Miami Car Accident Statistics
Florida remains one of the highest-ranked states for automobile accidents and fatalities. According to the latest data, Florida ranks third in the nation for the highest number of car accident deaths. Florida follows right behind California and Texas.
If you have been injured in a car accident in Miami or the surrounding area, you don’t have to navigate the road ahead alone. At the law offices of Bernstein & Maryanoff Injury Attorneys, our legal team is here to support you during uncertain times. If you have questions or concerns about your car accident, contact our team today to schedule your free case evaluation with an experienced car accident attorney.
Car accident statistics in Florida
Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles tracks injuries and deaths involving automobile accidents via a state dashboard that breaks down data by county and agency. In 2023, the FHSMV recorded 392,515 automobile crashes throughout the state.
There were 3,351 fatalities from all crashes and 250,716 injuries from all crashes. Other alarming data points include:
- 242 fatalities from impaired driving crashes involving alcohol
- 2,900 injuries from impaired driving crashes involving alcohol
- 195 fatalities from impaired driving crashes involving drugs
- 287 injuries from impaired driving crashes involving drugs
- 270 fatalities from hit-and-run crashes
- 22,465 injuries from hit-and-run crashes
- 596 fatalities from motorcycle crashes
- 8,154 injuries from motorcycle crashes
Miami car accident statistics
With its vibrant lifestyle and busy atmosphere, it is no surprise that Miami-Dade County is the leading county in the state for the highest number of car accidents. According to the FHSMV, Miami-Dade County recorded 63,389 crashes in 2023. Florida’s Crash Dashboard includes bicycle, motorcycle, pedestrian, and hit-and-run crashes in its data. Additional Miami car accident statistics in 2023 include:
- 357 fatalities from all car crashes
- 29,510 injuries from all car crashes
- 343 bicycle crashes
- 21 bicycle fatalities
- 1,276 motorcycle crashes
- 36 motorcycle fatalities
- 1,815 pedestrian crashes
- 95 pedestrian fatalities
- 21,164 hit-and-run crashes
- 3,635 hit-and-run injuries
- 37 hit-and-run fatalities
What are the most dangerous roads in Miami?
Unfortunately, some roadways are more dangerous than others in Miami. Generally, the following roadways are regarded as some of the most hazardous in the greater Miami area:
- Interstate 95 (I-95)
- Palmetto Expressway, also known as State Road 826
- US Route 1
- State Road 821/Homestead Extension of Florida’s Turnpike
- US Route 441 (State Road 7)
Related: Causes of Intersection Crashes
Miami car accidents with injuries
A recent report from Forbes highlights that drunk driving and speeding are the two common reasons for car crashes throughout the nation. In 2020, drivers aged 25-35 had the highest rate at 490,004 individuals injured.
Miami-Dade County car accidents follow this national trend. In the greater Miami area, common causes of car accidents that result in injury include speeding, disobeying traffic signals, bad weather, drowsy driving, and drunk driving.
Distracted driving is also a leading cause of accidents in Miami. Distracted driving can include:
- Texting while driving
- Talking on the phone
- Talking with passengers in the vehicle
- Other actions that keep a driver from giving their full attention to the road ahead
Miami car accidents with fatalities
The Forbes report also highlights that drunk driving and speeding also play a critical factor in car accidents that result in fatalities. Unsurprisingly, young and middle-aged adults have a higher rate of car accident fatality than any other age range. Drivers aged 25 to 34 had the highest national fatality rate at 7,713 individuals killed.
Accidents involving pedestrians and bicyclists
Because Miami is a walkable city and is generally populated with pedestrians and bicyclists on and near the roadways, the county tends to have a higher injury rate for individuals involved in a motor vehicle accident, but we’re not in a motor vehicle. In 2023, 343 bicyclists were injured, and 21 bicyclists died because of an automobile accident. 1,815 pedestrians were also injured, and 95 died because of an auto accident.
