Car accidents are very common in Florida and they affect a large number of individuals annually. Whether you experience a fender bender or a major accident, it’s useful to learn about how accidents happen and legal consequences.
Florida has always been among those states with the highest incidences of car accidents. Each year, about 400,000 crashes occur here. Not only do such statistics fully capture the dangers on the roads in Florida but is also useful to anyone seeking to file a legal claim after an accident. A Florida car accident lawyer will help you figure out.
Car Crashes in Florida
Data collected in the previous years shows that Florida occupies one of the leading positions concerning car accidents frequency. Looking at the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), there are about 400,000 accidents reported yearly. Of these, over a quarter ended in injury, with hundreds, or possibly thousands of these being lethal.
Such high a rate of car accidents can be explained by numerous factors, population growth in Florida, a massive inflow of tourists, and a rather high percentage of elderly drivers. Moreover, the state has good highway systems, and indeed, more often than not there is no traffic jam, which increases the likelihood of an accident.
See also: Top 4 Physiotherapy Techniques to Reduce Inflammation After a Motor Vehicle Accident
Common Causes of Car Accidents
Knowledge of some of the common causes of auto-Accidents in Florida can help shed light on how such incidents occur, and identify those who are most likely to be at the root of the car accidents. The most frequent causes include:
a. Distracted driving
Since the invention of smartphones, reckless driving and specifically distracted driving has turned out to be a major cause of the number of accidents. This comprises texting, using an application or doing anything that takes away attention from the roadway.
b. Exceeding the Speed Limits
Drivers often exceed maximum speed limits, especially for long distance trips on highways; they endanger themselves, leading to uncontrolled crashes.
c. Driving under the influence
Alcohol /drugs and driving are some of the key reasons behind fatal or serious accidents resulting in serious injury or death.
The Duties of a Florida Car Accident Lawyer
Due to no-fault personal-injury protection legislation in Florida, most minor car crashes are covered by PIP (Personal Injury Protection) insurance. In case of severe injuries, a claim can be made against the other party(ies). Such times will require the services of a Florida car accident lawyer to assist in the quest for legal redress to cover the bills for treatment, lost working days and any other issues like pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, etc.
A Florida car accident lawyer can also help in translating accident statistics, showing you the key attributes of car crashes that would be advantageous to your case. For instance, where it is established that distracted driving is rife in a specific region, it may be helpful in arguing a case against a recidivist driver who was texting at the time of the accident.
