Talking of car accidents, Jacksonville is one of the most dangerous cities in Florida. Statistics show that Jacksonville saw 24,351 motor vehicle crashes in 2022 alone.
Most of these car accidents result from negligent and reckless drivers, where drivers engage in such behaviors as drunk driving and speeding.
Statistics also show that most Jacksonville car accidents are fatal. The number of fatal crashes in the metropolitan Jacksonville area has increased annually since 2018.
This post will analyze Jacksonville’s annual car accident statistics. Read on to learn more and how an experienced Jacksonville car accident attorney can help you after a crash.
Car Accidents in Jacksonville
Jacksonville had 24,351 motor vehicle accidents in a recent year, according to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle Department (FLHSMV).
The FLHSMV statistics further categorized each accident type:
- 10,571 injury crashes
- 7,639 hit-and-run crashes
- 527 pedestrian crashes
- 484 motorcycle crashes
- 288 bicycle crashes
Most accidents in Jacksonville are also fatal. According to the FLHSMV crash report, the area saw 157 accident fatalities last year.
For the last five years, Jacksonville has had an average of 23,537 car accidents yearly and an annual average of 167 fatalities. These figures demonstrate how risky Jacksonville is for drivers and pedestrians.
Why Do Car Accidents Occur in Jacksonville?
There are multiple possible causes of Jacksonville auto accidents. One is the risk posed by particular junctions and highways in the city.
The city’s most dangerous junction is Beach Boulevard and St. Johns Bluff, as News4JAX and an I-TEAM reported. Crashes at this junction are frequently caused by speeding and distracted driving.
Other risky intersections around Jacksonville include the following:
- Atlantic Boulevard and Hodges Boulevard
- Atlantic Boulevard and Southside Boulevard
- Baymeadows Road and Phillips Highway
- Beach Boulevard and Hodges Boulevard
- Beach Boulevard and Southside Boulevard
- Beach Boulevard and University Boulevard
- Philips Highway and Emerson Street
- Philips Highway and University Boulevard
Moreover, many specific causes of crashes result in severe injuries and deaths in Jacksonville. These include:
Distracted driving
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of auto crashes. Drivers face various distractions, such as using the phone when driving, eating, speaking with passengers, or visual distractions outside the vehicle.
Any distraction, even if it lasts a few seconds, can make a driver lose control of the car and cause an accident. The risks associated with distracted driving make it crucial for motorists to always focus on the road.
Speeding
Speeding is another major cause of motor vehicle accidents in Jacksonville and the country. The U.S. experiences over five million car accidents yearly, half resulting from aggressive driving – speeding is the most prevalent form of aggressive driving.
People who speed do so sometimes to reach their destination faster, but this endangers them and other road users. The more you speed, the less time you have to interact, thus the higher the risk of an accident.
Speeding accidents are among the most severe due to the force of impact.
Reckless driving
Reckless driving is also a common cause of car accidents. Usually, drivers act recklessly out of anger and frustration, thus making poor judgments that pose the risk of accidents.
Speeding, swerving across lanes, and tailgating are examples of reckless driving. If you notice these behaviors on the road, it is best to give way to the offending driver and report it to the authorities.
Intoxicated driving
Additionally, drivers may operate a car while intoxicated or drunk. Drunk driving poses a significant risk owing to the motorist’s impaired judgment and slower response time.
They may also drive recklessly and aggressively because they cannot react quickly enough or rationally enough to protect their safety and the safety of others. Never drive when intoxicated. Instead, wait until you are sober to drive or request a ride.
Running through a red light
Some drivers disregard stop signs and red lights at intersections when in a hurry, thus causing car accidents.
This behavior puts other road users at risk because some have the right of way and don’t anticipate a car to enter their lane.
Motorists must stop at red lights and stop signs to reduce the risk of collisions.
Unsafe weather
Adverse weather conditions occasionally contribute to car accidents. Drivers in Florida may need to slow down or pull off the road altogether until the weather clears up due to the higher risk of collisions caused by heavy rain and strong winds.
Strong winds can make navigating difficult, while heavy showers may make the roads slippery and reduce visibility. Please drive slowly and carefully in inclement weather or wait until it improves.
Poor road conditions
There are government entities responsible for keeping roads safe for motorists. Failure to maintain roads in safe conditions may cause cracks, potholes, and other problems that increase the risks of accidents.
