Fort Lauderdale is home to more than 182,000 residents. As one of Florida’s most popular tourist destinations, the city is a vacation spot for over ten million tourists annually. So naturally, the substantial influx of visitors unaccustomed to its highways and streets is likely to create endless dangers.
True to the fact, the larger South Florida region has an irrefutable reputation for bad driving habits; hence it is not a surprise that Fort Lauderdale is the site of thousands of car crashes. Whether it is uninsured motorists, intoxicated drivers, or road users distracted by their phones, bad drivers have contributed to the city's reputation as the most dangerous place in the U.S.
So what are the actual figures depicting the state of road safety in Fort Lauderdale? And what is the way forward if you have had an accident here? This guide will take you through the motor vehicle accident statistics in the metropolitan and how you can seek legal remedies.
Also, reach out to an experienced car accident lawyer for a free assessment of your motor vehicle accident claim.
Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Statistics
Unfortunately, motor vehicle accidents are relatively common on Florida’s roadways. FLHSMV (The state’s Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles) reported 400,431 accidents in 2021. These incidents resulted in 3,707 fatalities and 252,562 injuries.
Fort Lauderdale is constantly among the state’s most dangerous cities for motorists. The FLHSMV reported 41,374 motorist crashes in Broward County, which caused 263 fatalities and 23,096 injuries. The state has reported over 6,000 crashes in the county as of March 2022.
Fatal Car Accident Statistics in Fort Lauderdale
In 2021, there were 263 motor vehicle accident fatalities in Broward County resulting from 244 fatal crashes.
These included:
- 17 bicycle-related fatalities from 716 incidents
- 76 pedestrian-related fatalities from 1,036 incidents
- 33 hit-and-run fatalities from 12,994 incidents
- 38 motorcycle-related fatalities from 702 incidents
- 28 DUI-related fatalities from 208 incidents
Notably, Florida reports 14 to 16 traffic fatalities for every 100,000 residents, above the national average of 11 to 12 fatalities per 100,000 residents.
Broward County Total Vehicle Accidents 2021
Source:https://www.flhsmv.gov/traffic-crash-reports/crash-dashboard/
Broward County Vehicle-Related Fatalities 2021
Source:https://www.flhsmv.gov/traffic-crash-reports/crash-dashboard/
Fort Lauderdale Hit-and-Run Statistics
A large chunk of Broward Count vehicle accidents involves hit-and-run incidents. These accidents comprise one in every three traffic crashes here. In 2021, there were 12,994 reported hit-and-run incidents, which caused 355 injuries and 33 deaths.
If you were involved in an accident speak with a car accident attorney to see if your eligible to file a claim.
Drunk and Drugged Driving Statistics in Fort Lauderdale
Impaired driving may involve being in control of a vehicle while under the influence of drugs only, alcohol only, or their combination. Such incidents caused 830 statewide fatalities in 2021, 28 of these experienced in Broward County.
The increased impaired driving cases necessitated the FLMSMV to launch the sensitization campaign “Never Drive Impaired.” It aims to reduce accidents, injuries, and fatalities by educating motorists on the risks of controlling a vehicle while intoxicated.
If you were involved in an accident speak with a drunk driving accident attorney to see if your eligible to file a claim.
Pedestrian Accident Statistics in Fort Lauderdale
According to the pedestrian safety group Smart Growth America, Florida topped last decade’s ranking of the most dangerous states for pedestrians. The state reported the highest pedestrian fatalities for every 100,000 residents.
Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach was the 13th most dangerous metropolitan area for pedestrians. Topping the list was the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford metro area. Broward County formed 11 percent of the state’s 9,524 pedestrian crashes, with 76 deaths and 7,335 injuries.
If you were involved in an accident speak with a Pedestrian accident attorney to see if your eligible to file a claim.
Fort Lauderdale Bicycle Accident Statistics
Fort Lauderdale has some of the most dangerous roads for cyclists. According to an NHTSA report released in October 2021, the state experienced the highest bicycle fatality rate. Out of every 100,000 residents, there were 0.75 deaths, way above the national average of 0.26 deaths for the same number of people.
