What Are the Most Dangerous Roads in Florida?

The Sunshine State is well known for its beautiful beaches and theme parks, but Florida also has some of the most dangerous roads in the country. Hundreds of accidents occur annually on some of those roads. Review your case with a Florida car accident attorney if you're ever involved in such a collision to learn more about your legal options.

According to 2019 data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 3,183 traffic-related fatalities in Florida that year alone. More needs to be done to make our roads safer for everyone who uses them.

Motorists should also know that accidents are more likely to happen in some spots than others. Factors that can influence the rate of accidents include:

• Speed limits
• Overall traffic density
• Proximity to tourist attractions
• Road conditions

It's critical to practice safe driving anywhere in Florida. This guide will help.

The Most Dangerous Roads in Florida

U.S. Highway 1

U.S. Highway 1 may be the answer to the question, "What is the most dangerous road in Florida?" It runs along the state's east coast from Key West to Fernandina Beach.

US-1 stretches 645 miles and passes through many densely populated areas, including Miami-Dade and Broward counties. The volume of traffic and high-speed limits make this road hazardous.

According to a study from Geotab, a company that uses GPS for vehicle tracking and maintenance purposes, US-1 might even be the most dangerous highway in the entire nation due to its high rate of fatal accidents. The study used figures from a decade's worth of traffic data. By every measure, it determined more fatal accidents happen on US-1 than on any other road in the country.

Interstate 95

Another of the most dangerous roads in Florida is Interstate 95, which runs from the northern border of the state all the way down to Miami. This major highway artery for much of the eastern seaboard is notorious for its high-speed limits and distracted drivers.

The road's length may partially account for the number of accidents that occur here. Many motorists on I-95 have been driving for some time because it covers most of the eastern seaboard.

Research shows I-95 may even be another contender for the nation's most dangerous road. Again, though, at least one study has determined that US-1 is the most treacherous road in the country.

It's worth noting that both US-1 and I-95 are very close to each other in Miami. Thus, a large number of accidents may occur in a fairly concentrated area.

U.S. Highway 27

Another stretch of road with a relatively high rate of accidents in Florida is U.S. Highway 27. According to a ValuePenguin analysis, it's the 10th most dangerous road in America.

This route runs from Miami to the Georgia border, passing through some of Florida’s more rural areas. This highway has a lower speed limit than other routes, but the narrow lanes and lack of guardrails make it particularly dangerous. It even once earned the nickname "Bloody 27" among Floridians due to its high accident rate.

What To Do If You're Involved in a Car Accident in Florida

It's important to exercise caution when driving at all times in Florida. You may be a responsible motorist, but you could still be involved in an accident through no fault of your own.

Take the following steps in the aftermath of your collision if this ever happens:

• First, pull over to a safe area if you can and turn off your vehicle.
• Then, check for any injuries, and call 911 immediately if anyone is hurt.
• Check on the condition of the other drivers involved in the accident. Remain calm when doing so. Now is not the time for a confrontation. It's best to maintain your composure.
• Additionally, avoid making any statements that could suggest you caused the accident.
• Call the police to report the collision. Don't allow the other driver(s) involved to dissuade you from reporting the accident to the authorities.
• Gather as much information from the accident scene as possible, such as contact information from other drivers and eyewitnesses, license plate numbers, insurance information, and photos of the accident scene.
• Seek medical attention even if you don't feel injured at first — some signs of trauma may not be apparent until days later. Seeing a doctor as soon as possible will ensure you receive early treatment for any injuries you may have sustained. It also allows you to establish a link between your accident and your injuries. This could simplify the process of receiving compensation from an insurance company.
• Notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible.

How a Florida Car Accident Attorney Can Help

Working on a settlement with the insurance company may be complex, especially when you are focused on devoting as much time and energy as possible to making a swift and easy recovery.

Consider meeting with a Florida car accident attorney after reporting your accident to the insurance company. Hiring a lawyer could simplify the process and may improve your chances of securing the compensation you deserve.

A lawyer may assist you by:

• Handling all paperwork and correspondence with the insurance company
• Gathering documentation of your compensable losses/damages
• Negotiating for a proper settlement

Florida is currently a no-fault state. This means your insurer is responsible for providing you compensation for your medical bills and other losses, even if someone else caused your accident. Nevertheless, if your injuries are serious enough, you may have grounds to file an additional claim with the insurance of a negligent driver.

A Florida car accident lawyer can review your case to determine if this is an option. They can also investigate the accident to gather evidence of negligence.

Taking action as soon as possible is essential if you have already been involved in an accident. Get started by finding a Florida accident attorney to schedule a free consultation today.