Florida Accidents and Traffic Deaths Decline in 2018

Florida 2018 Accident Statistics

New statistics show that Florida saw a decline in total traffic accidents and traffic deaths in 2018.  In fact, in 2018, Florida saw a decrease of 6,000 traffic accidents and almost 150 traffic accident-related fatalities.  This is good news.  It also reverses a dangerous trend from 2014 – 2017 which saw year-over-year increases of traffic accidents.

Not all news was good news.  There was an increase of Pedestrian deaths and Bicycle deaths in 2018.    2018 also continued the trend of increased commercial vehicle traffic accidents.  Since 2014, the number of commercial vehicle accidents has increased every year from 34,478 to 44,435 – an additional 10,000 in a single year!

When looking at the numbers for Brevard County, Orange County, Osceola County, Seminole County, and Volusia County, the only Seminole County saw a decrease in the number of traffic accidents.  In 2018, Seminole County saw 78 less accidents, a decrease of approximately 1%.  Every county listed above saw a decrease in traffic accident-related deaths except for Osceola County which had 4 more accident-related deaths than it did in 2017.

Reasons for Car Accidents, Injuries and Deaths

Car accidents, injuries and deaths are, unfortunately, an inevitability on our roadways today.  However, we are seeing promising signs these numbers are stabilizing after a period of significant increase.  From 2014 to 2016, Florida saw the number of traffic accidents go from 344,657 to 395,968 – an increase of almost 15%.  During the same time period Florida saw the number of accident-related deaths increase over 25%!

The main culprits continue to be inattentive drivers, distracted drivers, DUI drivers, and careless drivers.  Florida has attempted to address some of these issues.  In 2018, Florida made it an offense to drive while texting.  However, this bill was largely without teeth and made the infraction a secondary offense only.

Injuries or Death from Car Accident

If you or a loved one has sustained injuries or wrongful death as a result of a car accident, you need to speak with an injury attorney immediately to help protect your rights under Florida law.

Just because someone admits fault at the scene does not mean they will admit fault later.  If they change their story, you may not be able to use the statement they told law enforcement at the scene.  Additionally, injuries may quickly worsen in the days following a accident if you do not seek immediate medical care.

Finally, remember who you are dealing with – insurance companies.  Insurance companies are for-profit companies which make their money by taking in premiums and paying as little as possible on claims.  Without legal representation, you may hurt your case without even realizing it.

GET YOUR FREE INJURY CASE REVIEW TODAY

If you have been injured, contact Presser Law for a free case review with an attorney to determine your legal rights.  For over 10 years I have represented injury victims throughout Central Florida in their times of need and I would be honored to help you as well.