Chances of Dying in a Car Crash
Motor vehicle crashes are one of the leading causes of death in the United States, claiming tens of thousands of lives each year. Despite recent advancements in vehicle and road safety, the risks remain significant. While your chances of dying in a car crash may seem minimal, a fatal car accident can happen to anyone, and often when it’s least expected.
What Are The Common Causes of Car Accidents?
Car accidents happen for many reasons, and they are often due to preventable human error or environmental factors. Some of the most frequent causes of car accidents include:
- Speeding reduces reaction time and increases crash severity
- Distracted driving includes texting, eating, and adjusting controls
- Poor road conditions like potholes and bad weather increase risks
- Traffic congestion leads to sudden braking and rear-end collisions
- Not using seatbelts increases the risk of severe injuries or death
- Driving under the influence impairs judgment and motor skills
- Inexperienced drivers struggle with decision-making and road handling
- Making mistakes while yielding in driving, such as failing to give the right of way
Common Injuries Sustained in Car Accidents
Car accidents don’t always result in death, but they can result in injuries, some more serious than others. Here are some of the most common car accident injuries:
- Shoulder injuries like rotator cuff tears or dislocated shoulders
- Burn injuries from vehicle fires or contact with hot surfaces
- Hip and leg injuries such as broken hip, shattered femurs, or torn ligaments
- Spinal cord injuries that can lead to partial or complete paralysis
- Back and neck injuries, including herniated disks
- Brain injuries like concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Broken bones such as fractured arms, legs, or ribs
- Internal injuries affecting organs like the lungs, liver, or spleen
- Whiplash that results in neck pain or stiffness
- Disfigurement caused by severe lacerations or burns
- PTSD that involves anxiety, flashbacks, or emotional distress
Even if your injuries seem minor at first, some serious conditions like internal bleeding or a concussion may not show immediate symptoms and can become life-threatening if left untreated. Regardless of how you feel, you should always be evaluated by a medical doctor after a serious car crash.
National Statistics on Fatal Car Accidents
Car accidents happen every single day in the United States, and a surprising number of them result in fatalities. In fact, the lifetime odds of dying in a car crash are 1 in 93. Here are some other concerning national statistics on fatal car accidents:
- In 2023, 40,990 people lost their lives on U.S. roadways. That’s enough to fill an entire professional baseball stadium.
- The fatality rate for the first half of 2024 was 1.17 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles driven, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- Every year, men are involved in more fatal car accidents than women.
Statistics on Fatal Car Accidents in Florida
When you zoom in to look at specific state accident data, it’s clear that Florida is no stranger to car crashes, and sadly, that includes Gainesville. Just a couple of days into 2025, a local realtor, Matt Umanos, and his dog were struck and fatally injured in a collision at the intersection of University Avenue and Main Street. The investigation is ongoing; however, this is not an isolated incident.
Here’s a closer look at some other local statistics:
- In 2023, Florida reported 3,436 fatalities from car accidents.
- In Alachua County, alcohol was a factor in 29% of deadly crashes in 2024.
- Distracted driving crashes in 2021 resulted in 333 fatalities, which is the highest number recorded in Florida in over eight years.
In response to statistics and news stories like the ones above, Florida launched the “Put it Down: Focus on Driving” campaign in 2022 to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving.
Factors That Increase the Chances of a Fatal Crash
Fatal car crashes are often preventable, but they can still happen due to a combination of factors. To reduce their chances of being involved in a deadly collision, drivers should take the time to understand these risks.
Driver-Related Factors
The choices drivers make behind the wheel are among the biggest contributors to fatal crashes. Some of the most common driver-related factors include:
- Speeding and reckless driving that can reduce response or reaction times
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Distracted driving that takes the driver’s eyes off the road
- Younger drivers that may not be as experienced on the road
These behaviors not only put the driver at risk but also endanger passengers, pedestrians, and other road users.
Environmental Factors
Conditions outside of a driver’s control can also contribute to fatal crashes. These might include:
- Weather conditions like rain or fog can reduce visibility and make roads slippery
- Poor road conditions, including pot holes and sharp curves, increase the odds of losing control of the vehicle
- Time of day can negatively influence driving conditions due to low visibility
According to the National Safety Council, driving at night is one of the most dangerous times to drive. Even with high-beam headlights, visibility is limited to about 500 feet (250 feet with normal headlights), which leaves even less time to react. Additionally, fatigue, compromised night visions, and rush hour traffic can further increase the risk of getting into a fatal car crash at night time.
