Jacksonville Car Accidents: A Dangerous Reality for Local Drivers
Jacksonville’s roadways are some of the busiest in Florida—and unfortunately, also among the most dangerous. According to recent data from the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Department (FLHSMV), the Jacksonville area experienced 24,351 traffic accidents in just one year.
Of those crashes:
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10,571 involved injuries
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288 were bicycle accidents
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484 involved motorcyclists
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527 included pedestrians
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7,639 were hit-and-run incidents
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157 tragically resulted in fatalities
Over the last five years, Jacksonville has averaged 23,537 accidents annually, with approximately 167 lives lost each year. These numbers paint a sobering picture of how dangerous driving in Jacksonville can be for motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians alike.
Why Are There So Many Car Accidents in Jacksonville?
Car accidents happen for many reasons—but in Jacksonville, certain roads and intersections are especially hazardous. According to investigations by News4JAX and I-TEAM, Beach Boulevard and St. Johns Bluff Road is one of the city’s most dangerous intersections, often the site of serious crashes caused by drivers running red lights or speeding through intersections.
Other high-risk intersections include:
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Beach Blvd & Southside Blvd
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Beach Blvd & University Blvd
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Beach Blvd & Hodges Blvd
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Baymeadows Rd & Phillips Hwy
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Atlantic Blvd & Hodges Blvd
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Atlantic Blvd & Southside Blvd
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Phillips Hwy & University Blvd
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Phillips Hwy & Emerson St
In addition to location-specific dangers, there are common driving behaviors and conditions that frequently lead to serious collisions:
Distracted Driving
Whether it’s texting behind the wheel, adjusting a GPS, or eating on the go, distractions—even momentary ones—can lead to life-altering crashes. Staying focused is essential to keeping yourself and others safe on the road.
Speeding
Speeding reduces your reaction time and increases the force of impact during a crash. It’s one of the most common and deadly causes of accidents—not just in Jacksonville, but nationwide.
Reckless Driving
Tailgating, weaving between lanes, and aggressive behavior are all forms of reckless driving that endanger everyone nearby. These dangerous decisions often stem from driver frustration or impatience.
Impaired Driving
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol significantly impairs judgment and reaction time. It remains one of the most preventable yet devastating causes of auto accidents.
Ignoring Traffic Signals
Running red lights and stop signs is more than just reckless—it puts everyone at an intersection in harm’s way. These types of violations are a major contributor to Jacksonville crashes.
Dangerous Weather
Heavy rain, wind, and reduced visibility are all common in Florida and can make driving treacherous. In poor weather conditions, slowing down and using extra caution can be the difference between arriving safely and ending up in an accident.
Poor Road Conditions
Cracked pavement, potholes, and road construction zones can all lead to loss of control or collisions—especially when maintenance crews fail to provide clear warnings or clean up after their work.
Vehicle Defects
Sometimes, the car itself is to blame. Defective parts—such as faulty brakes or malfunctioning airbags—can result in serious accidents. In these cases, manufacturers may be held liable.
Your Right to Compensation After a Jacksonville Car Accident
If you’ve been injured in a Jacksonville car accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Whether through your own insurance policy or a claim against the at-fault driver, an experienced car accident attorney can help you pursue full and fair recovery.
Types of Compensation You May Be Entitled To:
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Economic Damages – These include out-of-pocket expenses like medical bills, lost wages, vehicle repairs, and other tangible losses.
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Non-Economic Damages – Pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and similar impacts that don’t come with a price tag but are just as real.
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Punitive Damages – In rare cases where the other driver acted with gross negligence or willful misconduct, the court may award punitive damages to send a message and prevent similar behavior.
What to Do After a Jacksonville Car Accident
If you’ve been involved in a crash, here are steps you can take to protect your health and your legal rights:
1. Seek Medical Care Immediately
Even if you feel fine, some injuries take time to appear. A prompt medical evaluation ensures your injuries are documented and treated early.
2. Gather Evidence
Collect medical records, police reports, photos of the crash, and witness contact information. This evidence is critical to support your claim or potential lawsuit.
3. Follow Doctor’s Orders
Continue with treatment and keep all follow-up appointments. If your current care plan isn’t working, speak to your doctor about making adjustments—never stop care without medical guidance.
4. Don’t Delay Filing
Florida law gives you two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline can mean losing your right to seek compensation.
5. Talk to a Jacksonville Car Accident Attorney
Before speaking with insurers or accepting a settlement, consult with a lawyer. At Applebaum Accident Group, we offer free consultations to help you understand your legal options and protect your future.
Let a Jacksonville Car Accident Lawyer Fight for You
Handling the aftermath of a car crash can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to go through it alone. From building your case to negotiating with the insurance companies, an experienced Jacksonville car accident attorney can help you seek the compensation you need to move forward.
At Applebaum Accident Group, we’re committed to protecting injury victims across Florida. We’ll take care of the legal process so you can focus on healing and getting your life back on track.
📞 Call now (855)-Call-Paul 
or contact us online to schedule your case review. We don’t get paid unless you win.
