What Are The Odds Of Dying In A Motor Vehicle Accident In Florida?
According to the FLHSMV, there were a total of 401,179 traffic crashes in Florida in 2021. The total number of people who died in traffic crashes that year in Florida was 3,771. Additionally, as a result of the 401,179 traffic crashes, 252,903 people sustained injuries. Because of the many deaths that happen every year in Florida because of traffic crashes, you might be wondering, “What are the odds of dying in a motor vehicle accident in Florida?” The reality is that the odds of dying in a motor vehicle accident are relatively high compared to other causes of death. However, many factors can influence a person’s odds of dying in a motor vehicle accident.
The Odds of Dying in a Motor Vehicle Accident
The National Safety Council calculated the odds of a person dying from different causes of death. According to the NSC, your odds of dying in a motor vehicle accident are 1 in 101. However, this is based on calculations that were done in 2019. According to the NSC, your odds of dying in a motor vehicle accident are higher than your odds of dying from, among others, a fall, drowning, and fire or smoke. However, it is lower than your odds of dying from, among others, heart disease, cancer, COVID-19, and chronic lower respiratory disease.
Thinking about your odds of dying in a motor vehicle accident can be scary. However, it is crucial to remember that some factors could impact your odds of dying in a motor vehicle accident. For example, people who travel more miles in a year in a vehicle could have a higher chance of being involved in a fatal motor vehicle accident than those who drive fewer miles. Driving behaviors can also significantly affect a person’s odds of dying in a motor vehicle accident. For example, drivers who speed or operate their vehicles while impaired may have a higher chance of being involved in a fatal motor vehicle accident than drivers who don’t speed or engage in impaired driving.
Reducing the Risk of Being in a Fatal Motor Vehicle Accident
Thankfully, you can take steps to reduce your risk of being in a fatal motor vehicle accident. The following are some of the steps you can take to reduce your odds of being involved in a motor vehicle accident;
- Avoid operating your vehicle when impaired
- Avoid driving over the posted speed limit
- Avoid distracted driving
- Avoid drowsy driving
- Obey traffic laws
- Do not follow other vehicles too closely
Seeking Compensation After a Fatal Motor Vehicle Accident in Florida
In Florida, when a person dies in a motor vehicle accident because of another party’s fault, the deceased person’s family has the right to recover compensation from the at-fault party. The following are some of the damages family members may be entitled to in a Florida wrongful death claim;
- Pain and suffering
- Burial expenses
- Loss of parental companionship, guidance, and instruction
Legal Help Is Available
If you need help with a personal injury or wrongful death case in Florida, our Orlando personal injury attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm are here for you.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Fort Myers, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Tampa, Jacksonville, Ocala, Bradenton, West Palm Beach, and Daytona Beach areas.
Source:
flhsmv.gov/traffic-crash-reports/crash-dashboard/
