536 accidents occurred between 2015 and 2019. While there were no reported fatalities, seven of those crashes led to severe injuries.
4. Orlando
Orlando is another one of the cities where the most car accidents in Florida occur, with 19,246 wrecks, 400 severe injuries, and 40 deaths in 2023. The worst roads in the area are N. Semoran Blvd., Orange Blossom Trail, and Curry Ford Rd.
5. Fort Lauderdale
In 2023, 12,348 car accidents in Fort Lauderdale led to 239 severe injuries and 36 fatalities. The intersection of A1A and Las Olas Blvd. is one of the most dangerous in not only Fort Lauderdale but all of South Florida, making it a dangerous intersection that should be avoided.
What’s Being Done to Make Florida Roads Safer?
Thankfully, leaders throughout the state are taking action to reduce the number of accidents in big and small cities across Florida. The following are a few examples:
- In November 2023, Tampa received a $2.6 million federal grant from the US Department of Transportation to install speed mitigation systems on Rowlett Park Dr., Palm Ave., East Sligh Ave., and N. 34th St. Components of these systems include new pedestrian crossings, new signage, and signs that show motorists how fast they’re driving.
- Florida implemented a new traffic law requiring drivers to move over a lane if they see a vehicle stopped by the side of the road. If there’s no space to move, motorists must slow down to 20 mph less than the posted limit. The law took effect January 1, 2024.
- The state has also implemented the Federal Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Safe System Approach. This multi-faceted approach involves increasing roundabouts in cities to reduce speed and other proactive methods of using data to identify and minimize risks.
Injured in a Car Accident? Contact a Skilled Attorney Immediately
Most car accidents in Florida resulting in injuries involve legal action. If you’re one of the unfortunate people hurt in a Florida car wreck, your first step – after receiving the medical care you need – should be to contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as you can. An attorney will investigate the accident to determine what happened and who is to blame.
Why is time of the essence? The investigation must start immediately before critical evidence disappears. For example, fresh skid marks on the highway can indicate the driver who hit you was speeding and tried to avoid the accident by slamming on their brakes. Also, road sign and guardrail damage could indicate the at-fault driver was texting or talking on their phone, or driving while impaired.
Unfortunately, rain can wash away skid marks, and construction crews can remove damaged infrastructure. Hiring an attorney can help preserve the evidence needed to help you get the money you deserve.
If you want to schedule a free consultation with The Eberst Law Firm, please use our online form or call 772-225-5566. We’ll use our extensive experience to help maximize your compensation.
