In 1972, 54,589 people were killed in motor vehicle collisions in the United States—the highest number in a single year in our nation’s history. Over the next several decades, highway safety gradually improved, and, by 2014, car accident deaths hit a six-decade low. Unfortunately, this positive trend has reversed.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that car accident deaths hit a sixteen-year high in 2021, with 42,939 fatalities reported. This number decreased slightly in 2022 and again in 2023, where early numbers indicate 40,990 lives were lost in car wrecks.
This raises an important question: What are the odds of dying in a car accident today?
Ultimately, the chances of dying in a car crash depend on many different factors, including the amount a person drives, where they drive, and how safely they operate their vehicle. That said, recent data suggests that approximately 1% of all deaths in the United States are related to traffic collisions each year.
What Are the Chances of Getting in a Car Accident in Florida?
The odds of getting in a car accident in Florida are higher than in many other places in the country. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), there are an average of 1.55 deaths per every 100 miles traveled on Florida roads. That’s nearly 16 deaths for every 100,000 people from car accidents alone.
Of course, not all traffic accidents are fatal. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), there are an average of 380,186 codeable car wrecks each year. Around 3,300—just about 0.86% of those accidents—result in fatal injuries.
If you consider the sheer volume of traffic collisions in Florida and nationwide, the chances of being in a car accident at some point in your driving lifetime are significant. When you are injured or a loved one is killed in a car crash, having a dedicated team of proven trial attorneys on your side is central to seeking fair and full compensation.
At Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers, we have decades of experience and a long track record of getting Real Justice for our clients. Endlessly client-focused, we provide individual attention, allowing us to truly understand your experiences and advocate for your rights. To us, your life and your needs matter. We are here to provide the support you deserve as you recover from your tragic loss.
To schedule a FREE consultation with one of our Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyers, call us at 888-902-5867 today. Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers maintains offices throughout Florida, including Miami, Fort Myers, Starke, and Jacksonville. We fight for clients living throughout the state.
Know the Data: What Percentage of Car Accidents Are Fatal?
While there may be slight variations, the odds of dying in a car crash average out to around 1% for the U.S. population. In Florida, the chances of being killed in a car accident are closer to .86%, based on information from the FLHSMV.
A Look Behind the Odds of Dying in a Car Crash
- Historical Trends. Since 1972, the most deadly year for car crashes on record, improvements in vehicle safety standards, roadway infrastructure, and driver education have gradually reduced the number of fatal injuries. However, recent spikes in traffic deaths indicate there is a lot more work to be done.
- Individual Risk Factors. Factors like driving frequency, geographic location, and personal driving habits (like speeding, drug and alcohol use, and distraction) can significantly decrease or increase the risks of dying in a car accident.
If you have lost a loved one, the team at Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers is here to help. Reach out for a FREE wrongful death consultation to learn how we can protect your rights, advocate for your best interests, and help you receive the full compensation your loss demands.
An Overview of the Factors That Affect Your Chances of Dying in a Car Crash
Not everyone is equally likely to be involved in a serious car accident. While the lifetime risk of car accident death for the average person in the United States is around 1%, each person’s risk varies widely depending on their lifestyle. Here is an overview of the key factors that affect your risk of being killed in a car accident:
Driving Behavior
Your driving behavior is one of the most significant determinants of your chances of dying in a car crash. Engaging in risky actions behind the wheel can dramatically increase the likelihood of a severe or fatal collision:
- Impaired Driving. According to the NHTSA, around 32% of all deadly car accidents involve a driver impaired by alcohol.
- Distracted Driving. Texting, browsing social media, or otherwise using your phone while driving is a leading cause of serious crashes. Distraction is involved in approximately 8% of all fatal traffic collisions.
- Speeding and Aggressive Driving. Driving above the speed limit or engaging in aggressive maneuvers (tailgating, weaving throughout traffic, etc.) heightens the risk of losing control and being unable to react in time to hazards. Around 33 people die every day in speed-related traffic accidents.
Age and Gender
Both age and gender play pivotal roles in determining the chances of dying in a car crash:
- Teen Drivers. Inexperienced motorists are more prone to accidents. The group most at risk is teens aged 16-17, but all driving-aged teenagers are three times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash than those 20 years and older.
- Older Adults. Seniors face elevated risks due to slower reaction times and potential vision and hearing impairments. While older adults tend to be more cautious drivers overall, many face risks as passengers. Around 71% of people aged 70 and older who are killed in a car crash were passengers at the time of collision.
- Gender Differences. Data shows that male drivers are more likely to engage in risky driving habits—such as driving aggressively or under the influence—leading to a higher incidence of severe and fatal crashes compared to female drivers.
Location
The geographic area in which you live and drive greatly affects your chances of dying in a car accident:
- State-by-State Variation. The per-mile-traveled fatality rate can be nearly three times higher in the most dangerous states than in the safest ones. Unfortunately, Florida often ranks near the bottom on highway safety metrics, with consistently high numbers of serious and fatal crashes every year.
- Urban vs. Rural Roads. Rural roads can be more dangerous due to higher average speeds, less lighting, and fewer immediate emergency response resources. At the same time, urban drivers face elevated risks for denser traffic, frequent intersections, and a large number of distracted drivers.
