CAR ACCIDENTS IN FT. LAUDERDALE
South Florida has an undeniable reputation for bad drivers. Whether it’s drunk drivers, uninsured motorist, or people distracted by their phones, there is an endless supply of dangers on our roads. This fact is especially true in Fort Lauderdale, which ranks as the most dangerous city to live in in the nation, largely due to driving.
While the city is only home to approximately 165,000 residents, it is one of Florida’s most popular tourist destinations. Fort Lauderdale attracts roughly 12 million tourists every year, so naturally, the substantial influx of people unfamiliar with the roadways is bound to create thousands of accidents each year.
According to Florida’s Department of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles, Broward County had the second highest number of reported car accidents in Florida with more than 41,000 crashes in 2015. In Fort Lauderdale alone there were more than 6,200 collisions with a high mortality rate of 22.39 deaths per every 100K people involved in a car accident.
There was a noticeable decline in car accident rates in 2020 when the pandemic curtailed traffic substantially. However, Fort Lauderdale and Broward County car accident levels rebounded in 2021, returning to the same levels as in 2019. Car accident fatalities have risen over the last five years, and there were 249 fatal accidents in 2022 in the Fort Lauderdale metropolitan area.
Drunk driving seriously contributes to car accidents in Fort Lauderdale and Broward County. The Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Department (FLHSMV) reported 5,241 car crashes involving alcohol in 2022. Those accidents caused at least 410 deaths and 3,000 injuries. The Fort Lauderdale region also experienced 190 drinking-related crashes in 2022, resulting in seven fatalities.
The FLHSMV reported a total of 35,400 car accidents in 2022 in Fort Lauderdale and Broward County. Of those, 20,888 involved severe injuries, and 237 people died.
A particularly concerning problem in the Fort Lauderdale area is the number of hit-and-run accidents. The FLHSMV reported 11,704 hit-and-run crashes in just 2022. Those accidents caused at least 40 deaths. When a driver flees the crash scene, they could make the injured victim wait longer for critical medical care.
Fort Lauderdale is notorious for its high number of pedestrian-related car accidents. The city is frequently the 2nd-most dangerous in the US for pedestrians. In 2022, there were 860 pedestrian accidents, 680 injuries, and 60 deaths. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also reports that the states with the most bicycle deaths in 2021 were Florida, California, and Texas.
Some of the intersections and roads with the most auto accidents in Fort Lauderdale are:
- Andrews Ave. and Sunrise Blvd in Fort Lauderdale
- State Road 84 in Fort Lauderdale
- Interstate 95 through Broward County
These startling car accident statistics demonstrate how the size and growth of Fort Lauderdale have led to a rise in severe and fatal car accidents. If another driver hits you, get immediate medical attention, call your insurance company, and have a skilled car accident attorney review your case.
WHY FT. LAUDERDALE IS DANGEROUS FOR DRIVERS
While the number of car accidents in Ft. Lauderdale may seem low compared to other metropolitan cities, the crashes in Broward County are among the most fatal in the nation. In the past five years, there’s been an average of 20 car related deaths on Ft. Lauderdale’s streets annually.
Fort Lauderdale is a growing city that many people call home because of its sunny weather, nearby beaches, and growing economy. Hundreds of thousands of tourists also visit Fort Lauderdale annually. Car accidents are frequent, and these are some of the most common causes:
- Distracted driving: Many studies show that taking attention away from driving for just a few seconds can lead to a severe crash. Distracted driving is a serious issue in Fort Lauderdale, and actions such as using a cell phone, checking the GPS, or eating and drinking cause many accidents.
- Speeding: Traffic is heavy in Fort Lauderdale and Broward County, leading many drivers to step on the gas and speed. Speeding means it takes longer to slow down for traffic.
- Reckless driving: Aggressive driving, such as speeding, tailgating, sudden lane changes without signaling, and not yielding the right of way causes many Fort Lauderdale crashes.
- Poor weather: Fort Lauderdale is a tropical region, and heavy showers are common. Drivers need to slow down on wet and flooded roads.
- Intoxicated driving: Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a severe problem in Fort Lauderdale. Drunk drivers take longer to slow down and have impaired judgment.
Some of the most dangerous intersections in Broward County include US1 & Atlantic Blvd (home to more than 6,000 collisions), Pines Blvd & South Flamingo Rd. (had more than 100 pedestrian fatalities during a five-year period), and A1A & Las Olas Blvd which had over 1K injury-related crashes in 2015.
Ft. Lauderdale’s roadways are dangerous for drivers for a few reasons including a substantial number tourist drivers. As previously mentioned, Fort Lauderdale is a vacation hub that attracts millions of international and domestic tourists who are unfamiliar with local roads. Even with advancements in GPS technology, many drivers still get lost, make poor driving decisions, and get into life-threatening car accidents. The city is also a favorite spring break location which unfortunately attracts young college students that drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Another leading source for car accidents in Ft. Lauderdale is its proximity to I-95. Interstate 95 runs through 15 east coast states, but according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Florida portion is the most dangerous due to its unusually high number of car accidents. I-95 is one of the busiest roadways in South Florida and runs through the heart of Fort Lauderdale. Thousands of accidents occur each year due to reckless driving, heavy traffic, and the constant presence of construction work.
RECOVERING COMPENSATION AFTER A FORT LAUDERDALE CAR ACCIDENT
The auto accident statistic in Fort Lauderdale are shocking and emphasize the importance of understanding how to obtain financial compensation after a Florida car accident. If you or someone you love has sustained a severe or fatal injury due to another driver’s negligence, getting the money you need is key to a successful recovery.
Since Florida is a “No-Fault” state, after a car accident, drivers must file a claim with their insurance company regardless of which driver is liable for the crash. By law, all motorist must purchase a minimum of $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. Your PIP benefits are intended to cover the cost of your medical bills and lost wages.
If your medical bills & lost wages exceed the $10K PIP limit or you have sustained a permanent injury in a Florida car accident, the law allows you to file a personal lawsuit to recover additional payment for your damages. Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to get reimbursed for any out-of-pocket expenses stemming from the accident, as well as pay for your pain and suffering.
HOW 1-800-Injured CAN HELP!
An aggressive car accident attorney in Fort Lauderdale can be an invaluable resource for an injury victim. Your auto accident attorney will guide you through every step of the legal process, providing legal advice, filing the claim, and overseeing the negotiation process. Some benefits of retaining a Fort Lauderdale auto accident attorney include:
- Performing an exhaustive accident claim investigation: Your attorney will review all the accident evidence to support the car accident claim. They will review police reports, vehicle damage, crash scene evidence, eyewitness reports, cell phone records, and video and photo evidence to build your case.
- Determining who was at fault: Proving that the other driver caused the accident can be a significant aspect of the case. While Florida has a no-fault law, severely injured auto accident victims may be able to file a lawsuit against the liable party.
- Filing the claim for you: Without an attorney, it can be confusing and stressful to file an auto accident claim. Your attorney will ensure your claim is completed correctly and submitted with the proper documentation. If you file a lawsuit, your attorney will complete all paperwork and submit it to the appropriate court on time.
- Representing you in court: If your car accident claim goes to trial, the attorney will fight for your rights and seek the most compensation for your medical bills, lost earnings, and pain and suffering.
If you need help filing an insurance claim or injury lawsuit after a Fort Lauderdale car accident, 1-800-Injured can connect you with a personal injury attorney in Fort Lauderdale. 1-800-Injured is an attorney and medical referral service that helps South Florida drivers get in touch with the professionals they need after a crash. The network of attorneys we work with are dedicated to getting clients the best possible outcome for their case. Call us toll-free to get started on your case today.