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How Many Car Accidents Happen Per Day in Florida? | Florida Car Accident Statistics 2024
Florida is one of the most populous states in the U.S. with a mix of bustling cities, tourist attractions, and busy highways. Unfortunately, this also makes it one of the most dangerous states for motorists, motorcyclists, pedestrians, and bicyclists.
How Many Car Accidents Happen Per Day in Florida?
According to preliminary data from Florida Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), in 2023, Florida saw a staggering 394,945 total crashes. This number equates to nearly 1,082 accidents per day across the state. While these numbers are alarming, they reflect the reality that traffic accidents are a daily occurrence in Florida. Whether due to crowded highways, distracted driving, or the influx of tourists unfamiliar with local roads, the state’s accident rate remains high.
The data highlights the serious nature of these crashes:
- Total Fatal Crashes: 3,183
- Total Injuries from All Crashes: 252,261
- Total Fatalities from All Crashes: 3,401
Florida Motor Vehicle Accident Data by County
| County | Total Crashes (2023) | Total Fatalities (2023) | Crashes Per Day (2023) |
| Alachua | 5,018 | 60 | 13.7 |
| Baker | 397 | 7 | 1.1 |
| Bay | 4,105 | 23 | 11.2 |
| Bradford | 281 | 10 | <1 |
| Brevard | 9,215 | 104 | 25.2 |
| Broward | 40,286 | 210 | 110.4 |
| Calhoun | 188 | 7 | <1 |
| Charlotte | 2,814 | 34 | 7.7 |
| Citrus | 1,755 | 27 | 4.8 |
| Clay | 2,667 | 32 | 7.3 |
| Collier | 6,560 | 41 | 18 |
| Columbia | 1,525 | 24 | 4.2 |
| DeSoto | 586 | 13 | 1.6 |
| Dixie | 175 | 13 | <1 |
| Duval | 23,965 | 167 | 65.7 |
| Escambia | 6,152 | 61 | 16.9 |
| Flagler | 1,453 | 25 | 4 |
| Franklin | 138 | 6 | <1 |
| Gadsden | 757 | 20 | 2.1 |
| Gilchrist | 235 | 7 | <1 |
| Glades | 161 | 12 | <1 |
| Gulf | 143 | 6 | <1 |
| Hamilton | 363 | 5 | 1 |
| Hardee | 500 | 15 | 1.4 |
| Hendry | 638 | 16 | 1.7 |
| Hernando | 2,576 | 46 | 7 |
| Highlands | 1,092 | 15 | 3 |
| Hillsborough | 27,472 | 236 | 75.3 |
| Holmes | 325 | 7 | <1 |
| Indian River | 2,201 | 19 | 6 |
| Jackson | 857 | 16 | 2.3 |
| Jefferson | 300 | 3 | <1 |
| Lafayette | 49 | 0 | <1 |
| Lake | 5,360 | 82 | 14.7 |
| Lee | 15,452 | 123 | 42.3 |
| Leon | 6,161 | 39 | 16.9 |
| Levy | 608 | 21 | 1.7 |
| Liberty | 103 | 1 | <1 |
| Madison | 474 | 10 | 1.3 |
| Manatee | 6,420 | 71 | 17.6 |
| Marion | 6,928 | 101 | 19 |
| Martin | 3,022 | 16 | 8.3 |
| Miami-Dade | 63,837 | 342 | 174.9 |
| Monroe | 1,401 | 15 | 3.8 |
| Nassau | 1,121 | 21 | 3.1 |
| Okaloosa | 3,299 | 27 | 9 |
| Okeechobee | 712 | 10 | 2 |
| Orange | 26,259 | 173 | 72 |
| Osceola | 6,178 | 79 | 17 |
| Palm Beach | 26,244 | 187 | 72 |
| Pasco | 7,269 | 92 | 20 |
| Pinellas | 14,819 | 114 | 40.6 |
| Polk | 13,628 | 160 | 37.3 |
| Putnam | 1,108 | 21 | 3 |
| St. Johns | 3,789 | 40 | 10.4 |
| St. Lucie | 5,678 | 48 | 15.6 |
| Santa Rosa | 2,145 | 22 | 5.9 |
| Sarasota | 6,821 | 58 | 18.7 |
| Seminole | 6,255 | 49 | 17 |
| Sumter | 2,077 | 23 | 5.7 |
| Suwannee | 731 | 18 | 2 |
| Taylor | 308 | 7 | <1 |
| Union | 163 | 3 | <1 |
| Volusia | 9,212 | 111 | 25.2 |
| Wakulla | 449 | 5 | 1.2 |
| Walton | 1,599 | 21 | 4.4 |
| Washington | 366 | 4 | 1 |
Florida Counties With Highest Number of Crashes
- Miami-Dade County has the highest number of crashes (63,837) and fatalities (342). This is likely due to its large population, dense traffic, and urbanization. This amounts to approximately 175 crashes per day.
- Broward County follows with 40,286 crashes and 210 fatalities, also driven by urban density and population size. This amounts to approximately 100 crashes per day.
- Hillsborough County stands out with 27,472 crashes and 236 fatalities, indicative of its significant traffic volume. This amounts to approximately 75 crashes per day.
