Ocala Car Accident Statistics
Ocala, Florida, is home to more than 64,000 people and welcomes thousands of workers, visitors, and tourists every year. While it might not be one of the biggest cities in Florida, it has its fair share of car accidents.
In fact, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) reports that about 1.7 percent of the state’s car accidents occur in Ocala and surrounding cities in Marion County.
If you were injured in a car accident in Ocala, FL you can contact an Ocala car accident lawyer from Allen Law Firm, P.A. to schedule your free consultation today at (877) 255-3652. We can also assist you if you’re facing another type of motor vehicle accident case, such as an Ocala commercial vehicle accident, Ocala electric scooter accident, Ocala train accident, truck accident, Uber accident, and Lyft accident, among other cases.
How Common Are Car Accidents in Ocala?
Every year, thousands of car accidents are reported in and around Ocala, Florida. Overall, total collisions declined in 2020 but surged in the following years.
Between 2019 and 2023, traffic accidents in the area increased by almost 9 percent.
- 2019: 6,353
- 2020: 5,918
- 2021: 7,132
- 2022: 7,045
- 2023: 6,917
Based on 2023 car accident statistics, there are about 19 collisions reported in the Ocala area every day.
Ocala Car Accidents Resulting in Physical Injury
About half of all car accidents in Ocala result in at least one physical injury. Statewide, only about 40 percent of car accidents cause an injury. This makes Ocala a more dangerous place to drive (statistically speaking).
Both the number of injury-causing crashes and injuries reported after Marion County car accidents have generally increased since 2019, with a slight decline in 2023.
- 2019: 3,179 accidents resulting in 5,267 injuries
- 2020: 2,993 accidents resulting in 4,908 injuries
- 2021: 3,732 accidents resulting in 6,676 injuries
- 2022: 3,630 accidents resulting in 6,270 injuries
- 2023: 3,430 accidents resulting in 5,579 injuries
The prevalence of injury-causing accidents in Ocala only further stresses the importance of staying safe on the road.
Fatal Car Accidents in Ocala
Dozens of people tragically lose their lives in Ocala-area car accidents every year. Both fatal crashes and fatalities have increased in recent years.
While the overall number of accidents decreased in 2020, fatal car accidents and fatalities increased. Additionally, aside from the year 2021, most years since 2019 have seen a significantly higher number of these most severe collisions.
- 2019: 82, 90
- 2020: 94, 105
- 2021: 84, 93
- 2022: 102, 109
- 2023: 90, 99
The year 2022 saw a slight drop in accidents from the year prior, but deadly car accidents and deaths were still up, overall.
Fortunately, in 2023, fewer fatal crashes and fatalities were recorded in Ocala and surrounding cities in Marion County compared with the year prior.
Ocala Crashes Resulting in Property Damage
Depending on the year, between 47 and 50 percent of car accidents in Marion County, FL, don’t cause a reportable injury or death. They only cause property damage.
Overall, the percentage of collisions causing property damage only has remained fairly consistent.
- 2019: 3,174 (49.9% total)
- 2020: 2,925 (49.4% total)
- 2021: 3,400 (47.6% total)
- 2022: 3,415 (48.4% total)
- 2023: 3,487 (49.5% total)
In every year since 2019, more accidents in Marion County resulted in injuries than those that resulted only in property damage.
Car Accidents in Ocala Involving Motorcyclists, Bicyclists, and Pedestrians
Driving isn’t the only way to experience Ocala, Florida. Riding a motorcycle, biking, and walking are all increasingly popular forms of transportation in Marion County. However, motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians do take risks by sharing the road with larger vehicles.
Motorcycle Accidents in Marion County, FL
Scores of motorcyclists are injured and killed in Ocala-area motorcycle accidents every year.
Between 2019 and 2023, motorcycle collisions increased by about 7 percent.
- 2019: 198 wrecks resulting in 10 fatalities
- 2020: 190 wrecks resulting in 12 fatalities
- 2021: 219 wrecks resulting in 20 fatalities
- 2022: 227 wrecks resulting in 23 fatalities
- 2023: 211 wrecks resulting in 22 fatalities
While FLHSM statistics do not specify how many motorcycle crashes result in injuries, the rate is likely similar (if not higher) than the overall rate applying to all motor vehicle collisions.
Bicycle Accidents in Marion County, FL
Riding a bicycle can be dangerous in Ocala and Marion County. Since 2019, Ocala’s roads seem to have become more treacherous for cyclists, as both the number of bicycle accidents and bike accident deaths have increased.
- 2019: 76, 1
- 2020: 61, 2
- 2021: 52, 3
- 2022: 97, 4
- 2023: 112, 4
Bike accidents recorded in 2022 surpassed 2021’s total. Unfortunately, the year 2023 only continued that trend.
Pedestrian Accidents in Marion County, FL
Ocala is a somewhat walkable city, but pedestrians still take a risk by sharing the road with cars and trucks.
Every year, more than 100 pedestrians are involved in collisions in and around Ocala. Overall, pedestrian accidents have increased slightly in the most recent two years. However, fatalities have decreased almost each year since 2019.
- 2019: 159, 20
- 2020: 144, 22
- 2021: 135, 18
- 2022: 153, 16
- 2023: 155, 13
The numbers for 2023 are relatively close to the year prior, both in terms of overall accidents as well as fatalities.
Are Hit-and-Run Car Accidents in Ocala Common?
In 2023, there were around 4 hit-and-run collisions reported in Marion County every day.
Statistics reveal that hit and runs have occurred at a fairly similar rate in recent years, though there was a noticeable drop off when comparing 2023 with the two previous years.
- 2019: 1,420 hit and run accidents resulting in 426 injuries and 3 deaths
- 2020: 1,275 hit and run accidents resulting in 391 injuries and 4 deaths
- 2021: 1,583 hit and run accidents resulting in 528 injuries and 4 deaths
- 2022: 1,561 hit and run accidents resulting in 478 injuries and 8 deaths
- 2023: 1,436 hit and run accidents resulting in 429 injuries and 6 deaths
As with most motor vehicle accident statistics, the year 2020 should largely be considered an outlier due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ocala’s Most Dangerous Roads
Accidents can and do happen anywhere in Ocala, Florida. However, data suggests that some roads and intersections in Ocala are more dangerous than others.
I-75 runs through western Ocala, offering several opportunities for travelers to make their way into the city. Many of these offramps (and onramps) are hotspots for car accidents.
This includes:
- Exit 350: I-75 and College Road
- Exit 352: I-75 and Silver Springs Boulevard
- Exit 354: I-75 and Blitchton Road
Other notably dangerous stretches of road in Ocala include:
- Pine Avenue and SW 17th Street
- College Road and SW 27th Avenue
- Silver Springs Boulevard and Pine Avenue
- Silver Springs Boulevard and SE 25th Avenue
You can exercise additional caution while using these offramps or traveling through these intersections in Ocala to reduce the risk of a crash.
Speak With an Ocala Car Accident Lawyer If You’ve Been Injured
Have you or a loved one been injured in a car accident in Ocala, Florida? Speak with an experienced Ocala car accident attorney at Allen Law Firm, P.A., for immediate legal assistance. You may have the right to compensation, and our award-winning Florida trial attorneys are ready to help you seek maximum damages from those responsible.
Our team, which includes experienced litigators and former insurance adjusters, has over 100 years of experience. We’ve won hundreds of millions on behalf of clients just like you.
Call our law office in Ocala, FL, to discover why you’ll want us fighting for you, too. We offer a free consultation, so reach out to our compassionate team to get started now.
