Most Common Causes of Florida Car Accidents
What are the top causes of car, truck, and motorcycle accidents in Florida?
Just about everybody gets into a car accident at one time or another. Thankfully, most of these collisions are little more than minor fender-benders, where nobody gets hurt.
However, when an accident leads to a severe injury or fatality, legal action is often required so the victim, or the victim’s family, can obtain compensation. Whether the cause is speeding, distracted driving or something else, the negligent party must be held accountable in order for a victim to get the money needed to pay for medical bills and other expenses.
Whether you were injured in an automobile accident, a motorcycle accident, or any other type of collision, The Law Office of Arye P. Corbett can help. We’ll fight to make sure your rights are protected at all times, and to help you get the compensation you deserve. Give us a call at (561) 948-3700 or contact us online for a free consultation.
The following are just some of the many reasons car accidents occur in Florida.
Speeding
Most of us are really busy these days, and we want to take care of our responsibilities as fast as possible. This often means driving at high speeds to handle an errand, or to make an appointment.
But speed limits are there for a reason. When a negligent driver speeds and causes an accident, the results can be devastating. They may not be able to safely make a turn or negotiate a corner. They could cause a wreck because they didn’t have as much time to react to an unexpected event as they would if they had been going the speed limit.
Ignoring or Racing a Traffic Signal
Sometimes, drivers simply don’t pay as much attention to the road as they should. Or they’re in such a hurry that they willingly ignore stop lights. Some drivers go so far as to race others on a city street – and they’re not going to stop for a red light or anything else. This can have horrible repercussions, especially when they hit a pedestrian or a bicyclist.
Texting While Driving
Another all-too common cause of car accidents in Florida is texting on a smartphone while behind the wheel. Thousands of people die due to texting and other distractions every year. When drivers take their eyes off the road, even for just a few seconds, they can cause extremely serious accidents.
Reckless Driving
Drivers have to be conscious of their surroundings at all times, of course. Sometimes, though, they’ll be so angry or stressed they really couldn’t care less about others on the road. They might swerve in and out of traffic, excessively speed, or exhibit other types of aggressive behaviors.
Teen Drivers
While it may seem unfair to single out a certain age group as a common cause of automobile accidents, the unfortunate fact is that teenage drivers are often to blame. The main reason is simple inexperience. They haven’t been behind the wheel long enough to be able to recognize – and avoid – potentially dangerous conditions.
Teen drivers are more prone than other age groups to drive while distracted. According to one study, nearly 40 percent of teens had either sent an e-mail or a text at least once while driving in the previous 30 days.
Driving While Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs
Impaired driving is a huge problem in Florida, as it is everywhere else in the United States. It’s estimated that about 10,000 people die in the U.S. every year as the result of accidents involving drivers who were either drunk or under the influence of drugs.
People who drive while impaired don’t have the reflexes needed to drive safely. They don’t react as quickly, and will be more prone to swerving or drifting into another lane. In many instances, impaired drivers are more likely to take risks that sober drivers would not, such as travelling at excessive speeds or weaving through traffic.
Tailgating
Tailgating is one of the most common reasons that rear-end collisions occur. This kind of accident can cause severe neck and back injuries because the victim’s body violently jerks back and forth. Drivers who tailgate simply don’t have the time to stop in time to avoid a collision should the driver in front of them have to stop suddenly.
Florida Weather
Even though Florida weather is typically beautiful, we obviously have a lot of days where it rains heavily. If you’ve lived in the state for any period of time, you’ve probably found yourself trying to navigate the road through a blinding thunderstorm. But as dangerous as wet roads can be, heavy winds can also cause problems – particularly for high-profile vehicles such as SUVs and trucks. Gusty winds can cause a vehicle to behave in ways it normally doesn’t. That can quickly lead to a loss of control.
Drowsy Driving
People who work long hours – particularly when they’re not used to doing it – will often become drowsy while driving home. Sometimes they’ll fall asleep completely. It doesn’t take much imagination to see how horribly wrong this could turn out. Unfortunately, it’s far too common. According to the results of one survey, 1 in 25 drivers said they had driven while drowsy in the previous month.
Much like driving while inebriated or on drugs, a drowsy driver simply can’t make the quick decisions that are sometimes needed. Their reaction times are slower, and they don’t have the energy to be as attentive as they should.
The Law Office of Arye P. Corbett Is Here to Help You
Arye P. Corbett will be ready to help if you ever need a skilled, experienced automobile accident attorney. You will receive passionate, personalized representation from an attorney who is passionate about helping clients obtain the compensation they deserve for the suffering they’ve been forced to endure due to the negligence of others.
If you would like to learn more about how we may be able to help, please contact us online or call (561) 948-3700 for a complimentary case review.