More than 235,000 Florida car accidents were reported in 2009, claiming 2,563 lives and injuring more than 197,000 motorists, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle's annual report.
Somewhere in Florida an accident happens every 2 minutes, every day, all year long. While the 2,563 fatalities recorded in 2009 represents a four-year trend of declining traffic deaths, it still means that more than seven motorists a day are killed on Florida roads. A South Florida injury lawyer should be contacted whenever a motorist is involved in a traffic accident. Frequently, injuries resulting from an accident are not readily apparent. Head, back and neck injuries, in particular, can take months or even years to develop. Failure to protect yourself in the wake of a car accident can result in an inability to collect damages for long-term medical problems, loss of work or medical expenses.
A look at the numbers:
Traffic Accidents: 235,778
Fatal Accidents: 2,372
Traffic Fatalities: 2,563
Injuries: 197,214
Alcohol-related Fatalities: 1,004
Pedestrian Accidents: 8,248 crashes killed 482 pedestrians and injured 7,676.
Bicycle Accidents: 4,774 crashes killed 100 riders and injured 4,376.
Motorcycle Accidents: 8,313 accidents killed 402 riders and injured 7,435.
Understanding the factors that cause an accident can help protect a motorist from being involved in one. These statistics make several important points. First and foremost is the issue of Florida drunk driving accidents, which continue to be responsible for more than one-third of fatal accidents in Florida.
And, while motorcycle accidents declined by 25 percent last year, more than 400 riders were killed on the road, accounting for 1 in every 6 traffic fatalities.
The time of day also played a role. Friday at 4 p.m. was the most dangerous time on Florida roads; a total of 2,921 accidents were reported during the four o'clock hour. Sunday during the midnight hour -- Saturday night, in other words -- was the deadliest time on the road; 33 people were killed in accidents shortly after midnight Saturday.
If you or a loved one is injured or killed in a South Florida car accident, contact the Hollander Law Firm for a free and confidential appointment to discuss your rights. Fort Myers: (239) 337-7070. Boca Raton: (561) 347-7770. Naples: (239) 774-7779.
