No one enjoys the traffic in Miami. Drivers here are notorious for loosely following many traffic regulations, speeding, and other traffic issues. In fact, Florida ranked 14th for having the worst drivers in the country.
What does having some of the worst drivers in the country mean for residents and visitors sharing Miami roads?
It means that Florida residents, including those in Miami-Dade County, are at a higher risk of serious car accident injuries. In 2021 alone, 401,182 motor vehicle accidents occurred in Florida, with around 62,529 (around 15.6%) crashes occurring in Miami-Dade County.
These statistics may seem sobering if you live in Miami or anywhere in South Florida. If you drive in Miami, it is important to understand the dangers you face and where those accidents are most likely to occur. Awareness of road hazards and risks can help you drive more defensively and potentially avoid life-changing and catastrophic collisions.
Prosper Shaked Accident Injury Attorneys PA has assembled the following driving statistics for Miami to discuss the most dangerous roads. If you or a loved one was injured in a motor vehicle accident, contact Miami car accident lawyer Prosper Shaked today for a free consultation on your case.
Miami’s Most Deadly Roads and Highways
Miami’s highways and streets are some of the most dangerous in South Florida. With a high population concentration, Miami and its neighbors see hundreds of fatal car accidents yearly.
In 2021, there were 350 fatal car accidents in Miami-Dade County, resulting in the deaths of 381 individuals.
Our personal injury law firm analyzed data from several key sites to determine Miami’s most deadly roads and highways. We selected which roads were the “most dangerous” by looking at accident statistics from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and fatal accident stats from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS).
Ranked by the number of fatal car accidents, these five roads are the most dangerous in Miami:
Interstate 95 (I-95)
Interstate 95 is a main north-south highway on the United States East Coast. It stretches from Canada down to Miami. It is a major transportation route for commercial trucking companies looking to ship their goods up and down the coast. It is also a principal road linking many Eastern U.S. cities, making it a popular route for vacationing families and commuters.
I-95 is also one of the oldest routes and the longest north-south Interstate in the United States, passing through 15 states and the District of Columbia. Interstate 95 runs 382 miles down most of the length of Florida, ending at Route 1 in Miami. In Florida, I-95 passes through Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, the Gold Coast, the Treasure Coast, the Space Coast, Daytona Beach, Port Orange, St. Augustine, and Jacksonville.
It’s no surprise that I-95 is one of the deadliest roads in South Florida. In Miami-Dade County alone, there were 12 deadly accidents on I-95 in 2016. In Miami, I-95 is known for heavy commuter traffic. No matter where you’re going, you can always expect delays – and probably see a few accidents along the way.
Sadly, “fatal car accident on I-95” is a common Miami news headline, and you can expect to see I-95 accidents today and virtually every other day of the year. Because of this, I-95 takes the top spot for the most dangerous roads in Miami.
State Road 826/Palmetto Expressway
The Palmetto Expressway, also known as State Road 826, links Hialeah, Miami Lakes, and Miami, providing commuters with plenty of access to the area. This makes travel on this road a necessity for many, and more travel means more accidents. In 2016, there were 8 deadly car accidents on SR 826.
In recent years, the Palmetto Expressway gained a reputation as one of the most dangerous roads in Florida. Why is the Palmetto Expressway so dangerous?
- Heavy Traffic: Florida’s SR 826 carries over 250,000 vehicles daily, making it another of the most traveled routes in Florida. 826 links Route 1 in Pinecrest to A1A in Sunny Isles Beach, but the most traveled section of the route is the Palmetto Expressway. This heavy traffic can lead to congestion, delays, and frustration among drivers, increasing the risk of accidents.
- High Speeds: The posted speed limit on the Palmetto Expressway is 55 miles per hour, but many drivers exceed this limit, sometimes reaching speeds of over 80 miles per hour. The high speeds on the Palmetto Expressway make it difficult for drivers to react to unexpected situations.
- Complex Interchanges: The Palmetto Expressway has several complex interchanges that can be confusing for drivers, especially those who are unfamiliar with the area. These interchanges require drivers to navigate multiple lanes of traffic, merge onto and off of the expressway, and make split-second decisions.
- Aggressive Driving: Aggressive driving is a common problem on the SR 826. This includes behaviors such as tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, and failing to yield the right of way. These behaviors can increase the risk of accidents and create a hostile driving environment.
