From navigating I-275 and the Selmon Expressway to weaving through traffic on Dale Mabry or crossing through bustling areas like Ybor City or downtown Tampa, accidents can happen anywhere. In Hillsborough County, where Tampa is located, the numbers show that serious crashes are a daily reality, not just for drivers, but for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists too.
Here’s what the latest crash data reveals about the risks on our roads and what it means for people who live and drive here.
How Many Car Accidents Happen in Tampa Every Day in 2024?
In 2024, Hillsborough County recorded 26,264 crashes. That breaks down to roughly 72 car accidents every single day, based on data from the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV).
From South Tampa to Brandon, and from busy expressways to neighborhood streets, crashes happen all across the region, causing injury, property damage, and disruption to everyday life.
How Many Fatal Car Accidents Happen in Tampa Every Day?
Unfortunately, fatal crashes are still a major concern. In 2024, there were 175 fatal crashes, which averages out to about 0.48 fatal crashes per day. That’s nearly one every other day in Hillsborough County.
5-Year Crash Averages for Hillsborough County
Looking at the last five years of crash data (2019–2024), here’s what stands out:
- Average Daily Crashes: Around 75 crashes per day
- Average Fatal Crashes per Day: About 0.54 fatal crashes per day
While 2024 showed a slight decrease in overall crash numbers, the broader trend still reflects a high level of daily accidents and life-threatening injuries.
Hit-and-Run Accidents in Tampa: A Persistent Problem
Hit-and-run crashes continue to be a major issue on Tampa’s roads. Over the last six years, Hillsborough County averaged more than 6,480 hit-and-run crashes per year, with roughly 17 deaths annually tied to these incidents.
In 2024 alone, there were 6,035 hit-and-run crashes, slightly down from the previous years, but still alarmingly high. In fact, hit-and-run cases have consistently made up a large share of all crashes in the county, with drivers leaving the scene even when others are injured or killed.
These crashes are especially dangerous for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists, who are often left without immediate help. For victims, the aftermath can feel overwhelming, but there are still legal options available, even if the driver is never identified.
Hillsborough County Crash Statistics (2019–2024)
| Year | Total Crashes | Fatal Crashes | Total Injuries Crashes | Total Fatalities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 29,155 | 207 | 13,118 | 219 |
| 2020 | 24,168 | 198 | 10,803 | 213 |
| 2021 | 28,020 | 254 | 12,157 | 271 |
| 2022 | 28,360 | 215 | 12,145 | 225 |
| 2023 | 27,474 | 209 | 12,087 | 230 |
| 2024* | 26,264 | 175 | 11,419 | 182 |
What the Numbers Tell Us
- Crashes Still High: Tampa’s roads continue to see tens of thousands of accidents every year — even after a slight drop in 2020, the numbers rebounded quickly.
- Fatal Crashes Fluctuate, But Stay Too High: Despite safety efforts, fatal crash counts remain in the 200+ range every year.
- Injuries Affect Thousands: With over 11,000 injuries in 2024 alone, crash survivors are facing lasting physical, emotional, and financial effects.
Tampa Car Accidents by Type (2019–2024)
| Year | Bicycle Crashes | Bicycle Fatalities | Motorcycle Crashes | Motorcycle Fatalities | Pedestrian Crashes | Pedestrian Fatalities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 544 | 12 | 640 | 51 | 640 | 57 |
| 2020 | 472 | 14 | 579 | 32 | 545 | 52 |
| 2021 | 467 | 20 | 584 | 37 | 655 | 65 |
| 2022 | 476 | 18 | 603 | 47 | 657 | 58 |
| 2023 | 602 | 16 | 585 | 39 | 662 | 66 |
| 2024* | 687 | 17 | 572 | 35 | 599 | 57 |
Key Trends to Watch in Tampa
- Bicycle Crashes Are Surging: Tampa saw the highest number of bicycle crashes in six years up 45% since 2020.
- Motorcycle Fatalities Remain High: Even though crash totals dipped slightly in 2024, 35 riders still lost their lives on Tampa roads.
- Pedestrian Safety Still a Major Concern: With nearly 600 crashes involving pedestrians last year, walking near major roads remains risky, especially near downtown, Busch Blvd., and Florida Avenue.
What Causes So Many Crashes in Tampa?
Tampa’s growth, traffic congestion, and mix of tourists and commuters all contribute to the crash problem. According to traffic safety experts, these are the biggest contributors:
- Distracted Driving – Phones, GPS, and in-car entertainment keep drivers from focusing.
- Speeding & Aggressive Driving – Especially common on I-275, I-4, and the Selmon Expressway.
- Failure to Yield – Many pedestrian and bicycle crashes happen because drivers don’t yield.
- Impaired Driving – DUI continues to cause both crashes and fatalities across the county.
- Weather-Related Issues – Heavy rain, flooding, and poor visibility contribute to many accidents during stormy months.
Hurt in a Crash? Our Tampa Car Accident Lawyers Are Here to Help
If you or someone you love has been hurt in a car accident, pedestrian crash, or motorcycle collision, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone.
At Steinger, Greene & Feiner, our Tampa car accident lawyers have helped thousands of local crash victims recover full compensation for their injuries from medical bills and lost wages to pain, suffering, and property damage.
We’re local, available 24/7, and we never charge unless we win your case.
Call now at (800) 821-6844 or click to start your free consultation. Let us protect your rights because your recovery is what matters most.