Miami car accident lawyers are often faced with a grim reality: that the Miami-Dade roadways are a dangerous place. It only takes a momentary lapse in attention or a sudden change in circumstances to result in serious bodily injuries, even death. That’s an unfortunate fact that once again was realized in the late hours of Tuesday, February 5th. The fatal single-car accident between a Lexus SUV and a concrete barrier resulted in the death of a 22-year-old male passenger and serious injuries to the driver and three other passengers. Another passenger sustained minor injuries, and a seventh occupant was unharmed.
According to the Miami Herald, the nighttime car accident occurred at mile marker 120 on U.S. 1, between Key Largo and Florida City, and resulted in a rollover. Of the remaining occupants, the 21 year-old driver was transported via ambulance to Homestead Hospital, while two other passengers were airlifted to Jackson South Hospital in Kendall. There are no updates as to the condition of the four injured occupants.
According to the FHP report, the driver of the southbound SUV applied his brakes for an unknown reason, struck a barrier, and caused the vehicle to flip. Charges are pending the outcome of the investigation, but according to the FHP traffic investigator assigned to the case, alcohol was not involved. The report also stated that the deceased passenger had not been wearing a seatbelt.
Mile marker 120, where the accident occurred, is approximately seven miles north of the Dade-Monroe county line in the 18-mile span of road that connects Florida City to Key Largo, known as “The Stretch.” The location is on the Overseas Highway, which is the nickname for the portion of U.S. 1 that connects the keys to Florida’s mainland.
Related Car Accident Trends
Until Florida Highway Patrol releases the details of their Traffic Homicide Investigation report, speculation as to the proximate cause of this accident would be unwise. We have, however, examined some of the DHSMV statistical data regarding similar crashes.
- There were 3,116 fatalities in the state of Florida in the most recent year reported (2017).
- 188 fatalities (6 percent) involved drivers between the ages or 21-24. This is the second highest category (after 25-29 year olds).
- 240 drivers and 78 passengers were killed in crashes while driving or occupying SUVs.
- Of the 420 passengers killed in crashes in 2017, 156 were not wearing seatbelts.
- In the state of Florida, 1,351 of the 402,185 accidents on a Tuesday night between 11:00 p.m. and midnight. 15 involved fatalities.
- Miami-Dade County had 285 (9.1 percent of the state’s total) accidents with fatalities.
- 175 fatalities were from accidents involving a vehicle rollover.
What You Can Do if You’re Involved in a Serious Car Accident
Florida drivers are required to carry insurance that offers protections to other individuals that are injured due to their negligence. Additionally, there are other causes that can contribute to single-car accidents, such as poor road conditions, bad lighting, construction, etc. A car accident attorney can examine the details of your case and provide you with an assessment.
If you’ve been injured or have had a loved one killed in a car accident, it’s essential that you act immediately to recover damages. Contact a professional car accident attorney to discuss your case. 1800-Injured is a Florida attorney and medical referral service for car accident victims and their families. We will put you in contact with a seasoned car accident attorney for a free consultation. Call today.