People are returning to school and work. Employers are hiring, and tourism is picking up, as restrictions on social gathering and dining are being eased. And, according to data provided to The Associated Press by the transportation analytics firm Inrix, the number of daily passenger vehicle trips reached pre-pandemic levels for the first time in a year at the end of March.
It is likely that in the coming spring and summer months, traffic accidents will increase. More cars on the road mean will likely mean more crashes, and more vehicle drivers, passengers, motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians being injured or killed.
2021 Florida Crash Statistics
People are injured or killed daily in Florida car accidents. According to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Department (FLHSMV) crash dashboard, so far in 2021, there have been 92,867 crashes, including 38,540 injury crashes, and 800 fatal crashes (resulting in 876 fatalities. . Of all the reported crashes, 25,278 were hit and run crashes, including 5,829 injury hit and run accidents, and 62 fatal hit and run accidents. In Pinellas County 6,645 crashes have been reported so far in 2021, including 2,952 injury accidents, and 52 fatal accidents.
Florida has one of the highest rates of hit and run accidents in the country. Despite it being against the law to leave the scene of an accident, there were more than 105,000 hit-and-run crashes in Florida for 2019. FLHSMV reports that most deadly hit-and-runs happen at night or when it’s darker, or visibility is reduced.
What To Do After a Florida Car Accident
If you are involved in a car accident resulting in injury or death, you should immediately report it to police. Attempt to get the license plate of the other vehicle or vehicles as quickly as you can. While you wait for police or law enforcement to come and take a report, you should capture as much evidence as possible – including taking photos or videos of the accident scene.
As soon as possible, you should seek medical attention. Do not delay seeing a doctor. If you file a personal injury claim later and did not seek medical attention, the insurance company may suggest that your injuries were not as serious as you claim, or even that you are fabricating them. You can avoid issues or complications with the damages portion of your claim by going to the emergency room quickly. If your treating physician recommends imaging tests or a follow-up visit with your primary care provider or a specialist, do not ignore their recommendations.
Speak to an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer As Soon As Possible
Time is of the essence following a car accident. If you or a family member have been injured in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Land O’ Lakes, Sarasota, or Lakeland, contact the Coleman Law Group as soon as possible to discuss your potential case. Your initial consultation is free and if we represent you, we will not charge any fees unless we recover compensation for you. Call us at (877) 822-9292.
