Wrongful death in Florida can happen in several ways, but these fatalities commonly result from auto accidents. The data on wrongful death shows how much of a problem it still is, though the number of fatal crashes has fallen.
Data on wrongful death vehicle accidents
Figures from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics reveal that speed is the top cause of fatal motor vehicle accidents. The odds of getting in a fatal vehicle crash are about 1 in 107, according to 2019 figures. In 2019, around 400,000 vehicle crashes occurred in Florida, with the top counties including Miami-Dade, Broward and Orange. Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles estimates that about 200,000 vehicle crashes occur annually in the state, equaling 500 crashes daily.
In 2021, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that 33,000 out of 1.9 million vehicle accidents were fatal. Motor vehicle accidents cause the most deaths in the 5 to 34 age group, and car crashes kill six teens daily.
Causes of fatal accidents
Safe Motorist reports that aggressive driving caused around two-thirds of fatal vehicle accidents in 2019, with one-third involving a firearm. Backing up vehicle accidents causes around 250 deaths annually, and 30% are children under 5.
Speeding in Florida or driving at unsafe speeds for the conditions accounts for 5,500 road accidents and 263 fatal accidents a year. Another common cause of vehicle accidents in Florida is drunk driving, which was involved in 26% of fatal accidents in 2017.
The NHTSA reports that around 660,000 drivers are using mobile devices while driving, and one in three admit to it. Drivers in their 20s have a higher risk of crashing while texting, causing 27% of fatal accidents involving the activity. Data estimated that there were over 48,000 crashes in Florida and 299 fatalities caused by distracted driving in 2020.
Families of victims killed in auto accidents may file a wrongful death case against the liable party. A successful lawsuit might recover burial costs, property damage and medical bills.