Tens of thousands of individuals are killed every year in U.S. traffic crashes, and a notable number of these happen in Florida. You might not think a small community like Fort Walton Beach plays any significant role in the total number of Florida wrecks, but the area’s car accident statistics tell a different story.
Fort Walton Beach is not as populous as Jacksonville, Miami, or even Tallahassee. However, as an experienced car accident lawyer in Fort Walton Beach, FL, from Gross & Schuster Injury Lawyers can attest, crashes can happen anywhere.
If you’ve been involved in an accident that was someone else’s fault, our lawyers can help you secure compensation for your injuries and damages. Call us today at (850) 604-3844 for a free case review.
How Gross & Schuster Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Car Accident in Fort Walton Beach, FL
Fort Walton Beach, Florida, residents and visitors who have been hurt in car accidents can turn to the experienced and knowledgeable team at Gross & Schuster Injury Lawyers for help. Our Fort Walton Beach car accident attorneys have over 75 years of combined legal experience and have secured more than $200 million for our clients. We will:
- Meet with you to understand your situation and clarify your needs
- Go over your legal rights and assess whether you can file a personal injury lawsuit
- Collect your medical records, accident report, and other documents and evidence necessary to file a claim for appropriate damages
- Speak with insurance companies on your behalf and attempt to reach a fair settlement for your claim
- Pursue other legal remedies in court if settlement negotiations fail
We go beyond giving each client and their case the personal attention it deserves, priding ourselves on maintaining consistent contact with our clients throughout their cases. Get started today by scheduling a free consultation.
Surprising Stats About Fort Walton Beach Car Crashes
The most recent statistics show that from 2021 to 2023, the number of traffic crashes in Florida was on a downward trend. For example, there were 401,540 car accidents of all types in the state in 2021. By 2023, that number had decreased to 395,175. Similarly, the number of crashes resulting in 1 or more fatalities or serious injuries also decreased over those 3 years.
This general pattern has not been as clear in Okaloosa County over the same time period. The total number of crashes decreased from 3,717 in 2021 to 3,300 in 2023. The number of fatalities dropped from 43 in 2021 to 19 in 2022, only to increase to 28 in 2023.
Similarly, 2,152 people were injured on Okaloosa County roads in 2021, but by 2022, this number had increased to 2,209. In 2023, the number of people injured in Okaloosa County car accidents dropped to 2,180, still higher than the 2021 total.
Available data shows that Fort Walton Beach experienced 3 fatal traffic accidents in 2021 and 2 more in 2022.
Why Do Car Crashes Happen in Fort Walton Beach, Florida?
Motor vehicle wrecks of any severity rarely happen unless one or more individuals are acting negligently behind the wheel. This negligence can manifest in many ways.
Driving Under The Influence
A total of 77 crashes happened in Okaloosa County in 2023 involving an alcohol-impaired driver. Another 5 involved a drug-impaired driver, and an additional 2 wrecks involved an alcohol- and drug-impaired driver. Combined, these resulted in 7 deaths and 42 injuries. The numbers remained generally constant from 2021 to 2023.
Speeding
Speeding drivers are reckless drivers, and they put themselves and others at risk of serious injury or death. Motorists lose the ability to safely control their vehicles when they speed. They also increase the chance of inflicting severe injuries on themselves and others in the event of a crash.
Failure To Yield The Right-Of-Way
The right of way refers to the legal right of one driver to proceed before another when their paths cross. Rules regarding who has the right of way apply at intersections and when motorists must share the road with pedestrians, motorcyclists, and bicyclists. Ignoring or forgetting these rules can lead to serious crashes that leave unsuspecting motorists and others injured or dead.
Contact Our Fort Walton Beach Car Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Florida is a no-fault car insurance state, meaning your ability to recover compensation following an auto crash depends on the severity of your injuries. This can cause confusion, but Gross & Schuster Injury Lawyers and our experienced Fort Walton Beach car accident attorneys can help you make sense of your situation and legal rights.
Contact us today and request a free, no-obligation case evaluation. During your case review, we will talk about what compensation you can expect to receive and what we can do to help you get it.