Florida Auto Accident Statistics

The latest statistics posted for Florida reveal that motorists in that state are more likely to die in an automobile accident than anywhere else in the United States except California and Texas. However, recent statistics show an encouraging trend.

Auto Accident Deaths

In 2006 the state's auto accident fatality rate dropped for the first time in a decade, to 3,365. The death rate per one hundred million miles traveled plummeted from 1.76 to 1.65. This rate has since continued to drop; recent estimates suggest that it's down to around 1.57 today. Pedestrian and alcohol-related deaths also dropped from 2005 to 2006. Pedestrian deaths decreased from 576 to 546; alcohol-related deaths dropped from 1,236 to 1,099.

Alarmingly, motorcycle and bicycle fatalities have dramatically increased. In 2006, seven more bicycle deaths and 127 more motorcycle deaths occurred than in the previous year. Weekends are the most dangerous time to be on the road, as well as during the tourist season (November to May) since traffic and congestion on the roads increase.

Causes of Auto Accidents

About 60 percent of automobile accidents involved roadway departures, 33 percent involved crashes at intersections, 12 percent involved large trucks and over 600 deaths involved pedestrians and bicycles. Of the over three thousand motorists killed in automobile accidents in Florida, 41 percent were occupants of automobiles, and 26 percent were occupants of light trucks.

Three out of four car crashes involved alcohol, while speed was a factor in 17 percent of car crash deaths. Six out of ten victims who suffered fatal injuries were not wearing seatbelts.

The most common causes of automobile accidents include drugs or alcohol, speeding, driver fatigue, aggressive driving, distracted drivers, or adverse weather conditions. Fortunately, laws are in place to protect you from negligent drivers. If you are a victim of an accident and deserve compensation for your injuries, you are not alone. Seek help right away.

Consult a Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been killed or injured in a car accident, you should contact an experienced attorney to find out whether you are eligible for compensation.