Sometimes, drivers do not notice these road defects and avoid them on time, which may result in rollovers, tire bursts, and other accidents.
Besides government entities, maintenance workers may also contribute to unsafe roads by forgetting to lay down warning signs or leaving tools lying around after finishing their work.
Manufacturing defects
The manufacturer of the car or its parts may be held accountable if a defective product causes an automobile accident.
For instance, a car manufacturer may be at fault for installing poor-quality, ineffective brakes that don’t stop a car in time to prevent a crash. Accident victims can file a case against the manufacturer in this situation.
Recovering Compensation for a Car Accident in Jacksonville
If you have been involved in a car accident in Jacksonville, you can seek compensation from the at-fault party’s insurance provider. Although you can file a claim with your insurance company, you will likely get partial compensation.
Fortunately, you can file a third-party insurance claim against the responsible party to cover damages beyond your policy coverage.
There are various types of damages you can recover with the help of a Jacksonville car accident attorney, including:
Economic damages
The monetary losses caused by an automobile accident are called economic damages, occasionally called special damages.
They include medical costs, lost wages, property damage, and related costs. You can calculate these with the help of a lawyer and appropriate paperwork.
Non-economic damages
You may also be entitled to compensation for certain non-economic or general damages. Non-economic damages, in contrast to economic losses, are not as quantifiable and are related to the victim’s experience following the accident.
These damages result from the victim’s injuries, including mental anguish, pain and suffering, disfigurement, trauma, and loss of consortium.
Punitive damages
Accident victims may receive punitive damages. These damages are awarded by the courts to punish the offender.
If a defendant acted recklessly or with malicious intent, a court or judge may award punitive damages to punish the defendant and discourage the same heinous conduct in the future.
However, car accident cases seldom qualify for punitive damages, and only the court can award them.
What to Do Following a Jacksonville Car Accident
After a car crash in Jacksonville, you can take steps to protect your rights and build a case. The first thing to do is to seek medical care from a recognized hospital or doctor.
After this, you should:
Gather evidence to support your claim or lawsuit
After a car crash, you have to collect enough evidence to back up your claim, whether you choose to do so through a claim or a lawsuit against the at-fault party. Various forms of evidence may be helpful in a Jacksonville car accident case.
You and your attorney can collect the following paperwork and evidence to file a car accident claim:
- Medical records
- Police statements
- Photos or video footage of the accident scene
- Witness testimony
- Property repair bills
- Journal entry detailing the recovery process
You can engage a lawyer if you cannot access this evidence. An experienced Jacksonville car accident attorney can contact the police, medical professionals, and other parties to obtain all the necessary information to help build a strong case.
Adhere to your doctor’s instructions
Another vital thing to do is continue with treatment as your physician recommends. Doing this helps ensure you recover and have the medical records to prove the severity of your injuries.
Sometimes, however, the treatment plan may fail, making things even more difficult.
If you are dissatisfied with your treatment plan, consider speaking with your doctor and discuss an alternative before you make any changes. They will collaborate with you to find an effective treatment plan that works for you.
Don’t delay filing a claim
If you have a strong car accident case, you should file a claim immediately to beat the statute of limitations. You can only receive compensation if you file your claim on time.
Florida’s statute of limitations for auto accidents allows you to file a claim four years from the accident date.
Consult a car accident attorney
Consult a knowledgeable attorney before filing a claim or lawsuit. A Jacksonville car accident attorney can go over the details of your case with you during a free consultation and inform you of your options for seeking compensation.
If a lawyer decides to represent you, they may assist you in filing a claim, negotiating with insurance companies, or taking legal action against the at-fault parties.
You may also collaborate with your attorney to collect as much proof as possible to support your claims.
Speak With a Jacksonville Car Accident Attorney Today!
You may find it challenging to compile evidence independently if you decide to file a claim after a car accident in Jacksonville. This is especially true if you are still undergoing treatment for injuries.
Insurance companies may also mislead you into making incriminating statements that they use to deny you compensation. To increase your chances of getting the compensation you deserve, hire an experienced Jacksonville car accident attorney.
At Legal Giant, we partner with the best car accident lawyers and can connect you with one near you.
Our partner attorneys in Jacksonville, Florida, will advise you on what action to take to get full financial recovery while allowing you the time to focus on your recovery.
Contact us at (855) 740-5024 for a free case consultation today.
