Whether you’re commuting down Okeechobee Boulevard, navigating I-95, or running errands in Downtown West Palm, car accidents are an everyday risk here in Palm Beach County. The numbers show just how common, and often dangerous, these crashes are for drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists alike.
Here’s what the latest data reveals about traffic accidents in West Palm Beach and surrounding communities.
How Many Car Accidents Happen in Palm Beach County Every Day in 2024?
In 2024, there were 26,550 reported crashes in Palm Beach County. That breaks down to about 73 car accidents every single day, according to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV).
From busy intersections like Palm Beach Lakes Boulevard to congested stretches of I-95, these crashes happen all over, and they can leave victims dealing with injuries, property damage, and stress that lasts long after the accident.
How Many Fatal Car Accidents Happen in Palm Beach County Every Day?
Sadly, the risk of deadly crashes is real. In 2024, there were 191 fatal crashes, averaging roughly one fatal accident every two days.
These crashes impact local families, and the numbers reflect an ongoing problem with driver negligence, speeding, and failure to yield to pedestrians and cyclists.
5-Year Crash Average for Palm Beach County
Looking at the last five years, the numbers tell a consistent, and concerning story:
- Average Daily Crashes: About 69 crashes every day
- Average Fatal Crashes per Day: Roughly 0.51 fatal crashes per day
Despite ongoing safety campaigns, Palm Beach County roads remain a high-risk environment for drivers and pedestrians alike.
Palm Beach County Crash Statistics (2019 – 2024)
| Year | Total Crashes | Fatal Crashes | Total Injuries | Total Fatalities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 26,817 | 163 | 16,787 | 174 |
| 2020 | 22,106 | 177 | 12,832 | 185 |
| 2021 | 24,857 | 198 | 15,203 | 215 |
| 2022 | 25,011 | 217 | 15,270 | 232 |
| 2023 | 26,250 | 182 | 16,235 | 194 |
| 2024* | 26,550 | 191 | 16,565 | 214 |
What the Numbers Tell Us About Our Roads
- Crashes Are Rising Again: After fewer crashes during the pandemic, traffic and collisions are back up across the county.
- Deadly Crashes Haven’t Gone Away: Fatal crashes continue year after year, often caused by reckless or distracted driving.
- Injuries Are Climbing: More than 16,500 people were hurt in 2024 alone, showing how widespread the impact of these crashes really is.
West Palm Beach Accident Types: A Closer Look
| Year | Bicycle Crashes | Bicycle Fatalities | Motorcycle Crashes | Motorcycle Fatalities | Pedestrian Crashes | Pedestrian Fatalities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 428 | 5 | 410 | 23 | 633 | 42 |
| 2020 | 373 | 12 | 376 | 29 | 487 | 43 |
| 2021 | 424 | 8 | 386 | 29 | 573 | 48 |
| 2022 | 486 | 14 | 408 | 30 | 646 | 57 |
| 2023 | 689 | 11 | 452 | 21 | 713 | 54 |
| 2024* | 724 | 6 | 489 | 33 | 807 | 63 |
What West Palm Beach Residents Should Know
- Bicycle Crashes Have Nearly Doubled: From 373 in 2020 to over 720 in 2024 — bike safety remains a growing concern, especially near downtown and waterfront areas.
- Motorcyclists Face Rising Risks: Motorcycle crashes are climbing steadily, and fatalities have spiked in 2024.
- Pedestrian Dangers Increasing: Whether you’re walking near Clematis Street, CityPlace, or crossing local intersections, pedestrian crashes are happening more often, with over 800 incidents reported in 2024.
What’s Causing So Many Crashes in Palm Beach County?
Locals know — between aggressive drivers, distracted tourists, and congested streets, staying safe behind the wheel or on foot takes constant vigilance.
Here are some of the leading causes:
- Distracted Driving: Phones, apps, and inattentive drivers put everyone at risk
- Speeding: Particularly dangerous on major roads like I-95 and Military Trail
- Failure to Yield: Many crashes, especially with pedestrians and cyclists, come down to drivers ignoring crosswalks and traffic rules
- Impaired Driving: DUI remains a leading cause of fatal accidents countywide
- Aggressive Lane Changes: Tailgating and road rage lead to preventable collisions
West Palm Beach: One of the Deadliest Corridors for Pedestrians
Florida is notorious for its high rate of pedestrian road fatalities. High poverty rates, a large landmass, and a lack of pedestrian-friendly road designs combine to make Florida the most dangerous state in the U.S. for pedestrians.
Of the top 20 most deadly metro areas, the entire top six were found in Florida. Overall, nine of the 20 on the list were from the state.
The Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL was counted as a contiguous metro region for the pedestrian safety study in question. The region sees an average of 2.61 pedestrian fatalities per 100,000 people, with a staggering 1,549 pedestrian deaths from 2008 – 2017.
Getting Compensation After an Accident in West Palm Beach
Those who get hurt in a road accident in West Palm Beach have a long and difficult road to recovery, but they don’t have to go it alone. They can appoint a West Palm Beach car accident lawyer to help them build a personal injury claim. Together, they can seek the maximum amount of compensation available for their losses.
Common damages claimed after a car accident include hospital bills, lost wages, out-of-pocket expenses, and pain and suffering.
Steinger, Greene & Feiner can provide attorney services with no up-front fees. We don’t charge you anything if we are unable to recover money for you. Our attorneys have collectively won over $1 billion in settlements and verdicts on behalf of clients. Find out what we can do for you when you schedule a free, no-obligation case review today.
Call (561) 566-5021 or contact us online to schedule a free case evaluation now.