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Injured from a Car Accident in Florida?

rear ended by another driver in tampa, fl injury

Florida, known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant cities, and bustling tourist attractions, also has a darker side: a high incidence of car accidents. With its diverse population and heavy traffic, the Sunshine State frequently finds itself among the states with the highest number of traffic collisions in the United States. Car accidents in Florida are not just a matter of inconvenience; they often result in severe injuries, significant financial burdens, and even fatalities. Understanding the causes, types, and consequences of these accidents is crucial for anyone who drives on Florida's roads.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Florida

Car accidents are a significant issue in Florida, with numerous factors contributing to the high rate of collisions on the state's roadways, including distracted driving, speeding, and driving under the influence.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents in Florida. This behavior encompasses any activity that diverts attention from driving, such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, or using in-car technologies and navigation systems. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), distracted driving plays a role in thousands of accidents each year. The cognitive, visual, and manual distractions involved significantly impair a driver’s ability to react to sudden changes on the road, making it a major hazard.

Speeding

Speeding is another prevalent cause of car accidents in Florida. When drivers exceed the posted speed limits, they reduce their ability to navigate safely through curves, avoid obstacles, and stop in time to prevent collisions. Speeding also increases the severity of accidents, leading to more severe injuries and fatalities. Despite the widespread awareness of the dangers associated with speeding, many drivers continue to ignore speed limits and drive recklessly, especially on highways and in congested urban areas.

Driving Under the Influence

Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs is a serious problem in Florida, contributing to a substantial number of car accidents annually. Impaired drivers have reduced reaction times, impaired judgment, and decreased motor coordination, making them a significant risk to themselves and others on the road, causing severe injuries such as spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, concussions, herniated discs of the neck and back, bulging discs, fractures, sprains, strains, anxiety, depression, and even death.

Common Types of Car Accidents in Florida

Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end collisions are one of the most frequent types of car accidents. These occur when a vehicle crashes into the back of the car in front of it. Several factors contribute to rear-end collisions, including distracted driving, sudden stops, and tailgating. In many cases, the driver of the following vehicle is found to be at fault for not maintaining a safe following distance or for not paying attention to the road. Rear-end collisions can result in a range of injuries, from minor whiplash to more severe spinal injuries.

Side-Impact Crashes

Side-impact crashes, also known as T-bone collisions, happen when the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another. These accidents often occur at intersections when one driver fails to yield the right of way or runs a red light. Side-impact crashes can be particularly dangerous because the sides of vehicles generally offer less protection compared to the front and rear. The impact can cause significant personal injuries to the occupants of the struck vehicle, including broken bones, head injuries, and internal injuries.

Head-On Collisions

Head-on collisions are among the most severe types of car accidents. These occur when the front ends of two vehicles collide with each other. Head-on collisions often happen on two-lane roads when one vehicle crosses the center line, either due to driver error, impaired driving, or adverse weather conditions. The force of the impact in head-on accidents is usually substantial, leading to serious injuries or fatalities. Common injuries include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and multiple fractures.

Legal & Financial Implications

Car accidents in Florida can have significant legal and financial ramifications for those involved. Understanding these implications is crucial for navigating the aftermath of a collision effectively.

Making an Insurance Claim

In Florida, car insurance operates under a no-fault system, which means that after an accident, your own insurance company will cover medical expenses and certain other financial losses, regardless of who was at fault. This system is designed to streamline the claims process and reduce the need for litigation. Every driver in Florida is required to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance, which covers up to $10,000 in medical bills and lost wages. However, this amount may not be sufficient in severe accidents, leading victims to seek additional compensation from the at-fault driver's insurance or their own insurance carrier.

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​Filing an insurance claim promptly is essential, as delays can complicate the process. Documentation, such as police reports, medical records, and witness statements, plays a crucial role in substantiating your claim. It's also important to be aware of the statute of limitations for filing claims, which in Florida is generally two years from the date of the accident.

Legal Responsibilities

Determining fault in a car accident is a critical aspect of addressing the legal responsibilities involved. Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning that the fault can be distributed among multiple parties. If you are found partially at fault for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault, you will receive 80% of the total damages awarded. However, due to recent change in the law, if you are found to be more than 50% at fault, you are barred from recovering any damages from any defendant. 

Financial Compensation

Financial compensation for car accidents can cover a wide range of damages. Economic damages include medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. Non-economic damages, though harder to quantify, can include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. â€‹In some instances, punitive damages may also be awarded if the at-fault party's behavior was particularly egregious, such as cases involving drunk driving. Punitive damages are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future.

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Victims seeking compensation often face challenges, including negotiating with insurance companies that aim to minimize payouts. Understanding your rights and responsibilities, and seeking appropriate legal and financial advice, can help you navigate this challenging landscape and secure the compensation you need to recover and move forward. 

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Don't leave money on the table that you may be entitled to. Protect your rights and future by contacting Florida Personal Injury Lawyer Bethany Dolezal of Dolezal Law, P.A., at (888) 411-7854 or bethany@dolezallaw.com.

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