Fort Lauderdale is Florida's second-largest city. It attracts more than 10 million visitors yearly and has a population of 165,000. Tens of thousands of snowbirds make Fort Lauderdale their summer home. It is no surprise that the city has a high volume of traffic and a large number of tourists who are unfamiliar with the roads, which leads to many traffic accidents.
In a state known for reckless driving, thousands of car accidents occur annually in Fort Lauderdale. Uninsured drivers, drunk drivers, and drivers distracted by their phones have all contributed to the city's reputation as having some of the country's most dangerous roads.
In terms of Fort Lauderdale's road safety, what are the actual statistics? What actions should you take if you get involved in an accident in the city? This guide will teach you all about Fort Lauderdale accident statistics and your legal options when you get into a crash.
If you suffered injuries or lost a loved one in a car accident, contact a Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer today for a free case evaluation.
Car Accident Statistics in Fort Lauderdale
Tens of thousands of people are injured or killed due to car accidents each year in Fort Lauderdale. These unfortunate events leave numerous individuals to mourn the loss of their loved ones.
The state's Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reported 35,400 crashes in 2022 throughout Fort Lauderdale and Broward County. Of those, 20,888 suffered injuries and 237 people were killed.
Although accident rates involving drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs dropped in 2020 during the pandemic, the numbers have increased in the years since. In 2022, the area reported 154 alcohol-only vehicle crashes, with 85 injuries and three deaths. The area also reported 12 injuries and five deaths related to drug-only vehicle accidents.
Fort Lauderdale Auto Accident Statistics
Source: https://www.flhsmv.gov/
Pedestrian Accidents in Fort Lauderdale
Being a pedestrian can be dangerous, and this risk is higher in Fort Lauderdale due to the high number of tourists. They frequently stroll the streets between stores and the beach as they go about their daily routines. Car drivers do not always look out for people. Accidents still occur, despite the presence of crosswalks and other safety measures. In fact, many locals complain about the poor quality of the sidewalks.
In the United States, Fort Lauderdale is the second-most dangerous city for pedestrians. Cars and pedestrians alike are at risk on the roads. In 2022, there were 862 pedestrian crashes, with 680 injuries and 61 fatalities.
Hit and Run Statistics in Fort Lauderdale
Hit and run accidents are another common alarming phenomenon in Fort Lauderdale that has claimed many lives. Nearly 30 percent of the traffic accidents in Fort Lauderdale are hits and runs.
There were 10,643 hit and run crashes in 2022 in the Fort Lauderdale area, with 2,130 injuries and 36 fatalities. This is a slight decrease in numbers from 2021, when the area reported almost 13,000 hit and run crashes, with 2.397 injuries and 34 fatalities.
Bicycle and Motorcycle Accident Statistics in Fort Lauderdale
NHTSA data shows that in October 2021, the states with the most bicycle fatalities were Florida, California, and Texas. At 0.75 per 100,000 residents, Florida had the highest per capita death rate from bicycle accidents.
Fort Lauderdale saw 614 bicycle crashes in 2022, with 575 injuries and 14 fatalities. Also that year, the area saw 642 motorcycle accidents, with 516 injuries and 32 deaths.
Some speculate the causes of the alarmingly high accident rate in Fort Lauderdale are:
- It is a seasonal city: A drop in temperature in other cities while Fort Lauderdale remains warm causes numerous individuals to flock to the area. Increased population means more traffic, which leads to more accidents.
- It is a party city: Increased tourist population contributes to the party vibe in the city. Since driving is a culture in Fort Lauderdale, it makes the roads even more dangerous.
- It is a growing city: Fort Lauderdale's rapid growth creates traffic problems. To improve traffic, more roads were constructed, increasing the chances of an accident because debris can blow onto the road and trigger a collision.
Securing Compensation for Injuries Sustained After Accidents in Fort Lauderdale
Accidents can drastically alter your and your family's life. An accident attorney in Fort Lauderdale can track down the parties responsible for your accident. It is not uncommon for accident reconstructionists to re-create the site of the accident as part of their investigation. Speeding, texting while driving, construction hazards, automotive issues, and intoxicated driving are all examples of some of the causes of most road mishaps.
An attorney can assist you in obtaining compensation from a variety of sources. No matter how serious your injuries are and how little the money you can get from the other driver's insurer is, an experienced lawyer can pursue compensation from other parties who may be liable. For instance, you may recover compensation from a party host or restaurant that served a visibly intoxicated drunk driver.
What if a car accident injured you? Do not argue with insurance companies. To prevent the stress of battling through personal injury claims to receive full compensation for past and future medical expenses, loss of earning capacity, lost income, vocational rehabilitation if necessary, and pain and suffering, you need to hire an experienced personal injury attorney.
Spouses, children, or parents can file wrongful death lawsuits when their loved ones die in car accidents. Assisting those who have suffered a financial setback can help them focus on their recovery and reorganizing their lives. If survivors cannot work due to their injuries, they may be entitled to compensation for their medical bills, lost pay, emotional distress, and other losses.
Do You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer?
If you or your loved one is involved in an accident in Fort Lauderdale and you want to file an insurance claim or an injury lawsuit, a personal injury attorney can help. The right personal injury attorneys have vast experience in tirelessly fighting and winning compensation claims for their clients to recover damages from a personal injury.
Contact a personal injury attorney today and let them help you navigate the legal process complexities to pursue the best possible outcome for you.