Once a quiet suburb, Doral, Florida, has transformed into a bustling commercial and residential hub. As it continues to flourish, though, the increased traffic on the city’s roads may be contributing to more car accidents.
These accidents can result from a number of factors, from road rage and aggressive driving to surprise stops and high speeds. Take a closer look at why driving in the city is more complicated than one might assume.
Dangerous Roads and Intersections
According to the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), Miami-Dade County traffic has risen over 50% in recent years, including those coming and going through Doral.
There are several areas in particular that tend to have a higher concentration of accidents because of congestion and driver negligence. These areas include:
- Dolphin Expressway (SR-836): A high-speed corridor that is known for rear-end accidents and multi-car pileups
- Palmetto Expressway (SR-826): A route where heavy traffic and frequent merging contribute to daily collisions
- NW 87th Avenue: A heavy commercial area where jaywalking, illegal turns, and distracted drivers often lead to crashes
- Doral Boulevard (NW 41st Street): Often the site of heavy congestion during rush hour, increasing accident occurrences
- NW 107th Avenue and NW 74th Street: An area known as a hotspot for drivers running red lights and T-bone collisions
In 2024 alone, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) recorded 59,867 crashes in Miami-Dade County and over 29,000 injuries. Many of the crashes reported happened on the busier roadways in Doral, where the congestion worsens driving conditions.
4 Common Causes of Accidents in Doral
Doral has an ever-growing population, and the increasingly heavy traffic can create a high-risk environment for everyone on the roads. While accidents can happen for many reasons, there are certain factors that consistently contribute to the increase of collisions in the area. Four of the most common include:
1. Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is one of the most common reasons for car accidents in Doral. Florida law explicitly prohibits texting while driving a motor vehicle, but enforcement of the law can be challenging.
2. Traffic Conditions and Aggressive Driving
The stop-and-go traffic conditions are a frequent occurrence in Doral often encouraging road rage, rear-ending other vehicles, and reckless lane switching. The intersection of NW 36th Street with Doral Boulevard and the Palmetto Expressway (SR-826) are two very common locations for a traffic accident due to aggressive driving behaviors.
3. Speeding and Running Red Lights
One of the biggest contributors to crashes on Doral roads is drivers who speed. Florida law penalizes drivers who speed and engage in reckless or aggressive driving behaviors.
High-speed crashes frequently occur on Dolphin Expressway, and the running of red lights on NW 107th Avenue and NW 41st Street can cause severe T-bone collisions.
4. Failing to See or Yield to Pedestrians and Cyclists
Many commercial areas throughout Doral see a lot of pedestrian and bicycle traffic. Some of those areas lack proper conditions like crosswalks or bike lanes. Miami-Dade County recorded 1,862 pedestrian crashes and 999 bicycle-related incidents in 2024.
The Impact of a Car Accident on Doral Residents
A Doral car accident doesn’t just result in vehicle damage. It can also affect victims in a variety of devastating ways, including:
- Personal and Financial Consequences: Medical bills from hospital visits, lost wages, and the physical and mental injuries on victims can be catastrophic
- Traffic Accidents and Business Disruptions: When accidents occur on major roads, they often delay commutes for workers, families, and even emergency vehicles
- Legal Implications: Florida’s no-fault insurance system requires victims to file through personal injury protection (PIP) insurance
PIP insurance will typically cover up to 80% of medical expenses and 60% of lost wages, up to $10,000. If your losses exceed PIP limits, a lawsuit may be necessary.
Florida is one of the most expensive states for auto insurance claims. Injury-related loss costs nearly 5.5 times higher than the lowest-cost state, North Dakota. Factors such as the amount of traffic, medical costs, and insurance disputes commonly impact to these rising costs.
Strategies to Improve Road Safety in Doral
City and state initiatives, law enforcement efforts, and drivers taking responsibility are all necessary components to reduce Doral car accidents. Whether it’s through efforts to improve traffic congestion or to reduce careless accidents, both law enforcement and residents must try to work together to improve road safety.
Reducing Accidents Through City and State Initiatives
Local and state authorities use various traffic safety measures to help reduce congestion and prevent collisions. Some of the efforts include:
- Smarter Traffic Signals: Adjust based on real-time needs and necessity to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion
- Upgraded Road Signs: Clear and accurate signs at high-risk intersections to help minimize confusion and prevent unnecessary crashes
- Red Light Cameras: Installation of cameras at major intersections to assist in catching drivers who run lights and document crashes that occur in these areas
- DUI Checkpoints: Help identify impaired drivers at key locations before they pose a serious risk to others on the roads
Local law enforcement also helps ensure the safety of Doral’s drivers. Increased police presence in areas like Doral Boulevard and NW 36th Street, known for being a high-crash location, is another strategy for reducing reckless driving.
Encouraging Safer Driving Behavior
While enforcing local laws and improving traffic in Doral may help reduce the frequency of car accidents, perhaps the biggest contributor to road safety is ultimately the drivers themselves. Changes in how a driver behaves while commuting can make a big difference in the safety of not only themselves but also everyone around them.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind on the road:
- Put the Phone Away: Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents
- Follow Speed Limits: Speed limits are especially important in residential areas and near schools
- Yield to Pedestrians and Cyclists: Crosswalk safety is critical in high-foot-traffic areas
Ultimately, reducing accidents in Doral relies on both the enforcement of local laws and the education and awareness of its drivers.
Seeking Personal Injury Lawyers After a Doral Car Accident
Even with the most educated drivers and well-managed roadways, accidents can still happen. Schrier Law Group has over 65 years of experience fighting for accident victims’ rights. Our knowledgeable attorneys can handle all the legal complexities, negotiations with insurers, and advocacy for maximum compensation while you can focus on recovery.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a Doral car accident, don’t try to navigate the process alone. Contact Schrier Law Group’s personal injury lawyers today for a free consultation or more information on your case.
