As more people move to Florida and tourism continues to surge, you are at greater risk of being hurt in an automobile crash. While rural communities have their share of wrecks, the more populated cities carry higher collision rates and have a greater chance of serious injury. In this post, a West Palm Beach car accident lawyer from Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath reviews the Florida cities with the most car accidents and what you should do if you’ve been hurt by a negligent driver.
#1: Miami
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), the Sunshine State experienced over 400,000 reported crashes in 2023. As the largest city in the state, Miami leads our list of locations with the highest number of car accidents. The FLHSMV’s Florida Crash Dashboard reported 56,961 crashes in Miami-Dade County in 2024, injuring more than 29,000 and killing 287 people.
#2: Tampa
A study by Forbes Advisor lists Tampa as the 10th worst city for bad drivers in the country. Negligent motorists are one factor in the 26,000+ accidents in the city and surrounding area. More than 200 people lose their lives in Tampa car accidents each year, with over 18,000 needing medical treatment for serious injuries.
In addition, intersections and lane merge areas on Tampa streets lead to an increase in pedestrian and bicycle accidents. In 2024, the Florida Crash Dashboard reported 6,345 collisions in Hillsborough County. Of those, 328 accidents involved those on foot and on bikes, with 16 fatalities between the categories.
#3: Orlando
Home to major attractions and theme parks, Orlando deals with heavy traffic along I-4 and its surface streets. With over 70 million visitors every year, this Orange County city saw over 24,400 car accidents in 2024, with 19,483 injuries and 161 fatalities, as reported by the Florida Crash Dashboard.
#4: Boca Raton
Although usually considered a quiet retirement town, Boca Raton has a crash rate higher than expected for its size. According to the Florida Traffic Safety Dashboard, this Palm Beach County city saw almost 4,900 accidents in 2024, with 20 deaths and 58 serious injuries. Most wrecks occurred at intersections, which are home to left-turn collisions, right-turn accidents, and rear-end crashes.
#5: Jacksonville
With fewer people than Miami, Jacksonville is larger geographically, with more local roads and highways. The I-95 and I-10 highways are typically filled with commercial trucks, tourists making their way down to the theme park cities, and local residents commuting to work. Congestion and other factors contributed to just over 23,000 accidents in Duval County during 2024, causing 15,479 injuries and 155 deaths, as reported on the Florida Crash Dashboard.
#6, 7, 8: Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, and Pompano Beach
Located just north of Miami, the cities of Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, and Pompano Beach combined to account for over 38,200 car accidents in Broward County during 2024. Of those, 223 were fatal and 23,106 left victims with some form of personal injury. Contributing factors are similar to those in Miami: distracted driving, driving under the influence, heavy traffic, and road rage.
Take these steps to drive safely in Florida cities
Whether you’re a resident or tourist, it’s important to be aware of the risks involved in getting behind the wheel in Florida. To avoid becoming a statistic, follow these recommendations:
- Plan your trip: Before you start the car, check your GPS device or app, ensuring you understand the full route. Florida is home to constant road construction, and you may have to take detours.
- Check the weather: Summer brings severe thunderstorms, hurricanes, and the potential for flooding. Review the forecast for the length of your trip, even if you’re just going to the grocery store.
- Stay focused: Florida has a hands-free law when it comes to holding a cell phone while driving. Keep your eyes on the road to avoid accidents.
- Drive defensively: You may have learned that “you have to drive for everyone else on the road.” That old adage means to watch out for others who might make bad choices so you keep yourself safe.
- Obey traffic laws: Stick to the speed limit and follow traffic signs, especially in construction zones. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that speeding caused over 12,000 fatalities nationwide in 2022.
In addition, remember that driving under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol is against the law and a leading factor in many car accidents. The FLHSMV reported 4,739 alcohol-impaired crashes in 2024 and 362 drug-involved accidents.
Call Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath if you’ve been involved in a car accident in Florida
No matter what happened or where, a car accident lawyer from West Palm Beach at Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath is ready to discuss your case during a free consultation. We will investigate to determine who is at fault, the severity of your injuries, and ways to maximize your compensation. Act now and call us at (561) 655-1990 or through our contact form to learn more about your legal options today.
