Gainesville Car Accident Statistics

Gainesville Car Accident Statistics

Gainesville is home to more than 140,000 people, making it the largest city in North Central Florida. However, that doesn’t do justice to just how busy the roads and highways in Gainesville can be. It’s also the home to the University of Florida and the Florida Gators and a hotspot for tourists. Every year, millions of miles are traveled in and through the city.

As a result, car accidents in Gainesville aren’t uncommon. In fact, Florida car accident statistics show that Gainesville and surrounding cities in Alachua County are among the most dangerous in the state.

If you were injured in a car accident you can contact a Gainesville car accident lawyer from Allen Law Firm, P.A. to schedule your free consultation today at (877) 255-3652.

How Common Are Car Accidents in Gainesville?

How Common Are Car Accidents in Gainesville?

According to the Florida Department Highway of Safety and Motor Vehicles, Gainesville and surrounding cities in Alachua County account for about 1.2 percent of all reported car accidents in the State of Florida.

Collisions in Alachua have actually decreased in recent years, declining by about 15 percent between 2018 and 2023:

  • 2018: 5,846 total car accidents reported 
  • 2019: 5,878 total car accidents reported 
  • 2020: 4,617 total car accidents reported
  • 2021: 5,193 total car accidents reported
  • 2022: 5,051 total car accidents reported
  • 2023: 4,926 total car accidents reported

Based on 2024 car accident statistics, there have been about 10 car accidents every single day in Alachua County. 

Gainesville Car Accidents Resulting in Physical Injury

Statistics reveal that between 45 and 52 percent of car accidents in Gainesville and Alachua County cause at least one injury.

  • 2018: 2,798 collisions causing 4,415 injuries
  • 2019: 2,785 collisions causing 4,237 injuries
  • 2020: 2,152 collisions causing 3,266 injuries
  • 2021: 2,396 collisions causing 3,650 injuries
  • 2022: 2,260 collisions causing 3,257 injuries
  • 2023: 2,224 collisions causing 3,285 injuries

While the total number of accidents causing injuries and overall injuries has decreased in recent years, the rate at which these wrecks cause injuries has remained consistent.

Fatal Car Accidents in Gainesville

Sadly, not everyone who gets into a car accident in Gainesville survives. Unlike injuries, fatal accidents and fatalities have trended up since 2018. Fatal crashes have increased by about 10 percent in that period of time.

  • 2018: 49 fatal crashes, 51 deaths
  • 2019: 54 fatal crashes, 72 deaths
  • 2020: 44 fatal crashes, 48 deaths
  • 2021: 55 fatal crashes, 57 deaths
  • 2022: 45 fatal crashes, 52 deaths
  • 2023: 58 fatal crashes, 60 deaths

Car accidents continue to be reported in and around Gainsville, resulting in no fewer than dozens of deaths each year.

Gainesville Crashes Resulting in Property Damage

Statistically speaking, about half of all traffic accidents in and around Gainesville cause property damage only. 

  • 2018: 3,480 property damage collisions (52.1% total)
  • 2019: 3,093 property damage collisions (52.6% total)
  • 2020: 2,465 property damage collisions (53.4% total)
  • 2021: 2,797 property damage collisions (53.9% total)
  • 2022: 2,791 property damage collisions (55.3% total)

The number of traffic accidents resulting in property damage has remained consistent.

Car Accidents in Gainesville Involving Motorcyclists, Bicyclists, and Pedestrians

Drivers and occupants of passenger cars aren’t the only ones who are involved in auto accidents in Gainesville.

Motorcycle accidents in Gainesville, Florida

Between 2018 and 2023, the number of motorcycle accidents in and near Gainesville increased by about 8 percent.

  • 2018: 122 resulting in 6 deaths
  • 2019: 131 resulting in 10 deaths
  • 2020: 94 resulting in 4 deaths
  • 2021: 107 resulting in 6 deaths
  • 2022: 115 resulting in 5 deaths
  • 2023: 132 resulting in 7 deaths

However, the total number of motorcycle accident fatalities remained consistent during that same time, marking an uptick in the motorcycle crash fatality rate.

Bicycle Accidents in Gainesville, Florida

Bicyclists have their fair share of run-ins with vehicles in Gainesville. However, there has been a marked reduction in bicycle accidents in the area since 2018. In fact, between 2018 and 2023, bike accidents declined by about 13 percent.

  • 2018: 133 resulting in 4 deaths
  • 2019: 130 resulting in 0 deaths
  • 2020: 87 resulting in 2 deaths
  • 2021: 96 resulting in 4 deaths
  • 2022: 110 resulting in 4 deaths
  • 2023: 115 resulting in 2 deaths

Bicycle accident fatalities have fluctuated over the past few years, with no more than 4 cyclists losing their lives in area collisions during that time.

Pedestrian Accidents in Gainesville, Florida

Between 2018 and 2023, accidents involving pedestrians surged by about 25 percent.

  • 2018: 128 resulting in 10 deaths
  • 2019: 156 resulting in 11 deaths
  • 2020: 100 resulting in 9 deaths
  • 2021: 161 resulting in 12 deaths
  • 2022: 143 resulting in 12 deaths
  • 2023: 153 resulting in 13 deaths

Fatalities have also increased slightly during this span of time but remained fairly consistent.

Prevalence of Hit-and-Run Car Accidents in Gainesville

Despite the fact that it’s a crime to leave the scene of a car accident in Florida, hit and run accidents are quite common.

  • 2018: 1,384 hit and run accidents resulting in 319 injuries and 2 deaths
  • 2019: 1,480 hit and run accidents resulting in 396 injuries and 3 deaths
  • 2020: 1,117 hit and run accidents resulting in 291 injuries and 6 deaths
  • 2021: 1,394 hit and run accidents resulting in 395 injuries and 4 deaths
  • 2022: 1,285 hit and run accidents resulting in 307 injuries and 3 deaths
  • 2023: 1,319 hit and run accidents resulting in 312 injuries and 3 deaths

There are generally at least 3 hit-and-run accidents reported every single day.

Gainesville’s Most Dangerous Roads

So, where do most car accidents in Gainesville, Florida, happen?

While these motor vehicle accidents can happen anywhere, data shows that some particularly dangerous Gainesville roads, intersections, and crossroads include:

  • NW 34th Street & NW 39th Avenue
  • West University Avenue & NW 22nd Street
  • SW 37th Boulevard & SW Archer Road
  • SW 16th Avenue & SW 13th Street
  • SW 20th Avenue & SW 62nd Boulevard
  • SW 13th Street & SW Williston Road
  • University Ave
  • Waldo Road
  • 13th Street
  • 34th Street
  • Main Street
  • Williston Road
  • Archer Road

You might not be able to avoid these roads or intersections if you drive in Gainesville regularly. And you shouldn’t have to alter your route just because accidents are more prevalent on these stretches of road. However, knowing where accidents tend to happen can help you to stay safe if you exercise additional caution while navigating them.

Speak With a Gainesville Car Accident Lawyer If You’ve Been Injured

Contact an experienced Gainesville car accident lawyer at Allen Law Firm, P.A., if you or a loved one has recently been injured in a wreck. Our team – which includes skilled attorneys and former insurance claims adjusters – has over 100 years of combined experience handling cases like yours. We’ve won hundreds of millions for crash victims in Gainesville and across North Central Florida.

Now it’s time for you to benefit from our experience, insight, and reputation. 

Contact our law office in Gainesville, FL, to arrange a free consultation to learn more. Our team is standing by to take your call – 24/7/365.