With 2020 already well underway, it can be helpful to review fatal car accident statistics from previous years as a way of comparing trends. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle (FLHSMV) Crash Dashboard for 2018, there were 64,627 collisions in Miami-Dade County, killing 293 victims. The data for 2019 indicates a drop in the number of total accidents, down to 64,495; however, the number of fatalities was higher, as 335. So far this year, 29 people have been killed in 5,915 crashes.
A fatal auto collision involves implications that extend far beyond the loss of life. Surviving loved ones lost a family member, often one they depended upon for financial support, care, and guidance. In such situations, it is important to discuss your rights with a Miami car accidents attorney. You can also review some fatal auto crash statistics to understand just how common these tragedies are.
Fatal Crashes in Miami and the Rest of Florida
Taking a closer look at the fatal motor vehicle crash data, you can see certain trends develop:
- Use of drugs and alcohol continue to be a primary factor in deadly crashes. On average, 15 people lose their lives in crashes involving drunk driving and 14 more are killed in drugged driving accidents every year. Throughout the state of Florida, the yearly average is 402 and 307 total fatalities in alcohol and drug crashes, respectively.
- Total motor vehicle accidents across Florida is on the rise, as there were 403,626 in 2018, compared to 402,385 and 395,785 in the previous two years.
- Deadly auto crashes tend to cause multiple fatalities. The three-year average of fatal accidents in Florida is 2,935, but there were 3,176 deaths in these incidents.
Deadly Auto Crashes and Vulnerable Victim Demographics
When you review the data from the perspective of vulnerable road users, you may be shocked by the figures in Miami-Dade County for 2018:
- 107 pedestrians were killed;
- 744 victims lost their lives in bicycle accidents; and,
- There were 45 fatalities in motorcycle crashes.
Common Causes of Fatal Car Accidents in Florida
Though there are countless factors that contribute to deadly auto crashes and every incident is unique, some of the reasons behind fatal collisions may not surprise you. They include:
- Drunk and drugged driving, as mentioned above;
- Reckless driving and road rage;
- Improper lane changes;
- Failure to yield to other vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists;
- Wrong way driving; and,
- Speeding.
Consult with a Miami Car Accident Lawyer About Rights of Survivors
If a loved one was killed in a fatal auto collision in Florida, you may be able to recover compensation through a legal action called a wrongful death claim. These cases are intended to cover the losses of surviving family members, which can be extensive considering you can no longer rely on the decedent’s contribution to your life. For more information on your rights after a deadly car accident, please contact Gerson & Schwartz, PA to schedule a free consultation at our offices in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or West Palm Beach, FL.