Clearwater, Florida is home to more than 116,000 people and, as a hotspot for tourism, welcomes millions more every year.
It’s no surprise that Clearwater and surrounding towns in Pinellas County have some of the state’s busiest – and most dangerous – roads.
Car accidents are commonplace, with Pinellas County accounting for four percent of the state’s total collisions.
How Common Are Car Accidents in Clearwater, FL?
Every year, thousands of car accidents unfold on roads in Clearwater and other towns in Pinellas County, FL.
According to car accident data from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), crashes have dropped slightly in recent years, dropping by about twelve percent between 2018 and 2022:
- 2018: 17,875 total collisions
- 2019: 17,078 total collisions
- 2020: 14,313 total collisions
- 2021: 16,462 total collisions
- 2022: 15,646 total collisions
As of 01/14/23, there have already been 242 car accidents reported in the area. That’s roughly 19 crashes a day.
Clearwater Car Accidents Resulting in Physical Injury
Not everyone who gets into a car accident in Clearwater walks away unscathed. In fact, depending on the year, between 39 and 41 percent of the area’s total collisions cause at least one injury.
- 2018: 7,473 accidents resulting in 10,751 injuries
- 2019: 7,156 accidents resulting in 10,404 injuries
- 2020: 5786 accidents resulting in 8,412 injuries
- 2021: 6,546 accidents resulting in 9,427 injuries
- 2022: 6,368 accidents resulting in 9,210 injuries
As of January 2023, 43 percent of the area’s car accidents have caused an injury, with 153 people reporting trauma.
Fatal Car Accidents in Clearwater
Sadly, scores of traffic accidents in and around Clearwater, FL are fatal.
While the overall number of accidents in the area has declined recently, fatal collisions saw an uptick in 2021:
- 2018: 126 fatal crashes causing 130 deaths
- 2019: 107 fatal crashes causing 108 deaths
- 2020: 102 fatal crashes causing 108 deaths
- 2021: 146 fatal crashes causing 155 deaths
- 2022: 113 fatal crashes causing 121 deaths
The first month of 2023 has already seen 1 fatal car accident, leaving 1 family devastated after the wrongful deaths of their loved ones.
Clearwater Crashes Resulting in Property Damage
Until recently, more than half of all car accidents in Clearwater and Pinellas County caused property damage only.
Since 2021, only about 40 percent of motor vehicle accidents in Clearwater have caused nothing but property damage. This reflects an increase in the number of injury-causing and fatal collisions in the area.
- 2018: 10,276 (57.5 percent)
- 2019: 9,815 (57.5 percent)
- 2020: 8,425 (58.8 percent)
- 2021: 6,692 (40.7 percent)
Early reports for 2022, with data up to September 15, reveal 4,450 accidents – or 40.7 percent of the area’s total crashes.
Car Accidents in Clearwater Involving Motorcyclists, Bicyclists, and Pedestrians
Passengers and drivers of passenger vehicles aren’t the only ones involved in traffic accidents in Clearwater. Biking, walking, and riding a motorcycle are all increasingly popular ways to get in and around the city – but also some of the most dangerous options.
Bicycle Accidents
Clearwater is known as a bicycle-friendly beach town on the Gulf Coast, and for a good reason. There are tons of trails and dedicated locations for bicyclists to ride. However, hundreds of bicyclists are involved in collisions when they’re forced to share the road with larger vehicles.
- 2018: 622 bicycle accidents, 7 of which were fatal
- 2019: 513 bicycle accidents, 10 of which were fatal
- 2020: 518 bicycle accidents, 8 of which were fatal
- 2021: 546 bicycle accidents, 16 of which were fatal
- 2022: 578 bicycle accidents, 13 of which were fatal
Even though the overall number of bike accidents in Clearwater dropped in 2021, fatalities doubled over the year prior.
Preliminary data for the first month of 2023 shows 10 bike crashes, with a total of 0 fatalities.
Pedestrian Accidents
Overall, pedestrian accidents have dropped slightly since 2019. However, fatalities surged in 2021, up by about 43 percent from 2019.
- 2018: 504 pedestrian accidents causing 41 fatalities
- 2019: 572 pedestrian accidents causing 42 fatalities
- 2020: 438 pedestrian accidents causing 30 fatalities
- 2021: 498 pedestrian accidents causing 60 fatalities
- 2022: 474 pedestrian accidents causing 36 fatalities
2023 has already seen 8 pedestrian accidents and 0 fatalities so far.
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle crashes are down in Clearwater, with a 14 percent decline between 2018 and 2021.
- 2018: 503 motorcycle accidents resulting in 29 deaths
- 2019: 428 motorcycle accidents resulting in 22 deaths
- 2020: 411 motorcycle accidents resulting in 18 deaths
- 2021: 433 motorcycle accidents resulting in 30 deaths
- 2022: 435 motorcycle accidents resulting in 31 deaths
In 2023, there have already been 6 motorcycle crashes, and 0 motorcycle accident fatalities reported.
Prevalence of Hit-and-Run Car Accidents in Clearwater, FL
Even though it can be a crime to leave the scene of a Clearwater car accident, there are thousands of reported hit-and-run accidents every year.
Many of these accidents cause serious injuries and death:
- 2018: 4,985 (causing 987 injuries and 9 deaths)
- 2019: 4,849 (causing 974 injuries and 6 deaths)
- 2020: 4,259 (causing 853 injuries and 15 deaths)
- 2021: 4,895 (causing 948 injuries and 11 deaths)
- 2022: 4,456 (causing 869 injuries and 8 deaths)
So far, in 2023, there have been 75 hit-and-run collisions, leaving 14 people injured and resulting 0 fatalities.
Clearwater’s Most Dangerous Roads and Intersections
Clearwater and other cities on the Gulf Coast are home to some of the most dangerous roads and highways in the state.
In Clearwater, particularly dangerous intersections include:
- US-19 and Gulf-to-Bay Blvd
- US-19 and Drew St
- Belcher Rd and Gulf-to-Bay Blvd
- SR-60 and Belcher Rd
- SR 686 and 34th St N
You can’t guarantee that you’ll avoid an accident just by knowing where most car accidents in Clearwater take place. However, this information can help you know when it might be important to exercise a little bit of extra caution while driving through the city.
Speak With a Clearwater Car Accident Lawyer If You’ve Been Injured in a Collision
Clearwater car accident statistics reveal that more people are getting hurt in area crashes. If you or a family member has recently been involved in a collision, don’t hesitate to contact Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers
Our Clearwater car accident attorneys have over 119 years of combined experience and have won millions on behalf of deserving crash victims like you.
We offer a free, no-obligation case evaluation and work on a contingency fee basis. You pay our personal injury attorney in Clearwater nothing unless we win your case. No win, no fee – guaranteed.
Contact our Clearwater, FL law office to set up a time for your free consultation to get started on your case today at (727) 493-4418.