Although Florida enjoys wide highways and good weather throughout the year, the state is also home to several cities that rank among some of the most dangerous cities to drive in.
Most Dangerous Driving Cities in Florida
The most dangerous driving cities in Florida, based on factors such as motor vehicle fatality rates per 100,000 residents, the likelihood of an accident, and number of vehicle thefts, include:
- Fort Lauderdale
- Hialeah
- Hollywood
- Orlando
- Jacksonville
- Tampa
- St. Petersburg
- Miami
- Pembroke Pines
- Tallahassee
- Cape Coral
Florida ranks near the top of all states for most cities in the top rankings of deadliest driving cities.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Florida
Car accidents occur in Florida for many reasons. Some of the most frequent causes of crashes include:
- Speeding, or driving too fast for road, weather, or lighting conditions.
- Tailgating, or following too closely.
- Reckless driving, such as racing or weaving in and out of traffic.
- Distracted driving, including texting while driving, eating or drinking, or reaching around in the passenger compartment.
- Tired or fatigued driving
- Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
- Unsafe lane changes.
- Running stop signs or red lights.
- Failing to signal before turning or changing lanes.
- Failure to yield the right of way.
- Not checking mirrors or blind spots before backing up or changing lanes.
- Inexperience behind the wheel.
- Design or manufacturing defects in vehicles or vehicle parts.
- Inadequate vehicle maintenance.
- Bad weather
- Poor road conditions
Read more: Answers to Your Most Common Questions About Florida Car Accidents
What to Do If You’ve Been in a Motor Vehicle Accident
After you’ve been involved in a car accident in Florida, there are steps you should take that can help protect your legal rights to obtain compensation for injuries or vehicle damage that you have suffered:
- Contact the police, or fill out a vehicle accident report.
- Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver or drivers.
- Take photos of the scene (if you are not seriously injured and if it is safe to do so), including details like vehicle damage, marks in the road, traffic controls and road lines, weather conditions, how heavy traffic is, or any visual obstructions that any driver experienced.
- See a doctor as soon as possible after the accident to get examined for any injuries you suffered in the accident. If you have any visible injuries, you should take photos of them as well. Follow any treatment recommendations or instructions that your doctor gives you.
- Keep copies of any bills, invoices, or receipts for expenses you incur due to the accident. Also make sure you have copies of paystubs or income statements if you lose wages or income due to missed work following the accident.
- Avoid discussing the accident on social media, or posting photos or videos of yourself while you are still undergoing treatment for your injuries. You may end up inadvertently posting something that contradicts what you’ve claimed or alleged in your legal claim.
- Finally, speak to an experienced motor vehicle accident attorney to learn more about your rights and options and to get help with pursuing a claim for compensation from the driver or other parties at fault for the accident.
Read more: 4 Steps to Obtaining Car Accident Compensation in Florida
Contact a Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Motor Vehicle Accident Case in Florida
Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a motor vehicle accident in Florida? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Lawlor, White & Murphey represent clients injured because of motor vehicle accidents in Coconut Creek, Plantation, Pompano Beach, and Pembroke Pines, and throughout Florida. Call (954) 525-2345 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 2211 Davie Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312, as well as offices in Pembroke Pines, Weston, Coconut Creek, Plantation, and Pompano Beach.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.