Car Accidents in Fort Myers: What Lee County Crash Data Tells Us

Car accidents remain one of the leading causes of injury and death in Florida, and the situation is no different in Lee County. Fort Myers, as one of the fastest-growing cities in Southwest Florida, has seen its share of traffic-related dangers. At Wolfson & Leon, our Fort Myers car accident attorneys are committed to helping injured victims and their families recover the compensation they deserve after a crash. Call us anytime at (239)777-9954 for a free consultation.

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a car accident in Lee County, knowing the facts and your legal rights is critical. In this article, we break down the latest crash data and what it means for drivers in Fort Myers—and what you can do if you're injured due to someone else's negligence.

Lee County Car Crash Overview: 2023 Statistics

According to the 2023 Florida Traffic Crash Facts Report, Lee County experienced a total of 6,928 traffic crashes. These accidents resulted in:

• 99 fatalities
• 5,663 injuries
• An average of 19 crashes per day across the county

These numbers reflect a slight 1.77% decrease in total crashes compared to 2022 but still point to a persistent and serious problem on our roads. Despite the dip, fatalities remain alarmingly high, indicating more severe or high-impact collisions occurring throughout Fort Myers and surrounding areas.

Who Is Getting Hurt in Fort Myers?

The injuries and fatalities in Lee County are not spread evenly across all types of drivers. Vulnerable road users and young drivers appear especially at risk.

Teen and Young Adult Drivers

Young drivers in Lee County, especially those between 15 and 24, accounted for a large number of crashes:

• 972 crashes among teen drivers (15–19)
• 1,885 crashes among young adult drivers (20–24)
• Combined: 2,857 crashes involving drivers under 25
• Injuries in these age groups totaled 741 reported cases

These numbers highlight how inexperience, distraction, and speeding contribute to car accidents in Fort Myers. Parents should be vigilant in reinforcing defensive driving skills and curfews, especially during high-risk nighttime hours.

Pedestrians and Cyclists

Lee County also saw a troubling number of incidents involving pedestrians and bicyclists:

• 225 pedestrian crashes, resulting in 12 fatalities and 171 injuries
• 71 bicycle crashes, with 2 fatalities and 67 injuries
• Combined pedestrian and cyclist injuries: 238 people hurt or killed on foot or bike

With Fort Myers being a tourist destination and popular with retirees who walk or bike daily, these statistics reflect the urgency of improving road safety for non-motorists.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Fort Myers

The causes of car accidents across Lee County are not surprising, but they are preventable:

1. Speeding and Aggressive Driving
   • Narrow lanes, frequent lane changes, and merging highways around Colonial Blvd, Daniels Parkway, and I-75 are hotspots for aggressive driving.
2. Distracted Driving
   • From texting to GPS use, distraction is a growing concern—especially among younger drivers.
3. Driving Under the Influence
   • In 2023, Lee County reported 18 alcohol-related crashes with 5 fatalities, and an additional 7 drug-related crashes also linked to fatalities
4. Weather and Poor Visibility
   • Sudden rain and fog in Southwest Florida can quickly create slick, hazardous conditions on roads.
5. Failure to Yield or Observe Traffic Laws
   • Intersections like US-41 and Colonial Blvd are often the site of T-bone collisions and rear-end crashes caused by drivers running red lights or failing to yield.

Legal Responsibilities After a Crash in Lee County

If you're involved in a crash in Fort Myers, the actions you take immediately afterward can directly affect your ability to recover compensation.

Steps to Take After a Car Accident:

1. Call 911 – Always report the crash and wait for law enforcement to arrive.
2. Get Medical Care – Even if you feel “okay,” symptoms often appear hours or days later.
3. Document the Scene – Take photos, videos, and gather witness information.
4. Avoid Making Statements – Do not admit fault or downplay injuries to police or insurers.
5. Call Wolfson & Leon – Our Fort Myers car accident attorneys can help preserve evidence, advise you on next steps, and start your claim for damages.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Car Accident?

Florida operates under a modified comparative negligence system, meaning fault can be shared among multiple parties. However if you are more than 50% at fault then you may not be able to make a recovery.

Those potentially liable include:

• Other drivers who were reckless, distracted, intoxicated, or negligent.
• Vehicle owners, if the at-fault driver was borrowing a car.
• Employers, if a commercial vehicle or delivery driver caused the accident.
• Government entities, for unsafe road conditions or poor traffic signal maintenance.

At Wolfson & Leon, we conduct thorough investigations, subpoena traffic camera footage, review police reports, and consult with accident reconstruction experts when necessary to identify all liable parties.

Types of Compensation Available

If you were injured in a crash in Fort Myers or Lee County, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost income and reduced earning ability
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life

If your loved one was killed in a crash, we can pursue a wrongful death claim on behalf of surviving family members.

Fort Myers Car Accident Trends: What They Mean for Drivers

While total crashes declined slightly in 2023, Lee County’s 99 traffic deaths are a sobering reminder of how quickly lives can change. The growth of Fort Myers—with its expanding population, increasing tourism, and evolving road systems—means more congestion and greater risk.

You can protect yourself and your family by:

• Driving defensively, especially in high-traffic corridors like I-75 and US 41
• Avoiding distractions behind the wheel.
• Never driving under the influence.
• Wearing a seatbelt every time you’re in a vehicle.
• Practicing patience—road rage is behind more accidents than many realize.

Contact Wolfson & Leon – Fort Myers Car Accident Lawyers

If you or someone you love was hurt in a Fort Myers car accident, don’t wait. Insurance companies are not on your side—but Wolfson & Leon is. Our Fort Myers car accident lawyers are experienced, aggressive, and committed to getting you the maximum compensation.

We handle all types of car accident cases, including:

• Rear-end collisions
• T-bone accidents
• Hit and run cases
• Drunk driving injuries
• Commercial vehicle crashes
• Fatal accident claims

📞 Call Wolfson & Leon in Fort Myers today at (239) 777-9954 for your free, no-obligation consultation. We only get paid if you win.

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