If you live in, work in, or travel through Miami, you know how bad the Miami-Dade traffic congestion can be. Of course, car accidents can happen anywhere, but Miami accidents occur more often in a few areas.
While you probably can’t avoid specific locations entirely, knowing where the most dangerous roads in Miami are located could help you avoid a crash as you drive around the city. However, as we shall see, motorists in Miami are at a higher risk of being involved in a crash. If you or a loved one were injured in a crash in Miami, reach out to a dedicated Miami car accident lawyer right away.
Overview of Miami’s Traffic and Driver Reputations
The State of Florida is often criticized for having some of the worst drivers in the country. According to a recent study, Florida is ranked #14 in the nation for the worst drivers.
With a population of nearly 440,000, a thriving business center, an international airport and cruise port, and many other attractions, Miami’s roads are usually full of locals, business commuters, and tourists on any given day. On average, Miami motorists spend 27 hours per year just sitting in traffic. As a result, Miami is considered the seventh most congested city in America.
Car Accidents in Miami: The Numbers
The most recent statistical data throughout Florida reported 393,566 vehicle crashes, causing more than 251,000 injuries and almost 3,400 fatalities. That same year, Miami-Dade County saw 63,700 vehicle crashes, resulting in nearly 30,000 injuries and 357 fatalities.
According to the Florida Traffic Safety Dashboard, most traffic accidents in Miami occur on Saturday, from midnight on Friday until midnight on Saturday. The drivers most likely to be involved in a Miami accident range from 25 to 34 years old.
The most common causes of Miami accidents are related to traffic congestion, poor road conditions, and especially negligent driving behaviors. With so many people owning smartphones, distracted driving has become one of the biggest causes of vehicle crashes nationwide. Miami is no exception.
Where Are the Most Dangerous Roads in Miami?
We analyzed several reputable accident reporting websites to identify Florida’s most dangerous roads and highways. Based on the information provided by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the following six roadways are considered the most dangerous in the Miami area:
#1 Interstate 95 (I-95)
This main interstate highway stretches along the eastern coast of the U.S. from Canada to its ending point in Miami. It is a major north-south transportation route for shipping goods through commercial trucking companies. It also connects several major U.S. cities and tourist attractions, so the road is full of commuters and families on vacation.
As one of America's longest and oldest interstates, I-95 crosses 15 states and Washington, DC. The last 382 miles of Interstate 95 runs the length of Florida, ending in Miami. One recent year, police reported 12 fatal accidents on the Florida portion of I-95. Heavy commuter traffic can also lead to serious car accidents in Miami.
#2 Florida State Road 826 (SR 826), also known as the Palmetto Expressway
SR 826 connects Miami to the Lake Region and Hialeah. Many commuters use this route, which carries a lot of traffic and therefore sees a lot of accidents. In one recent year, eight deadly wrecks were reported on SR 826 alone. So why is the Palmetto Expressway considered one of the most dangerous roads in Miami?
Five major factors can be linked to the dangerous condition of SR 826:
- Traffic congestion - SR 826, especially the Palmetto Expressway, carries more than 250,000 vehicles daily. More traffic leads to greater congestion and driver frustration, which leads to collisions.
- Speeding - even though the posted speed limit on SR 826 is 55 miles per hour, some drivers have been clocked at 80 mph on the Palmetto Expressway. At higher speeds, a driver has less time to react to unexpected dangerous situations and avoid a crash.
- Complicated roadway design - interchanges along the Palmetto Expressway are complex and can confuse drivers unfamiliar with the area. Driving on SR 826 requires navigating multi-lane highways, merging on and off the many connecting roads, and split-second decisions.
- Distracted and aggressive drivers - as mentioned earlier, more drivers today do not focus solely on the task of driving. Instead, they may text, search for information or directions, or make calls while behind the wheel. Also, because SR 826 carries so much traffic, many motorists become agitated and aggressive. Common examples of aggressive driving include weaving through traffic, tailgating, and refusing to yield the right of way. These actions often lead to crashes.
- Poor road maintenance - with so much traffic, the road surface becomes damaged more quickly. Rough surfaces, potholes, uneven lanes, and other hazards can cause drivers to lose control and cause accidents.