- Poor Road Conditions: Due to heavy traffic volume and regular use, the Palmetto Expressway has significant road damage. As a result, the road surface is often rough and uneven, which can lead to loss of control of vehicles, especially in wet conditions.
US Route 1
US Route 1 runs from Florida all the way to the US-Canada border. Five hundred forty-five of its 2,369 miles of road are within Florida. Route 1 also had eight deadly accidents in 2016, tying SR 826/The Palmetto Expressway for the second deadliest road in Miami.
Route 1 in the Miami area changes names from the Dixie Highway to the South Dixie Highway, before becoming Biscayne Boulevard (which had two deadly car crashes in 2016). It continues through Miami proper and is even a residential road at times. Most of the accidents that occur on roads like these are often highway accidents.
US Route 1 in Florida is also known for having a high number of commercial vehicles and large trucks that share the road with passenger vehicles. These larger vehicles are difficult to maneuver and require more stopping distance, which can increase the risk of accidents.
US Route 1 in Florida also has a reputation for being a hotspot for drunk driving and other dangerous driving behaviors. This can increase the risk of accidents and fatalities on the road, making US Route 1 one of the deadliest highways in Florida.
SR 821/Homestead Extension of Florida’s Turnpike
Commonly known as HEFT or the Ronald Reagan Turnpike, the southern extension of the FL Turnpike is a 47.8-mile-long highway that runs through Miami. This route is a common alternate route in and out of Miami, and it is seen as many as a less stressful traffic route than taking Route 1 or I-95. Unfortunately, the secret is not well kept, and thousands travel this route each day. In 2016, the HEFT had 7 fatal accidents, putting it just behind Route 1 and the Palmetto Expressway.
One of the main factors that make SR821 so dangerous is the high volume of traffic. The Florida road is a major thoroughfare for commuters and commercial trucks, and it can become congested during peak travel times. The heavy traffic can increase the risk of injury accidents, particularly during periods of heavy rain or inclement weather.
Another factor that contributes to the danger of SR821 is the high-speed limits. The posted speed limit is typically 70-75 mph, which can make it difficult for drivers to react to sudden changes in traffic patterns or obstacles in the roadway.
US Route 441
Route 441 cuts from the southern tip of the state northwestward across the state’s center. Overall, this makes it 939 miles long as it crosses into Georgia and Tennessee. Fortunately, 441 is a local highway throughout much of the state, and it does not see as many accidents as other highways. In the Miami area, 441, also known as State Road 7, cuts North through Hialeah, Miami Gardens, and beyond. Functioning as a local route and a commuter route, Route 441 had 6 fatal auto accidents in 2016. With traffic lights and intersections with other roads, Route 441 is also susceptible to intersection accidents and T-bone car crashes. Prosper Shaked can help you understand fault in intersection accidents in Miami.
How Can a Miami Car Accident Lawyer Help If You Get Hurt on a Miami Highway?
If you get hurt in a car accident on a Miami highway or interstate, a Miami car accident lawyer can protect your legal rights and get you money for your injuries.
Here are some ways that a Miami car accident lawyer can help:
- Investigating the accident: A car accident lawyer in Miami will investigate the accident to determine who was at fault, gather evidence to support your claim, and identify potential sources of compensation. This may include obtaining accident reports, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with accident reconstruction experts.
- Communicating with insurance companies: Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts to accident victims. When you hire a lawyer, they will communicate with the insurance company, negotiate a fair settlement, and ensure that you receive the maximum benefits available under the policy.
- Filing a lawsuit: If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, your attorney can file a lawsuit on your behalf to recover damages for your injuries.
- Calculating damages: Your attorney will calculate the damages you have suffered as a result of the accident, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. This can help you determine the appropriate amount of compensation to seek from the responsible party.
- Representing you in court: If the case goes to trial, your lawyer will represent you in court and present your case to a judge or jury. They will help you prepare for trial and ensure that your legal rights are protected throughout the process.
Miami, Florida Car Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one received serious injuries in a car crash or lost a loved one to an automobile accident, it is important to take your case to a car accident lawyer. Miami personal injury lawyer and motor vehicle accident attorney Prosper Shaked represents injured victims and their families in lawsuits to recover compensation for their car accident claims.
Insurance companies won’t want to pay you what your insurance claim is worth. When you get hurt on a dangerous Miami highway or interstate, they’ll look for any reason to reduce your claim and payout. That’s why we fight aggressively from the start.
For a free consultation on your case, contact Prosper Shaked Accident Injury Attorneys PA today at (305) 694-2676.