Car accident risks in Fort Lauderdale, FL, vary depending on the time of year. Spring and summer may be especially dangerous for drivers because that is when tourists, including young people arriving for spring break, visit the city and drastically increase the amount of traffic on the roads.
If you were hurt under such circumstances, our Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyers can identify the at-fault party or parties and pursue the financial compensation you need to recover from your accident injuries.
Factors That Increase the Risk of a Crash
Depending on where you are traveling in Fort Lauderdale, your risk of an accident may increase because of:
- Tourism: Fort Lauderdale is very popular with tourists who are attracted by the city’s nightlife, beaches, and cultural sites. It is also a favorite destination of college students on spring break. These tourists are not familiar with the area and could easily cause an accident by staring at a GPS instead of the road or by wandering onto the wrong street.
- Congestion: Even when it is not officially “tourist season,” Fort Lauderdale is a large city that experiences heavy traffic, especially in areas like I-95 and I-595.
- Construction: The city is constantly undergoing updates and renovations. Such projects may force drivers to take unfamiliar detours, share the road with large construction vehicles, or even navigate areas filled with distracting noise and dangerous debris.
- Flooding: In low-lying areas of the city, roads may become washed out during heavy rains, hurricanes, and storm surges. Cars may lose traction or get stuck in the middle of the road in such conditions.
- Nightlife: Hot spots like Las Olas attract many people who want to spend the evening drinking and having fun with friends. Unfortunately, these crowds, which may include drunk drivers or pedestrians, make the chances of an accident more likely.
Most, if not all, of these risk factors are more common during the spring and summer months, but crashes can happen at any time for any number of reasons. For example:
- “Snowbirds” return to the area during the fall and winter, leading to a traffic surge that is different from the one driven by tourists but still risky
- Many people drink on New Year’s Eve, which makes it an especially dangerous time to travel
- Thanks to Fort Lauderdale’s year-round good weather, the risk of bike and motorcycle accidents may not differ as much between seasons as it does in other states—although the influx of extra cars during the summer could well pose a greater threat to riders
Where Do Most Car Accidents Happen in Fort Lauderdale?
A 2025 NBC report revealed that, in the two-year period from 2023 to 2024, there were over 27,000 motor vehicle accidents in Fort Lauderdale. The same report indicates that the following four areas are the most dangerous:
- The intersection at East Oakland Park Boulevard and North Federal Highway
- The intersection at W Commercial Boulevard and Powerline Road/NW 9th Street
- The intersection at NW 9th Street and W Sunrise Boulevard
- The intersection at NW 9th Avenue and NW 62nd Street
Each of the most dangerous spots is an intersection for a reason: it’s where multiple streams of traffic converge, increasing the likelihood of a collision if a driver becomes confused or disregards a traffic sign or law. This risk may have been exacerbated by the construction underway on Powerline Road at the time.
Popular shopping centers or stores may also pose a risk to drivers as multiple people try to get into and out of the area, find a parking spot, and avoid pedestrians.
Car Accident Risks in Broward County
Fort Lauderdale is not the only city in Broward County that experiences risk factors like tourism and nightlife. Nearby Hollywood, for example, contains some of the most dangerous intersections in the county, according to a 2024 NBC report.
Broward County as a whole saw over 78,500 motor vehicle accidents in 2023 and 2024, according to Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). This number includes the following:
- Over 47,600 injuries
- Over 400 fatalities
- Over 2,300 pedestrian crashes
- Over 3,400 bicycle and motorcycle crashes
If you suffered injuries or lost a loved one in a traffic accident in Fort Lauderdale, our attorneys can help. We can even handle complicated cases, such as those where the negligent driver fled the scene or lives in another state.
Did Negligence Play a Role in Your Accident?
Many of the accident risks discussed above could be reduced through cautious, reasonable behavior. For instance, people who intend to go out drinking can use a rideshare service or a designated driver, and all drivers can use extra caution in areas they know to be busy or potentially hazardous.
If the worst happens and you are hit by another vehicle, you can protect your rights and get the help you need by taking the following steps:
- Call the local authorities—this will typically be the Fort Lauderdale Police Department, but the Broward Sheriff’s Office might also respond, depending on where you are
- Get timely and appropriate medical care at an emergency room like the one at Broward Health or by scheduling an appointment with your own doctor
- Preserve as much evidence as you can, such as photos from the accident scene or medical bills
- Speak to our personal injury lawyers about your options for pursuing compensation
Figuring out what to do after an accident can be very stressful and confusing. Our law firm is here to make things easier for you and your family by handling all legal tasks associated with your case.
Our Lawyers Can Manage Your Auto Accident Claim
Were you injured in a car accident in Fort Lauderdale? Rosenberg & Rosenberg can figure out how it happened, who is responsible, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Call our family-owned firm today for a free consultation. Our team can assist you in English, Spanish, or Creole.
