If you have seen people texting while driving, going way over or under the speed limit, if you have been cut off, if you have received some unpleasant hand signals, if you have seen drivers swerving all over the I-95 corridor, you can have no doubt you are driving in Florida.
If you drive next to people that don’t consider turn signals or seat belts are important, if you hear constant honking when you drive if you have been hit by cigarette butts being thrown out of moving cars, if you have driven behind people that speed up and then unexpectedly slow down, you can have no doubt that you are driving in Florida.
What are the main reasons for car accidents in Florida
Texting while driving
Doing this while driving and, in general, driving distractedly, is the most common reason why car crashes happen. Additionally, in Florida, it’s illegal to text and drive.
Alcohol and drugs
Driving after having too much to drink or using recreational drugs impairs your judgment and delays your reactions. If you get in an accident in this condition, you could face criminal and civil charges.
Speeding
Speeding refers not only to driving over the speed limit but also to not being cautions of road and weather conditions such as bumps in the road or fog. In those conditions, you may find it difficult to stop on time, just as when you are speeding.
Reckless driving
This means driving with a complete disregard for safety. As if the driver fully intends to cause damage to others. This attitude while behind the wheel can get the driver in plenty of legal trouble.
Being unaware of your surroundings
As a driver, you should always keep your eye on what’s happening around you. Is there an accident up ahead? Is there a motorcycle behind you, and is it swerving from one lane to the other? This type of distracted driving is the main cause of rear end-, front- and side-collisions.
What are Florida’s car crash statistics?
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) has compiled a report of Florida’s car crash statistics as of October 24, 2019. Here are some of the most relevant numbers:
The total number of crashes as of that date was 403,626. Out of these, the total number of fatal crashes was 2,917 while the total number of crashes that resulted in injuries was 167,219. The total number of injuries from all crashes was 255,353, while the total number of fatalities resulting from those crashes was 3,135.
As far as hit and run accidents are concerned, these are the statistics:
- Total hit and run crashes – 103,011
- Hit and run fatalities – 207
- Hit and run injuries – 21,610
The FLHSMV also keeps track of statistics regarding accidents involving:
- Bikes: 6,590 accidents with 160 fatalities
- Motorcycles: 9,143 accidents with 531 fatalities, and
- Pedestrians: 9,356 accidents with 720 fatalities.
If you were involved in a car accident, no matter what the cause or reason, the first step is to ensure your safety and seek medical attention if needed. Then, contact 1-800-Injured.com. They can connect you to a car accident attorney who will help you ensure that your rights are protected and that you get the compensation you deserve.