According to the FLHSMV, 182 Florida residents lost their lives in bicycle crashes, making up about 5 percent of 2021’s traffic-related deaths. Moreover, these accidents caused 5,963 injuries.
Broward County recorded 716 bicycle-related crashes during the same period. These resulted in 672 injuries and 17 lost lives. Cyclist-related fatalities formed about 6.5 percent of total traffic accident deaths in the county, way higher than Florida’s bicycle fatality rate.
If you were involved in an accident speak with a Bicycle accident attorney to see if your eligible to file a claim.
Fort Lauderdale Motorcycle Accident Statistics
Recently, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety studied the number of motorcycles in the country. According to the findings, California and Florida states housed the greatest percentage of the country’s registered motorcycles. The report also states that there were more than 645,000 registered motorcycles in Florida as of 2021.
According to the NHTSA, Florida recorded the largest number of motorcycle-related fatalities in 2019. Startlingly, 51 percent of these deaths involved people riding without a helmet. California was second in this ranking, but only 6 percent of these fatalities involved unhelmeted riders.
In 2021, Florida recorded 8,614 motorcycle accidents, leaving 7,408 injured victims and 578 fatalities. In Broward County, there were 702 biker accidents, forming about 8 percent of the motorcycle crashes reported in the state. There were 578 injured, and the crashes caused 38 deaths.
Which Are the Most Dangerous Roads in Fort Lauderdale?
Pedestrians and motorists alike should be more vigilant when at Atlantic Boulevard and U.S. 1, and A1A Las Olas Boulevard, as the intersections witness thousands of crashes every year. The situation could result from proximity to the beach, which leaves many drivers distracted from noticing a pedestrian crossing or the braking vehicle in front of them. Pedestrians must take several more seconds to ensure the vehicles have completely stopped before they cross.
Moreover, interstates and highways like the Florida Turnpike, Everglades Parkway, and I-95 south are the best routes to move around South Florida. But motorists moving at dangerous speeds create a constant danger of motor vehicle accidents.
What Makes Fort Lauderdale Risky for Motorists?
There is no direct explanation for why the city records numerous motor vehicle crashes every year. However, the following leading factors contribute to this prevalence:
1. It Is a Seasonal City
Fort Lauderdale’s population increases as temperatures in other U.S. cities drop. The city hosts numerous seasonal residents, which is great for the economy. But for road users, it is bad news.
A higher population means more traffic and more crashes. It is easy to monitor traffic patterns in steadily populated regions and make relevant adjustments. But the city's seasonal population requires an adjustment period.
Light cycles should change seasonally, but there are weeks when they are not timed well, which confuses motorists. In such moments, it is common to encounter frustrated and aggressive drivers. This could contribute to the frequency of vehicle crashes during the adjustment period.
2. The City Is Still Growing
A booming, rapidly growing city like Fort Lauderdale will likely encounter more traffic issues. While the municipality has made tremendous changes to account for more vehicles on the roadways, adjusting takes time.
Constructing is another issue. The city is constructing roads to improve traffic, but this comes with the potential for accidents. These projects have created hazardous, debris-filled roadways, brought about confusion, and led to collisions.
3. A Lot of People Party Here
More tourists keep streaming into Fort Lauderdale’s Hollywood International Airport every year. The increased tourism immensely contributes to the city’s constant party mood. Drinking and partying have become part of the culture, and you will come across multiple bars when walking down Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard.
Unfortunately, too much fun and drinks make the roadways more dangerous. DUI convictions are among the most common in Broward County. Driving while intoxicated does not always cause an accident, but it is one of the top reasons for numerous crashes.
You Can Recover Compensation After a Fort Lauderdale Motor Vehicle Crash
The shocking Fort Lauderdale car accident statistics above emphasize the need to understand the procedure of obtaining financial compensation after a motor vehicle crash. Of course, the cash will not heal your physical and emotional pain or erase the scars, but you will use the compensation to address any financial needs resulting from the crash. Getting the money is even crucial if someone else’s negligence caused the crash, as it can aid a successful recovery.
