In 2018, there were 33,654 fatal motor vehicle crashes, and 36,560 people lost their lives. A total of 3,133 of these people lost their lives in Florida in the 2,915 fatal accidents that occurred within the state.
The Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) department reported 403,626 total accidents in the Sunshine State. 6,590 of these crashes involved bicycles, 9,143 of them involved motorcycles, and 9,356 of them involved pedestrians. More than 255,000 people were injured, and fatalities unfolded as follows:
- 160 people died in bicycle crashes
- 531 people died in motorcycle accidents
- 720 people died in pedestrian accidents
- 207 people died in hit-and-run crashes
Many of these accidents occurred in Hillsborough County and Pinellas County. The Tampa Bay area is an exciting place to spend time, but it is also home to much of the state’s traffic – and traffic accidents.
Understanding the Statistics
Every number above represents someone’s life, and this scale of fatal and injury-causing accidents is simply unacceptable.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) explored certain crash factors in a state-by-state study. In Florida, the majority (52%) of fatal crashes were single-vehicle crashes and 59% of them involved alcohol.
Driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol is a huge problem in Florida, as are distracted driving behaviors like texting and driving. Sometimes, impaired or uninsured motorists leave the scene of the accident.
All of these behaviors constitute negligence, which means the at-fault parties can be held accountable in court.
Filing a Lawsuit
If you have been harmed by someone else’s negligence, you are more than just a statistic. Paulsen Law Group also understands the impact an auto accident can have on your life.
Instead of suffering in silence and struggling with medical bills, time away from work, and other consequences on your own, call our attorneys.
We can help you hold the at-fault parties liable and pursue the resources you need to recover.
All you need to do is call us at (888) 352-7180 and tell us what happened or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation.