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According to the U.S. Census, Florida’s total population was estimated to exceed 22.6 million in 2023 –only California and the Lone Star State have higher populations. Florida also ranked #1 in net migration – defined as the difference between the number of people moving in and the number of people moving out of a state. This uptick means more chances for accidents.
While Florida’s unexpected meteoric rise in popularity offers the state the opportunity to grow into a mega-profitable state – it also means that existing roads (and an essential but aging ‘water management district’) are pushed to the limits – and will continue to test the upper limits until the state can focus on improving the infrastructure by –
- Widening roads.
- Adding helpful signage.
- Installing additional traffic lights and
- Implementing measures to enhance pedestrian, bicyclist, and motorcyclist safety so the state can manage/handle the remarkable number of new residents that now call the Sunshine State home.
Florida’s Roads
Whether you are a resident or visitor, Florida offers drivers year-round thrills – with more than 1,300 miles of sandy coastline, unspoiled water views, fabulous wildlife, natural environments, and more.
However, while you are navigating the byways – exploring the Everglades, the Space Coast, the Keys, or an Orlando theme park, every driver should understand Florida’s rules of the road and the inherent risks of driving in a state where the driving population is often defined by –
- Visitors/tourists from other countries unfamiliar with American driving rules – like being used to driving on the other side of the road.
- Population density makes traffic tricky to negotiate.
- People on vacation, distracted by everything.
- Inconsistent road conditions/signage throughout the state.
- An exceptionally high number of senior citizen drivers, etc.
A Closer Look at Automobile Stats
According to the FLHSMV – the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles’ Dashboard, there were 393,566 crashes on Florida’s highways and roads in 2023. The accident count on Florida’s roads in 2023 caused more than ¼ million injuries and nearly 3,400 fatalities.
In a 2022 USA Today analysis, the number of fatalities on Florida’s roads increased 24% from 2019 to 2022 – placing its increase ninth worst in the country. According to the car accident attorneys at Morgan Law Group, common causes of an auto accident in the Sunshine State include –
- Distracted driving.
- Speeding.
- Reckless driving, and,
- Driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs.
A Closer Look at Motorcycles on Florida’s Roads
Cruising Florida’s coastlines – which can be done 12 months a year – is a fantastic pastime for those who ride the 600,000+ registered Florida motorcyclists. However, motorcycle wrecks are a serious concern because bike accidents tend to cause more severe injuries and more fatalities due to the lack of rider protection compared to passenger vehicles.
According to the FLHSMV, in 2023, there were 9,511 motorcycle crashes in Florida, which caused 602 fatalities that year.
The Morgan Law Group, a leading motorcycle accident lawyer in Florida, notes that if you want to operate a two/three-wheeled motorcycle (with an engine larger than 50 ccs) in the state, a driver is required to have a motorcycle endorsement on their driver’s license or hold a ‘Motorcycle Only’ license. If you fail to ride without the appropriate license, you will be violating Florida law.
Motorcycle accidents primarily happen due to –
- Distracted Drivers.
- Speeding.
- Road Hazards.
- Weather Conditions, and more.
Helmet laws in Florida, which remain a critical heated debate, add another layer of risk. Currently – FL Statutes Title XXIII 316.21 notes that –
- Riders who are not yet 21 years of age must wear a helmet while operating (i.e., riding) a motorcycle.
- If riders are 21+, they don’t need to wear a helmet but need to carry a minimum of $10,000 in insurance coverage to pay for medical benefits should they sustain injuries.
- The law also states that all riders of any age must wear proper eye protection when riding a motorcycle on public roads.
An NIH study compared statistical data from before and after the state’s 2000 helmet repeal revealed that the new helmet law caused an increase in motorcycle rider deaths by at least 48.6 percent.
Wear a helmet – it is a vital piece of safety equipment that might just save your life.
A Closer Look at Truck Accidents in the Sunshine State
Due to the state’s extensive network of highways and key ports on both sides of the peninsula, Florida’s roads see significant truck traffic. As logic predicts, this leads to an increased risk/occurrence of truck crashes, which, based on the weight/size disparity of trucks and other vehicles, typically results in severe and catastrophic results.
TruckInfo.net’s 2023 year-end article revealed the states had the highest number of truck wrecks, specifically highlighting large, commercial truck accidents involving vehicles 10,000+ pounds (which it is noted excludes pick-up trucks) and spotlighting crashes involving tractor-trailers, delivery trucks, dump trucks, etc.
The article notes that Florida had the third-most truck crashes(and the 3rd-greatest number of related fatalities) in 2022 compared to other states. This should serve as a stark reminder about the potential dangers that exist for drivers driving alongside the thousands of large commercial trucks throughout Florida. Florida also ranked fourth in the country, given it had the highest number of truck accident injuries during the same analysis period.
A truck accident can happen for many reasons/factors, which include –
- Driver fatigue from long hours on the road.
- Distracted driving.
- Improper loading.
- Speeding or inexperienced drivers.
- Impaired driving.
- Equipment failure/improper maintenance, and
- Aggressive driving/failure to yield.
Truck accidents that happen due to the above-noted errors often cause serious injuries and, at times, fatalities for those unfortunate enough to be involved in a vehicle collision with a large commercial truck.
Contact a Leading Florida Accident Attorney Today
If you or someone you love/know has been involved in a car, truck, or motorcycle mishap or accident, it’s imperative to consult with a seasoned and qualified car accident lawyer who can help you understand and recognize your legal rights. Then, you will be ready to pursue a deserved claim of compensation. For more information, contact a member of our legal team at The Morgan Law Group.
