Jacksonville is a booming city in northern Florida with a metropolitan population of 1.7 million. It is a community on the rise as the headquarters of four Fortune 500 companies, with 2.8 million tourists visiting annually, spending approximately $1 billion. However, the traffic congestion of the Jacksonville area leads to many auto accidents, motorcycle accidents, and truck accidents.
Retaining a knowledgeable, aggressive personal injury attorney is recommended if you were in a car accident and believe another party was at fault. An attorney can obtain better compensation for your losses than you could alone. For legal assistance, simply call CarAccidentAttorney.com today.
Jacksonville Auto Accident Statistics
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) reports the following auto accident data in Jacksonville and surrounding Duval County from 2018 to 2022:
- 2018: 24,212 auto accidents
- 2019: 23,473 auto accidents
- 2020: 21,211 auto accidents
- 2021: 24,436 auto accidents
- 2022: 24,344 auto accidents
During these years, approximately 47,780 auto accidents in Jacksonville and Duval County resulted in injuries. The FLHSMV data also reveals the following number of fatal auto accidents in the area:
- 2018: 131
- 2019: 154
- 2020: 174
- 2021: 178
- 2022: 146
Furthermore, the data shows that Jacksonville has approximately 20 car accident deaths per 100,000 residents. This means that roughly 20 of every 100,000 city residents die in car accidents per year.
In 2023, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office reported that 100 people died in auto accidents in the first 206 days of the year. Sadly, the 100th traffic death involved a bicyclist on Emerson St. who was struck close to I-95 on July 26. This fatality highlighted the problem the community has with fatal bicycle accidents.
In 2020, Jacksonville was listed as the #3 deadliest city in the United States for cyclists. The city averages just over one cyclist death per 100,000 residents, 165% over the national average. The city government has said it is trying to make roads safer, especially for bikers and pedestrians. The community launched a bicycle and pedestrian master plan in 2017, aiming for zero cyclist and pedestrian fatalities by 2030.
Causes Of Jacksonville Car Accidents
The data shows that the metro area has far too many Jacksonville car accidents. Understanding possible causes and the most treacherous parts of the community is essential to avoid becoming a grisly statistic. Some of the most hazardous intersections in the city are:
- Southside Blvd. and Beach Blvd.: This intersection is notorious for heavy traffic and complicated navigation, resulting in weekly auto accidents.
- Argyle Forest Blvd. and Blanding Blvd.: Heavy volume and a bewildering layout make this intersection one of the city’s most hazardous.
- St. Johns Bluff Rd. and Beach Blvd: This area features high-speed traffic and complex turning lanes, making the intersection especially dangerous.
Some of the factors that may lead to higher numbers of auto accidents in Jacksonville are:
- Tourist traffic: Hundreds of thousands of tourists visit sunny Jacksonville every year. While the community welcomes tourists, they contribute to the area’s traffic woes. People visiting downtown Jacksonville, St. Johns Town Center, and Jacksonville beaches may be unfamiliar with the local roads and get into car, truck, or motorcycle accidents.
- Distracted and reckless driving: A growing population and tourists may lead to reckless and distracted driving as people try to beat traffic.
- Poor weather: Jacksonville receives 120 days of rain annually, so the roads can get slick and flooded, contributing to more accidents.
- Design flaws and poor road conditions: Certain parts of the city suffer from poor road maintenance and design issues, increasing the chances of accidents.
How Can A Jacksonville Car Accident Lawyer Help?
A car accident lawyer in Jacksonville can be an invaluable resource after an auto accident. An attorney can help you understand the full extent of your damages, including past and future medical bills, lost wages, loss of ability to earn a living, pain and suffering, and more. Many non-attorney accident victims are unaware of the extent of damages they may qualify for. Other roles your car accident attorney may play in the case are:
- Review the accident evidence: The attorney will gather every speck of evidence that shows who was at fault, including eyewitness statements, physical evidence, police reports, video footage, etc.
- Determining who was at fault: Showing the other driver was at fault could be important to receiving maximum damages.
- Fighting for the maximum settlement: Auto insurance companies make money by denying and minimizing claims. Your seasoned auto accident attorney knows insurance company games and will demand fair compensation.
- Going to court: If the stingy insurance company won’t offer fair compensation, your aggressive personal injury lawyer will take the injury claim to a jury.
Florida has a no-fault law if you’ve been in a Jacksonville auto accident. This means you will typically rely on your auto insurance’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP) to cover your initial damages. This coverage is required and will pay for a certain amount of your damages, regardless of fault, including 80% of medical expenses and 60% of lost wages. The minimum amount of coverage is $10,000.
However, if you suffered permanent injuries, you may be able to sue for additional damages. Qualifying to file a lawsuit for additional damages means showing you have injuries that are life-altering and permanent. Your attorney can assist you with a severe injury claim if needed.
Speak To A Jacksonville Auto Accident Lawyer Today
After a Jacksonville car accident, you probably have painful injuries and a damaged or totaled vehicle. Perhaps you’re highly stressed and fearful about the future. Fortunately, a Jacksonville auto accident lawyer can assist you. If another party caused the accident, you may be eligible for compensation for past and future medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Instead of attempting to handle a severe accident claim alone and getting less money than you deserve, speak to an experienced car accident lawyer now for aggressive representation. Get started immediately by dialing CarAccidentAttorney.com today to find an established Jacksonville personal injury attorney. CarAccidentAttorney.com is an attorney and medical referral service.