#3 U.S. Route 1
Miami's third most dangerous road starts at the U.S.-Canada border and runs 2,369 miles south to Miami, including 545 miles in Florida. With eight fatal crashes, U.S. Route 1 ties the Palmetto Expressway as the second most deadly highway in Miami.
In the Miami area, this road starts as the Dixie Highway, then changes to the South Dixie Highway, before finally claiming the name Biscayne Boulevard through the Miami downtown area. U.S. Route 1 carries a lot of commercial traffic and large trucks in close proximity to passenger vehicles. Since this area is also known for drunk drivers and risky driving activities, this route ranks as one of the most dangerous roads around Miami.
#4 State Route 821 - SR 821
This stretch of road is also known as the Homestead Extension of Florida’s Turnpike (HEFT) or The Ronald Reagan Turnpike. The 50-mile southern portion runs through Miami and is a common alternate route to I-95 and U.S. Route 1. This means it also carries a lot of traffic and suffers from congestion, especially during rush hour.
SR 821 also allows drivers to travel at higher speeds with typical speed limits of 70 to 75 miles per hour. Auto accidents become more likely when heavy traffic is traveling at higher speeds.
#5 U.S. Route 441
This roadway starts at the tip of Florida and cuts through the center of the state on its way to Georgia and Tennessee. Much of U.S. Route 441 is a local road so it doesn’t carry as much traffic as the other roads on our list. In the Miami area, this road is known as State Road 7, which is used as a common commuter route.
Unlike the other highways mentioned in this article, U.S. Route 441 intersects with other roads involving traffic signals and stop lights. These interchanges create the opportunity for side-impact (T-bone) crashes, left-turn accidents, and more.
#6 12th Avenue in East Little Havana
This popular tourist area carries a lot of traffic from visitors and locals alike. Specifically, the section of 12th Avenue located between Flagler Street and Southwest First Street reports the highest number of auto crashes compared to the rest of the roadway.
How Can a Car Accident Lawyer Help After a Miami-Dade Traffic Crash?
Whether your accident occurred on one of the most dangerous roads in Miami or elsewhere, you don’t have to face the claims process or legal system alone. Turn to a dedicated car accident attorney to help guide you through the complicated maze of insurance claims, negotiations, and court filings to protect your rights.
When you are ready to seek compensation for your Miami car crash losses, a skilled personal injury lawyer can help by:
- Investigating your accident to determine what happened and who may be held responsible for your injuries and financial losses
- Gathering key evidence to build a strong legal case in support of your request for compensation
- Calculating your total amount of damages, including all current expenses and anticipated losses related to your collision
- Communicating with the insurance companies to present your claim and prevent aggressive adjusters from misleading or harassing you
- Negotiating a fair settlement with the responsible party and/or their insurance company
- Filing a civil lawsuit if settlement negotiations are unsuccessful
- Representing you at trial before a judge or jury, presenting evidence, examining and cross-examining witnesses, and arguing for the maximum amount of damages possible
Be forewarned: most insurance companies will try to pay as little as possible on accident claims because every claim payment reduces the company’s profit margin. Adjusters will make low-ball settlement offers, hoping to resolve your claim quickly before you realize the full extent of your losses. Never accept a settlement offer without reviewing it with an experienced injury lawyer first.
While you focus on your physical and emotional recovery, let a tenacious auto accident lawyer protect your legal rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Trust Dolman Law Group After You’ve Been Injured on One of the Most Dangerous Roads in Miami
Collisions can happen anywhere. If you live or work around Miami, you know some of the most dangerous roads in the country are found in the Miami-Dade area. If you were injured in Miami or anywhere in Florida, the compassionate car accident lawyers at Dolman Law Group can help.
If you want to learn more about your options and how the injury claim process works, reach out today for a free consultation and case review. Our legal team is available to meet with you in person or virtually at your convenience. With no obligation and no cost, you have nothing to lose and so much to gain. Contact to a Miami personal injury lawyer now to ensure you meet important deadlines following a car accident.
With offices across both Florida coasts, you can easily reach Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, at (305) 676-8154 or fill out our online contact form for your free consultation today.
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