If you’ve been injured as a pedestrian or bicycle by a driver in Miami, seeking legal guidance can help you recover the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Miami-Dade County, as compared to other counties in Florida
While Miami-Dade County leads the charge as the deadliest county to drive in, several other counties follow close behind. According to the latest crash report that tracked five years of automotive crashes in Florida, the counties with the highest fatalities include:
- Miami-Dade with 1,541 deaths
- Broward County with 1,224 deaths
- Hillsborough County with 1,067 deaths
- Orange County with 929 deaths
- Palm Beach County with 918 deaths
Common causes of car accidents in Miami
There are many reasons why Miami is a hub for car accidents in the Sunshine State. The unique atmosphere of Miami alone is often seen as a contributing reason. Below are some of the most common causes of car accident injuries and fatalities in the city.
Speeding
As a city where pedestrians and cyclists nearly always share the streets with drivers, posted speed limits are designed to keep everyone safe. However, when drivers ignore these speed limits, the consequences can be life-changing for both the vehicle occupants and those not in a vehicle.
Related: Common Florida Traffic Violations
Distracted driving
New and inexperienced drivers are especially susceptible to the dangers of distracted driving, but anyone can fall victim to an accident. In Miami, drivers must always be alert because of constantly changing road conditions, whether from traffic, temporary lanes, or when sharing the road with scooters, cyclists, motorcycles, and pedestrians.
Reckless lane changes and reckless driving
Reckless lane changes, speeding, and failure to yield to drivers, cyclists, motorcyclists, pedestrians, and others can all lead to an accident and even death.
Most common injuries from car accidents
As with any major city, car accidents in Miami can result in an array of injuries. Generally, the more severe the car accident, the more severe the injuries can be. Common car accident injuries can include:
- Back injuries
- Whiplash
- Broken bones
- Lacerations and bruising
- Head and back injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord Injuries
What to do if you are involved in a car accident in Miami
If you’ve been involved in a car accident, regardless of whether it was your fault or the other drivers, it’s important to know what to do, who to contact, and what to say. Knowing what to do after a car accident in Miami equips you with the ability to make the right decisions so you can recover compensation for any injuries you’ve sustained.
After a car accident, be sure to do the following:
- Move your vehicle: If you can move the vehicle, do so to help keep traffic flowing
- Call the police: The responding police officer will write a police report. This report can help you build your case if you pursue additional legal action.
- Seek medical help: If you or someone else was injured in the accident, seek medical help immediately. If you have called the police, you can let them know that you’ll need medical attention, and EMTs will be dispatched.
- Exchange contact information with the other driver: State Law 316.070 requires drivers to exchange contact information with other drivers involved
- Document the scene: You can document the scene by taking photos and video of the accident site, taking down witness statements, collecting any surveillance footage of the accident, and obtaining a copy of the police report
- Filing with your insurance: As a no-fault auto state, all Florida drivers are required to carry personal injury protection (PIP) and property damage liability insurance (PDL). Under State Statute 627.736, drivers must adhere to the 14-day PIP Rule. This means a victim has 14 days to file a claim with their insurance company. Failing to do so could bar you from recovering the compensation you deserve.
- Speak with a Miami car accident attorney: Contact a car accident lawyer as soon as you can. The team at Bernstein & Maryanoff Injury Attorneys can help you recover the compensation you deserve by assessing your case and providing insight into your legal rights and options.
Speak with a car accident attorney at Bernstein & Maryanoff Injury Attorneys
Don’t wait to take action if you have been involved in a car accident in Miami. Our team of attorneys, paralegals, and investigators is here to help you get the legal support and guidance you deserve after a car accident. Contact our team today to schedule your free case evaluation and recover the compensation you deserve.
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Sources:
Bieber, C. (2023). Car Accident Statistics For 2023.
Distracted Driving. (2024).
Fatal Car Accidents by State. (2023).
Florida Crash Dashboard. (2023).
Florida Insurance Requirements. (2024).
About the Author
Jack G. Bernstein, ESQ.
Jack Bernstein is a hard-working and highly motivated personal injury attorney in Miami, Florida with over three decades of experience. He is a strategist and idea person, with a genuine passion for helping his firm’s clients. If you’ve been injured, contact Jack Bernstein today for a free evaluation of your case.