The 8 Most Common Causes of Florida Car Accidents

Florida is home to beautiful coastlines, vibrant cities, and a booming tourism industry, but it also has some of the most dangerous roads in the nation. From the congested streets of Miami to the winding roads of the Panhandle, car accidents happen every day, and often, they are entirely preventable.

According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), more than 390,000 crashes occurred in Florida in a single recent year. These accidents resulted in thousands of injuries and fatalities, and behind each statistic is a person whose life was altered, sometimes forever.

At Morgan & Morgan, we’ve helped countless Floridians seek justice after devastating auto accidents. We know that understanding what causes these accidents is key to preventing them, and pursuing legal action when others are at fault. 

Below are the eight most common causes of car accidents in Florida, along with what victims need to know about their legal rights.

1. Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of motor vehicle crashes, not only in Florida but across the country. The most common distractions include:

• Texting or using a smartphone
• Adjusting GPS or navigation systems
• Changing music or climate controls
• Eating and drinking
• Talking to passengers
• Personal grooming

Even a few seconds of distraction can lead to a catastrophic crash. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for five seconds. At 55 mph, that's like driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed.

In 2019, Florida implemented the Wireless Communications While Driving Law, which prohibits texting while driving. Still, enforcement can be tricky, and drivers often continue to use their phones behind the wheel.

If a distracted driver caused your accident, your attorney may be able to access phone records, dashcam footage, or witness testimony to prove negligence. That evidence can make a powerful difference in a personal injury claim.

2. Speeding

Speeding is a factor in nearly one-third of all motor vehicle fatalities, according to national data. In Florida, speeding is particularly dangerous due to the state’s mix of highways, tourist-heavy areas, and unpredictable weather.

Speeding doesn't just mean exceeding the posted limit. It also includes driving too fast for current conditions, such as during a rainstorm or in construction zones.

Speeding also reduces the driver’s ability to react in time to hazards and increases the distance required to stop.

 

3. Drunk or Drugged Driving

Despite years of public awareness campaigns and legal crackdowns, impaired driving remains a serious problem in Florida. In fact, DUI-related crashes account for hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries each year.

Impairment isn’t limited to alcohol—it includes illegal drugs, prescription medications (like opioids or sleep aids), and even over-the-counter drugs that cause drowsiness.

Signs of impaired driving include:

• Erratic lane changes
• Slow reaction time
• Tailgating
• Swerving or drifting
• Ignoring traffic signals

Florida has strict DUI laws, but those laws only matter after someone has been caught or a crash has occurred. For victims, the consequences can be devastating, ranging from spinal injuries to traumatic brain injuries or wrongful death.

If you’re injured by an impaired driver, you may be entitled to compensatory damages (for medical costs, lost wages, etc.) and punitive damages, which are designed to punish reckless behavior and deter future misconduct.

4. Aggressive Driving and Road Rage

Aggressive driving is more than a bad attitude behind the wheel; it’s a major contributor to Florida car accidents. Common behaviors include:

• Tailgating
• Weaving through traffic
• Speeding or racing
• Cutting off other vehicles
• Brake-checking
• Failing to signal

Road rage takes it a step further and may include honking, yelling, obscene gestures, or even physical altercations. In extreme cases, road rage has led to assaults and intentional crashes.

Florida law defines aggressive driving as committing two or more of the following acts simultaneously: speeding, improper lane change, tailgating, failing to yield, and overtaking improperly. These acts are considered moving violations, and when they lead to injury, the driver can be held civilly liable.

5. Failure to Yield or Obey Traffic Signals

Some of the most severe car accidents happen at intersections, and many are caused by drivers who fail to yield or ignore traffic signals.

These errors include:

• Running red lights or stop signs
• Failing to yield to oncoming traffic while turning left
• Ignoring pedestrian crosswalks
• Rolling through stop signs without coming to a full stop

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), red-light running causes hundreds of deaths each year, and Florida is no exception.

Intersection crashes often result in T-bone (side-impact) collisions, which can lead to serious injuries like fractured ribs, internal bleeding, or head trauma. Liability usually falls on the driver who failed to obey the law, and traffic camera footage can be valuable evidence in these cases.

6. Weather Conditions

Florida is known for its sunshine, but it also experiences sudden downpours, hurricanes, and foggy mornings, especially during summer months. Wet or slippery roads can reduce traction and visibility, while standing water increases the risk of hydroplaning.

Drivers must adjust their speed and driving behavior to match the weather conditions. Failing to do so can constitute negligence.

Common weather-related hazards include:

• Reduced visibility during rain
• Slippery roads leading to spin-outs
• Strong winds affecting vehicle control
• Standing water causing loss of traction
  
   

7. Fatigued Driving

Drowsy driving is an underreported but widespread issue, especially among truck drivers, late shift workers, and long-distance travelers.

Fatigue impairs cognitive function and reaction time, making it just as dangerous as driving under the influence. According to the National Sleep Foundation, being awake for 18 hours is equivalent to a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.05%; at 24 hours, it’s like a BAC of 0.10% (above the legal limit).

Florida does not have a specific law targeting drowsy driving, but that doesn’t mean drivers are off the hook. If a tired driver causes a crash, they can be held responsible for the harm they cause.

Proving drowsy driving often requires indirect evidence, such as a lack of skid marks, erratic behavior before the crash, or logs from commercial drivers. An experienced attorney can help investigate and build a compelling case.

8. Improper Lane Changes and Merging

Highways like I-75, I-95, and Florida’s Turnpike are especially prone to crashes caused by improper lane changes. These actions include:

• Failing to signal
• Cutting across multiple lanes
• Changing lanes without checking blind spots
• Merging at improper speeds
• Lane drifting due to inattention

Lane-change accidents are often sideswipes or run-off-road crashes, but they can quickly escalate into pileups, especially at high speeds.

What Should You Do After a Car Accident in Florida?

If you’re injured in a car accident in Florida, taking the right steps can protect your health and your legal rights.

1. Get medical attention immediately: Even if you feel okay, injuries like concussions, internal bleeding, or whiplash can take time to appear.

2. Call the police: File an official accident report. This document is vital for insurance and legal claims.

3. Document the scene: Take photos of vehicles, injuries, road conditions, and any nearby signs or lights.

4. Get witness information: Bystanders can offer key testimony about what happened.

5. Don’t admit fault: Even saying “sorry” can be used against you. Let the investigation determine liability.

6. Contact Morgan & Morgan: Florida’s no-fault insurance system can be confusing, and insurers may try to deny or minimize your claim. An attorney can guide you through the process and fight for full compensation.

Injured in a Car Accident? Contact Us Today for a Free Case Evaluation

Car accidents can be devastating, and when an avoidable accident occurs due to someone else’s negligence, it can add insult to injury. You shouldn’t have to bear the burden of someone else’s mistake, and you can take action to recover compensation.

At Morgan & Morgan, we believe everyone deserves access to justice, especially when their lives are upended by a preventable car accident. Our attorneys have decades of experience handling auto accident claims throughout Florida and have recovered billions of dollars for our clients.

Don’t let an insurance company downplay your injuries or pressure you into a low settlement. If you or a loved one has been injured in a Florida car accident, contact Morgan & Morgan today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.