Fort Lauderdale is in a no-fault state, so motorists must file a claim with their insurer regardless of whose negligence caused the accident. By law, drivers must purchase PIP (Personal Injury Protection) coverage of at least $10,000, intended to compensate for their medical expenses and lost income.
Suppose the above compensation elements exceed the PIP threshold or the accident has left you with a permanent injury. In that case, you can file a personal injury lawsuit seeking additional remuneration for the damages. Depending on the circumstances, you may receive reimbursement for all out-of-pocket expenses related to the crash and your pain and suffering.
Do Not File a Claim Alone if You Are in an Accident
You must constantly drive carefully in Fort Lauderdale. However, there is no guarantee that you will be entirely safe from a motor vehicle accident. Another motorist’s recklessness and negligence could easily turn you into an accident victim.
The laws are clear for such circumstances. You can file a successful lawsuit against the at-fault party and recover sufficient compensation to cover any out-of-pocket expenses you may have incurred. But the process is not as straightforward and comprises numerous bottlenecks that could prevent you from getting the deserved amount.
You may face difficulties because you could be nursing injuries resulting from the incident, which may hamper the entire process, from evidence gathering to filing a court case. Even if you can pursue the claim, the profit-focused insurance company will strive to reduce the settlement. They will even try to convince you to accept the low ball offer and may employ delay tactics to increase your financial needs.
It is easy to blunder if you do not know your rights or if it is your first time filing such a claim, and the mistakes can affect your case. But this will not be the case if you partner with a reputable Fort Lauderdale motor vehicle accident attorney.
7 Reasons A Lawyer Can Help With Your Car Accident Claim
A reputable Fort Lauderdale attorney will increase the chances of a successful case that would attract the best settlement possible.
They can:
- Give you peace of mind - After the accident, you should find the right state of mind to recover. The knowledge that someone experienced in law is defending your rights and fighting for compensation will give you this peace of mind.
- Gather evidence - Injuries from the accident and not knowing the procedure after an accident could hinder you from gathering evidence. But your attorney knows the critical elements of the case and can gather the required facts and documentation to determine the liable party and prove negligence.
- Defend your rights - It is easy to be under-compensated or lose the claim if you do not know your legal privileges. However, your attorney will define your rights and protect your best interests throughout the case.
- Negotiate with insurers - Insurers can be difficult, and it can be challenging to negotiate a fair settlement. But car accident lawyers are experienced in this and will negotiate with them in your best interests.
- Determine total damages - Numerous factors come into play when determining the possible legal remedies. An experienced attorney is familiar with them and will ensure your total compensation comprises all the damages resulting from the accident.
- Represent you in court - In rare circumstances, the car accident case may fail to settle through negotiations and proceed to trial. But you do not need to worry as your attorney understands the courts and will represent you fully.
- Negotiate with lenders - Lienholders can come after you once the case concludes. But your attorney will negotiate with the lenders after you have sought a loan to cover your out-of-pocket expenses as you await compensation.
A Qualified Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney Is Ready to Evaluate Your Case
Did you experience a road accident in Fort Lauderdale due to someone else’s negligence? You may have a valid claim that could win you compensation. So your next move should be to seek legal counsel.
The experienced personal injury attorney is ready to evaluate your case for free. Typically, you will not pay legal fees upfront or as the case progresses since personal injury attorneys often will deduct the charges from the final compensation. So do not wait. Reach out today for your free assessment and have a car accident attorney review your claim.
Gabriel Levin - Owner/Founder
Gabriel Levin is a highly experienced and award-winning attorney with over 10 years of practice in Pennsylvania. Known for his tenacity, he has represented clients in a wide range of civil matters and tried hundreds of cases. He prepares each case as if it will go to trial, ensuring meticulous attention to detail.
Unlike many firms that delegate tasks, Attorney Levin personally handles every aspect of each case and maintains open communication with his clients throughout. He has secured millions in compensation, making him a smart choice for those seeking legal representation.
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