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Common Reasons for Florida Car Accidents

Common Reasons for Florida Car Accidents

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Common Reasons for Florida Car Accidents

Car accidents can seem likely a daily occurrence in Florida. It is not uncommon to see the aftermath of a car accident while commuting to or from work or school. Although there are many potential causes for car accidents, knowing what are the most common reasons for motor vehicle crashes in Florida can help you take steps to avoid circumstances that may lead to you being involved in an accident. Below are seven of the most common reasons for car accidents in Florida. 

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving occurs whenever a motorist takes one or both hands off the wheel, their eyes off the road, and/or their attention and focus off the task of driving. Some of the most frequent distracted driving behaviors that motorists in Florida engage in include: texting or cell phone use, eating or drinking, grooming or applying makeup, or reaching into the center console or glove compartment, or backseat.

Speeding

While speed limits have been set to ensure that motorists can safely navigate a road or highway, many drivers choose to speed, with some motorists engaging in excessive speeding. Drivers may also fail to slow down and drive at an appropriate speed in adverse weather conditions, such as heavy fog or rain. When a driver speeds, it makes it more likely that they may lose control of their vehicle and less likely that they will be able to slow down and stop or avoid a collision with another vehicle or hazard. In addition, speed often increases the severity of injuries suffered in a car accident. 

Violating Traffic Laws

Violating traffic laws may involve running red lights or stop signs, failure to exercise caution at yield signs, ignoring speed limits, not yielding the right of way, or turning or changing lanes without signaling. Accidents can also occur when drivers make turns where they may not lawfully do so, travel the wrong way down one-way streets, or cross solid yellow lines. 

Reckless Driving

Reckless driving specifically refers to driving behaviors that require a motorist to consciously disregard the fact that their behavior poses a substantial risk of causing an accident. Examples of reckless driving include tailgating, excessive speeding, street racing, or darting between lanes in heavy traffic.

Intoxicated Driving

Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs causes many accidents in Florida. Drug or alcohol intoxication affects a motorist’s ability to safely operate their vehicle, altering their perception, increasing reaction times, impairing judgment, and lowering inhibitions. Intoxicated driving tends to occur more frequently on the weekends and over holidays, including the Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve/Day.

Poor Road Conditions

Some car accidents are caused by external factors rather than the actions of a driver. Poor road conditions such as broken or uneven pavement, potholes, debris in the roadway, or missing signage or road lines can cause a driver to lose control of their vehicle or get into a crash. 

Adverse Weather

Severe weather is a frequent occurrence in Florida and can also affect a driver’s ability to control their vehicle. For example, high winds can cause vehicles to drift or veer into other lanes and get into a crash. Heavy rain can also make roads slick, reducing traction for maneuvering and braking. 

Contact a Lake Worth Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Car Accident Case in Florida

Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a car accident in Florida? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A. represent clients injured because of car accidents in Miramar, Coral Springs, Davie, Boca Raton, and throughout Florida. Call (561) 533-0345 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 813 Lucerne Ave., Lake Worth, FL 33460, as well as offices in Pompano Beach.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.

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