- Florida’s Unique Challenges. Florida sees thousands of fatal car crashes every year. Factors such as year-round tourism, older adult drivers, and congested urban areas contribute to our state’s elevated rate of motor vehicle fatalities.
Miles Driven/Traveled
Finally, the number of miles you drive directly influences your odds of dying in a car crash:
- Exposure Effect. The more time you spend on the road, the more chances you have of encountering a dangerous situation—even if you are a safe driver. Commuters who log significant daily mileage face the highest cumulative risk over time.
At Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers, we understand how a serious crash can upend your life in an instant. Our fatal car accident lawyers will help you explore all of your legal options—including taking your case to trial—to help you seek just compensation for your losses.
Chances of Being Killed in a Car Crash Compared to Other Risks
How does the lifetime risk of being killed in a motor vehicle crash in the United States compare to other lifetime risks? Let’s take a look:
Heart Disease
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. According to the CDC, approximately 702,800 Americans die from heart disease yearly, representing about 20% of deaths nationwide.
Cancer
Cancer follows closely behind heart disease as a major health concern. The American Cancer Society reports nearly 610,000 people die from cancer every year, accounting for roughly 17% of all fatalities in the U.S.
Fall Accidents
Unintentional fall accidents claim tens of thousands of lives in the U.S. every year, representing about 1% of all reported deaths. The CDC reports around 14 fall-related deaths per 100,000 people. The odds of dying in a car accident are only slightly lower, at 13.4 deaths per 100,000 people.
Violence
Around 25,000 people are victims of homicide in the United States every year. Firearms alone account for nearly 80% of homicide deaths. However, the risk of dying from violence (7.5 per 100,000) is approximately half that of dying in a car accident.
Commercial Plane Crashes
Statistically speaking, dying in a commercial airplane crash in the U.S. is extremely rare—right around 1 in 11,000,000. That’s one in eleven million, a number too small to calculate. However, the risk of dying while onboard a civilian aircraft is slightly higher, at .95 deaths per 100,000 miles traveled, or around 360 fatalities per year.
Knowing your chances of dying in a car crash compared to other causes of death might be interesting, but it does nothing to help families struggling with the loss of a loved one get justice. That’s where we come in. Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers is dedicated, experienced, and proven both in and out of the courtroom. We are prepared to take your case as far as needed to support your family as you heal and help you achieve the justice you deserve.
Who Can File a Lawsuit Following a Fatal Car Crash in Florida?
In Florida, a wrongful death lawsuit can be filed when a family member is killed in a car accident. These suits are brought by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate on behalf of the decedent’s survivor. Under Florida Statutes § 768.20, the personal representative is responsible for initiating the claim in civil court, even though compensation ultimately benefits the eligible family members. The personal representative is typically appointed by a will or, absent a will, by the probate court.
Who Qualifies as a Survivor?
Florida Statutes § 768.18 define “survivors” as the decedent’s:
- Spouse
- Children
- Minor and adult
- Adopted
- Parents
In some cases, relatives who depended on the victim’s support may also be entitled to compensation following a fatal car crash.
Depending on the specific family circumstances, survivors may be able to recover damages for loss of support, loss of companionship, and mental pain and suffering. They may also be able to recover damages for lost wages, financial contributions, and medical and end-of-life expenses.
The Importance of Legal Guidance
When a car accident results in fatal injuries, it will be necessary to determine its causes and establish liability. This is one of the primary jobs of a wrongful death lawyer. Your lawyer will investigate your claim to determine fault, calculate the damages you may be owed, and negotiate for a fair settlement with insurance. If a settlement cannot be reached, your wrongful death lawyer may take your claim to court.
It is important to remember that many attorneys have enjoyed success while negotiating with insurance, but not all lawyers are prepared to take cases to trial. Our lawyers are experienced and proven trial attorneys who know how to build successful cases for complex litigation. When you need Real Justice, Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers is here to help.
Our Fort Lauderdale Fatal Car Crash Lawyers Fight for You
The car accident claims process is complicated. It’s normal to have a lot of questions and concerns after a serious accident. At Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers, we are devoted to protecting the rights and interests of people and families dealing with the aftermath of a serious crash. More specifically, our Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyers are ready to:
- Listen to your story and answer any legal questions about what happens next.
- Carefully investigate the motor vehicle collision—with a focus on securing evidence.
- Represent you in all correspondence with insurance company representatives.
- Take your car accident injury claim as far as needed to get successful results.
Our firm has a history of securing significant settlements and verdicts for accident victims throughout Florida. We’ve built our reputation on getting Real Results for Real People.
Seasoned litigators, we are unafraid to stand up to powerful insurance companies in the courtroom. We represent families on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no upfront or hourly fees. We only get paid after we have secured compensation on your behalf. This is a reflection of our confidence in advocating for our clients. More importantly, it ensures our focus remains where it belongs: on helping you achieve justice.
Contact Our Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney Today
At Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers, our mission is simple: to support you and your family at this terrible and pivotal moment. We have substantial experience handling wrongful death claims and are ready to help your family seek justice for the loss of your loved one. Contact us today to set up your FREE and confidential consultation. Our firm handles personal injury and wrongful death claims in Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, and throughout Florida.