Have you been injured in a car accident in Polk County, Florida? Thomas C. Grajek, Attorney At Law, can help when you call (863) 999-9000. We offer a free consultation with a Polk County car accident lawyer who can explain your rights and help you take the next steps toward recovery.
With over 13,000 car accidents reported in Polk County each year, many caused by driver error, victims often suffer serious, life-changing injuries. At Thomas C. Grajek, Attorney At Law, we help clients pursue fair compensation and guide them through the legal process with clarity, experience, and personalized support.
Why Choose Thomas C. Grajek, Attorney At Law, After a Car Accident in Polk County, FL
At Thomas C. Grajek, Attorney At Law, we are dedicated to helping injury victims recover the compensation they need to move forward after a serious accident in Polk County, FL. With decades of legal experience and a strong local presence, here’s what sets our firm apart:
- Our founding attorney has over 25 years of experience representing accident victims and holding negligent drivers accountable.
- We have secured millions of dollars in compensation for injured clients through settlements and verdicts.
- Our team provides clear legal guidance, helping clients understand their rights and options under Florida law.
- We tailor our approach to the unique circumstances of each case, prioritizing strong results and personalized support from start to finish.
If you need help, call today to schedule your free consultation with a Polk County personal injury attorney.
Overview of Car Accidents in Polk County
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles’ Crash Dashboard, Polk County had 12,752 traffic accidents in 2024. This total was significantly less than the average of 13,500 from 2021 through 2023, as recorded in the Florida Traffic Crash Facts report for 2023. In fact, it was the lowest total over that time.
There’s no single explanation for this improvement. Statewide, crashes declined by about 3.5% from 2023 to 2024. However, Polk County saw a drop of nearly 6.5%. Moreover, the drop in Polk County was an anomaly — the previous year, crash totals increased by 0.98%.
Injuries and Deaths in Polk County Traffic Crashes
In 2024, auto accidents caused the following outcomes in Polk County:
- 112 fatal injuries
- 10,104 non-fatal injuries
The non-fatal injuries ranged in severity from possible injuries, such as bruises and sprains, to severe injuries, such as brain damage and paralysis.
Bicyclist and Pedestrian Statistics
Bicyclists and pedestrians had the worst outcomes. The county reported 345 pedestrian accidents in 2024, with the following results:
- 23 fatal injuries
- 231 non-fatal injuries
In total, 254 pedestrians suffered injuries or death in traffic accidents that year. That means 78% of pedestrians involved in crashes were hurt or killed.
Bicyclists fared much worse. The county had 196 bicycle accidents in 2024. These crashes caused three fatalities and 181 non-fatal injuries. The casualty rate for these collisions was nearly 94%.
Common Causes of Florida Auto Collisions
Traffic accidents in Florida may result from environmental conditions, equipment failures, or risky driving. Of these factors, driving errors account for the most crashes.
The Florida Traffic Crash Facts report identifies the following driving behaviors as the leading causes of collisions in the state:
Right-of-Way Violations
Right-of-way violations cause the majority of intersection accidents. They can also lead to accidents mid-block when drivers are turning into or across traffic.
Common crash scenarios involving a right-of-way violation include:
- Turning left without waiting for a gap in oncoming traffic
- Turning right at a red light in front of an approaching vehicle
- Failing to yield to others who arrived first at a multi-way stop
- Disobeying a stop sign or red light
- Proceeding through a crosswalk occupied by a pedestrian or bicyclist
According to the Traffic Crash Facts report, failures to yield the right of way were the second-most common cause of traffic crashes in Florida.
Speed Violations
A driver’s speed can affect their crash risk in two situations. Motorists who exceed the speed limit may not have time to stop or swerve when approaching slower drivers. Similarly, those who travel too fast for the road or weather conditions may lose control of their vehicles. In either case, a high-speed collision may result.
The Traffic Crash Facts report identified more than 200 fatalities in 2023 arising from speed-related collisions.
Distracted and Inattentive Driving
Unsurprisingly, driver carelessness was the leading cause of Florida car accidents in 2023. Distracted or inattentive driving, in turn, was a leading form of carelessness. Distracted driving happens when drivers attempt to split their attention, while inattentive driving happens when motorists lose focus due to fatigue, emotional upset, or other internal conditions.
Contact Our Polk County, FL, Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
The right to pursue compensation for personal injuries in Polk County, Florida, depends on the cause of the accident and the severity of the resulting injuries. Contact Thomas C. Grajek, Attorney At Law, for a free consultation with a Polk County car accident lawyer to learn more about how we can guide you through the complex claims process.