Auto Accident Statistics in Fort Lauderdale

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.

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.

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!

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.