Fatality Rates Relative to Crashes
- Some counties have disproportionately high fatality rates compared to their total crashes. For instance, Marion County has 6,928 crashes but 101 fatalities, indicating a higher likelihood of crashes resulting in fatalities.
- Similarly, Pasco County has 7,269 crashes and 92 fatalities, which is a high fatality ratio compared to other counties with similar crash numbers.
- Dixie County has only 175 crashes but 13 fatalities, which is notable for such a small number of crashes. This suggests that crashes in this county are more likely to be severe.
- Hardee County also stands out with 500 crashes but 15 fatalities, indicating potentially dangerous road conditions or limited medical response capabilities in these areas.
Urban vs. Rural Divide
- Urban counties such as Miami-Dade, Broward, Hillsborough, and Orange tend to have high crash and fatality numbers, while more rural counties like Liberty, Franklin, and Jefferson report significantly lower numbers.
- However, rural counties like Dixie, Glades, and Hardee exhibit higher fatality rates per crash, suggesting that accidents in rural areas may be deadlier due to factors like road conditions, lack of infrastructure, or delayed emergency response times.
Counties with High Crashes but Lower Fatalities
- Palm Beach County has 26,244 crashes but a relatively low number of fatalities (187), possibly due to better emergency response, infrastructure, or less severe crashes.
- Duval County shows a similar pattern with 23,965 crashes and 167 fatalities, suggesting safer roads or quicker access to medical services.
Florida Motorcycle Accident Statistics
Motorcycles are a popular mode of transportation in Florida, particularly with the state’s year-round warm weather. However, this also makes motorcyclists especially vulnerable to accidents. In 2023, the data shows there were 9,540 motorcycle crashes, resulting in 620 motorcycle fatalities. This amounts to approximately 26 motorcycle crashes per day, causing nearly 2 motorcycle accident deaths per day.
Motorcycle accidents are frequently more severe than car accidents due to the lack of protection riders have. Many motorcycle accidents are caused by drivers failing to see motorcyclists, improper lane changes, and failure to yield the right-of-way.
Florida Bicycle Accident Statistics
Bicyclists are another group of vulnerable road users in Florida. In 2023, there were 8,413 bicycle crashes, leading to 227 bicycle fatalities. This amounts to approximately 23 bicycle crashes per day. Cycling has become increasingly popular in Florida as a mode of transportation and recreation, but this popularity comes with added risks.
The data reflects the dangers of sharing the road with cars and larger vehicles. Bicycle accidents often occur when drivers fail to yield, pass too closely, or make unsafe turns. In many cases, cyclists are not seen by drivers until it’s too late. Despite the presence of bike lanes and growing awareness of cycling safety, these numbers reveal that more needs to be done to protect Florida’s cyclists.
Florida Pedestrian Accident Statistics
Pedestrians are perhaps the most vulnerable group on Florida’s roadways. In 2023, there were 10,294 pedestrian crashes, with a shocking 789 pedestrian fatalities. This amounts to approximately 28 pedestrian accidents per day, causing approximately 2 deaths per day. These figures underscore the growing danger for people on foot, especially in cities where traffic congestion is high, and drivers may be distracted.
Pedestrian accidents often occur at crosswalks, intersections, and even in parking lots. Distracted driving, speeding, and failure to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks are common causes. For pedestrians, the lack of protection means that even a minor collision can result in devastating injuries or death.
Florida Hit-and-Run Accident Statistics
In 2023, Florida saw 105,023 hit-and-run crashes, resulting in 279 fatalities and 22,650 injuries. This amounts to approximately 287 hit and run accidents per day. These incidents are particularly heartbreaking because they leave victims in vulnerable positions, often with no immediate help. These cases are frustrating and traumatic for victims and their families, as the perpetrator often goes unidentified. In many cases, law enforcement may struggle to track down the responsible party, which is why legal representation is crucial to investigate these incidents.
Our hit and run accident lawyers have experience handling these cases, helping victims seek justice even when the responsible party is not immediately identified. We work with law enforcement and private investigators to track down information that can bring the negligent party to justice.
Why You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer After a Car Accident in Florida
Florida’s legal system can be challenging to navigate, particularly when dealing with the aftermath of a serious car accident. Insurance companies may try to minimize your claim or deny it altogether. At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm, we have the experience and knowledge to help you through this difficult time. We will fight for your right to fair compensation and ensure that the responsible parties are held accountable.
Our law firm specializes in all types of personal injury and wrongful death cases, including those involving car accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, and hit-and-run incidents. We understand that every case is unique, and we take a personalized approach to each client’s situation.
When you work with us, you can expect:
- Thorough Investigation: We will thoroughly investigate the accident to gather evidence, review police reports, and work with accident reconstruction experts if necessary.
- Negotiation with Insurance Companies: We have extensive experience negotiating with insurance companies to ensure that our clients receive fair settlements.
- Aggressive Legal Representation: If a settlement cannot be reached, we are fully prepared to take your case to court and fight for the compensation you deserve.
If you or someone you love has been involved in a traffic accident anywhere in Florida, don’t hesitate to reach out to Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm. We are here to provide the legal support you need to recover and move forward with your life.
Contact us today at 305-638-4143 for a free consultation, and let us help you get the compensation you deserve.