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Jul 5, 2024

America’s Deadliest Counties for Traffic Fatalities

Traffic accidents claim a life every 12 minutes in the United States, leading to approximately 43,000 fatalities annually. However, certain counties have alarmingly higher rates of traffic deaths compared to others in our great nation. Interestingly, Miami was not in the Top-20 list. In 2021, Miami-Dade County witnessed 62,530 traffic accidents, with 22,196 occurring in the City of Miami alone, highlighting the need for robust traffic safety measures and legal support for accident victims. 

Top 20 Deadliest US Counties for Traffic Fatalities

According to the Fatalities Analysis Reporting System (FARS), Florida has six (6) of the deadliest counties for car accidents (with a population of 500,000 or more) are as follows: 

  1. Volusia County, FL – 11.19 (Fatalities per 10k people)
  2. Shelby County, TN – 10.19
  3. Kern County, CA – 9.93
  4. Polk County, FL – 8.57
  5. Pasco County, FL – 8.46
  6. Duval County, FL – 8.16
  7. San Bernardino County, CA – 8.02
  8. Bernalillo County, NM – 8.00
  9. Stanislaus County, CA – 7.85
  10. Fresno County, CA – 7.83
  11. San Joaquin County, CA – 7.63
  12. Jackson County, MO – 7.40
  13. Greenville County, SC – 7.28
  14. Jefferson County, AL – 7.18
  15. Davidson County, TN – 7.12
  16. Hillsborough County, FL – 7.06
  17. Brevard County, FL – 6.90
  18. Jefferson County, KY – 6.83
  19. DeKalb County, GA – 6.79
  20. Pima County, AZ – 6.68

Florida Is #1 with the Highest Number of Deadliest Counties for Traffic Fatalities 

When it comes to the deadliest counties for traffic fatalities, Florida ranks on top with six (6) counties among the top 20, the highest representation of any state in the union. These counties are Volusia, Polk, Pasco, Duval, Hillsborough, and Brevard, highlighting a dangerous trend in the Sunshine State.

Volusia County, FL

  • Population: 579,192
  • Fatalities (2017-2021): 648
  • Deadliest Road: US-1 (82 fatalities)
  • Largest city therein being Deltona

Polk County, FL

  • Population: 787,404
  • Fatalities (2017-2021): 675
  • Deadliest Roads: US-27 & SR-60 (70 fatalities)
  • Largest city therein being Lakeland

Pasco County, FL

  • Population: 608,794
  • Fatalities (2017-2021): 515
  • Deadliest Road: US-19 (112 fatalities)
  • Largest city therein being New Port Richie

Duval County, FL

  • Population: 1,016,536
  • Fatalities (2017-2021): 830
  • Deadliest Road: US-90 (91 fatalities)
  • Largest city therein being Jacksonville (same boundaries)

Hillsborough County, FL

  • Population: 1,513,301
  • Fatalities (2017-2021): 1,069
  • Deadliest Road: US-41 (101 fatalities)
  • Largest city therein being Tampa

Brevard County, FL

  • Population: 630,693
  • Fatalities (2017-2021): 435
  • Deadliest Road: US-1 (96 fatalities)
  • Largest city therein being Palm Bay

Factors Contributing to the High Incidence of Traffic Fatalities in the Deadliest Counties

Speeding

Speeding is a leading cause of traffic fatalities, playing a role in about one-third of all deadly crashes over the past 20 years. 

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving, including activities such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, or using in-car technologies, diverts attention from the road.

Drowsy or Fatigued Driving

Driving while fatigued impairs a motorist’s ability to stay alert and react quickly, which can cause a severe accident.

Driving Under the Influence

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs significantly impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction times, increasing the risk of catastrophic injuries.

Reckless Driving

Reckless driving includes aggressive behaviors such as tailgating, frequent and abrupt lane changes, and running red lights, which increase the risk of collisions.

Failure to Obey Traffic Signals and Signs

Ignoring traffic signals and signs, such as running red lights or stop signs, creates dangerous situations that often result in high-speed crashes.

Inexperienced Drivers

Inexperienced drivers, particularly teenagers, are more prone to accidents due to their lack of driving skills and risk assessment.

Steps to Take If You Are Injured in a Car Accident

  • Ensure Safety: Move to a safe location if/when possible and check for injuries.
  • Call Emergency Services: Contact 911 to report the accident.
  • Seek Medical Attention: Even if injuries seem minor, get a medical evaluation.
  • Document the Scene: Take photos of the scene, vehicle damage, and injuries.
  • Exchange Information: Collect contact and insurance information from other(s).
  • Contact Lawyer Before Reporting Claim: let a professional deal with insurance.
  • Gather Witnesses: Obtain contact information from any witnesses.
  • Keep Records: Maintain records of medical treatments, expenses, and any communication related to the accident.

How the Miami Car Accident Lawyers at Nunez Law Firm Will Help Protect Your Right to Maximum Compensation

Listening with Care and Compassion

We listen to your story with empathy, whether we meet you at the hospital, your home, or our office. Our goal is to offer you support, guidance, and confidence throughout the entire process.

Ensuring Proper Medical Care

Our personal injury lawyer Miami will help ensure you document your injuries.

Prompt Evidence Collection

We act quickly to gather records and send spoliation letters while compiling evidence.

Filing a Civil Claim

Our legal team can assist you in properly filing a civil claim for damages, making sure all legal procedures are followed accurately and promptly within the statute of limitations.

Protecting You from Insurer Tactics

We defend you against insurance companies’ unfair tactics aimed at reducing your claim’s value.

Strong Negotiations with the Insurer

Our car accident attorneys in Miami can aggressively pursue negotiations on your behalf, utilizing evidence to establish liability and secure a fair settlement.

Trial Preparation and Expert Involvement 

We prepare for trial and, if needed, hire experts and other specialists. This proactive approach strengthens negotiating positions to obtain the compensation clients deserve.

Get an Experienced Miami Car Accident Lawyer on Your Side

If you have been injured in a car accident anywhere in Florida, Nunez Law P.L. (a/k/a AccidentLawFirm.com) is ready to provide you with strong legal representation to hold the negligent parties liable and recover fair compensation for your losses. To schedule your free consultation with a personal injury attorney, call us at 305-444-4407 or contact us online, remember that at AccidentLawFirm.com, Our 5-Star Reviews Are No Accident! 

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