How to Reduce the Risk of Fatal Car Crashes
While vehicle accidents can happen to anyone at any time, there are steps drivers can take to reduce their chances of being involved in a fatal crash. Here are some actionable tips to help you stay safe on the road.
Practice Safe Driving Habits
The way you drive directly affects your safety and the safety of others. Consider the following safe driving habits:
- Wear a seat belt every time you drive or ride in a car
- Obey traffic laws, including speed limits and road signs
- Always drive sober and avoid driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Maintain a safe following distance to give yourself time to react
- Pay attention to your surroundings, especially in busy areas or near pedestrians
- Avoid distractions like texting and driving
- Share the road with cyclists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians
- Use child restraints and secure pets properly to protect them in the event of a crash
Follow Vehicle Safety Tips
Aside from practicing safe habits while driving, you’ll want to make sure your vehicle is in proper working condition to avoid mishaps on the road. Perform regular vehicle maintenance, including checking brakes, tires, and lights. Also, consider driving cars that come with modern safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warnings, and blind-spot monitoring.
How to Take Legal Action After a Fatal Car Crash
When a fatal car crash happens due to someone else’s negligence or wrongful act, it may qualify as a wrongful death case under Florida law. A wrongful death happens when the ‘decedent’ dies because of the legal fault of another party, such as in a car accident caused by reckless or negligent behavior.
In Florida, a wrongful death lawsuit can only be filed by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate. This representative is typically named in the deceased’s will or appointed by the court if there is no will. If you’re thinking about filing a wrongful death claim after a fatal car accident, follow these steps:
- Hire an attorney as soon as possible to help you through the process and get the compensation you deserve.
- Get familiar with Florida’s statute of limitations, which gives you two years from the date of the victim’s death to file a claim.
- Save detailed records, including funeral and burial costs, vehicle repair bills, and the decedent’s medical bills and records.
Damages You Might Recover From a Wrongful Death Claim
A wrongful death claim allows survivors and the decedent’s estate to recover compensation for the losses they’ve suffered. Under Florida Statute 768.21, the following damages may be recovered:
- Lost support and services from the time of injury to death
- Future loss of support and services reduced to present value
- Loss of companionship, instruction, and guidance for surviving children
- Mental pain and suffering for family members, including spouses, children, and parents
- Medical or funeral expenses paid by survivors
- Loss of earnings from the time of injury to death
- Future net accumulations to the estate reduced to present value
- Medical or funeral expenses chargeable to the estate
To ensure you’re able to recover the damages you’re entitled to, it’s important to work with an experienced wrongful death lawyer who has your best interests in mind.
Seeking Justice After a Car Accident? We’re Here to Help
While there are steps you can take to minimize your chances of dying in a car crash, accidents caused by another party’s negligence can have devastating consequences. Losing a loved one in a fatal car accident is a traumatic and life-changing experience, and handling the legal business afterward can feel overwhelming.
At Fine, Farkash & Parlapiano, P.A., we are committed to helping families hold negligent parties accountable and recover the compensation they deserve. Whether you’re dealing with the loss of a loved one or need help after a serious crash, our experienced Gainesville attorneys are here to support you. Contact us today for your free consultation and to discuss your legal options.
Sources:
About Transportation Safety | CDC
Odds of Dying | National Security Council
The Roadway Safety Problem | U.S. Department of Transportation
Fatality Facts 2022: Males and Females | Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
Alachua, FL | County Health Rankings & Roadmaps
After Deadly Year, FLHSMV Launches Distracted Driving Awareness Campaign | FLHSMV
The Most Dangerous Time to Drive | National Safety Council
Wrongful Death Lawsuits in Florida | NOLO
768.21 Damages | The Florida Legislature
Mr. Fine was born in New York, New York, and was raised in the northeast, where he studied sociology at Colby College in Waterville, Maine. He then graduated with honors from the University of Florida Levin College of Law in 1976. In law school, he was a member of Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, was inducted into the Order of the Coif, and graduated in the top 10 percent of his class. Mr. Fine was admitted into the Florida Bar in 1976, the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida in 1977, the United States District Court for the Northern District of Florida in 1991, and the United States Court of Appeals 11th Circuit in 1982.