Common Causes of Car Accidents in Florida (2024)

Car accidents are a leading cause of accidental injuries and deaths in the state each year, and these incidents happen in a number of ways. It’s vital for all drivers to know the most common causes of accidents so they can hopefully avoid causing such an incident and absorbing fault for the resulting damages. It is also crucial for drivers to know the value of working with a Florida car accident attorney after another driver has caused an accident with them.

Distracted Driving

One of the most commonly cited causes of accidents throughout the state is distracted driving. Whenever a driver is not paying full attention to the road and the safe operation of their vehicle, they endanger themselves and others around them. Cell phone use, eating, smoking, and any other activities that draw a driver’s hands, eyes, and focus away from safe driving can potentially cause serious accidents.

Speeding

It’s relatively common for drivers to slightly exceed posted speed limits to maintain a flow of traffic, but any measure of speeding is potentially dangerous. Accidents that happen at higher speeds have the greatest chance of resulting in catastrophic or fatal injuries. If a driver is excessively speeding and causes an accident, they face liability for the resulting damages as well as potential criminal charges for reckless driving.

Moving Violations

The traffic signals and road signs on every roadway exist to allow drivers to anticipate the actions of other drivers and to maintain a safe flow of traffic. When drivers commit moving violations, such as running red lights or stop signs, performing illegal turns, or failing to yield the right-of-way when appropriate, they disrupt the flow of traffic and can easily cause accidents.

Intoxicated Driving

It is illegal for any driver to operate their vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Unfortunately, driving under the influence (DUI) continues to be a pervasive issue across the country and one of the leading causes of serious accidents each year. Penalties for DUI can include heavy fines, driver’s license suspension, and jail time, and these penalties increase significantly when a driver has caused injuries or death.

Recovering From a Car Accident

It’s essential for drivers to know how they can limit their risk of causing accidents, but it is equally important for them to know what to do when other drivers injure them. A Florida car accident lawyer is an essential resource for anyone who was recently injured in an accident. The state’s no-fault rule may make it seem as though they can only file a claim against their own insurance after an accident, but this isn’t true for every case.

If another driver injured you in an accident they caused, and your insurance cannot fully cover your damages, you likely have grounds to pursue a personal injury claim against that driver. With a car accident attorney assisting you, you could recover compensation for the damages that your insurance can’t cover, but you have a limited time to do it. Seeking legal counsel as soon as possible will significantly improve your chances of maximizing your recovery.

FAQs

Q: What Is the Most Common Cause of Car Accidents?

A: The majority of car accidents reported throughout the state are the result of negligence, and the most commonly cited type of negligence responsible for car accidents is distracted driving, followed closely by speeding. An experienced car accident attorney can help their client gather the evidence they need to prove exactly how a recent accident happened and hold the appropriate driver accountable for the resulting damages.

Q: What Are the Most Common Injuries From Car Accidents?

A: Any car accident has the potential to cause serious injuries, but this risk is much greater in accidents that happen at higher speeds. Some of the most commonly reported injuries from motor vehicle accidents in the state include broken bones, facial and dental injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and internal organ damage. Some victims may recover fully with time and appropriate treatment, while others develop permanent disabilities from their injuries.

Q: What Happens if More Than One Driver Shares Fault for an Accident?

A: Florida follows a modified comparative fault rule that applies to any civil case in which more than one party shares fault for the damages cited in the case. Under this rule, each liable party has a fault percentage assigned. If a plaintiff is less than 50% at fault, they can still recover compensation, but their case award is reduced by their fault percentage. For example, 10% fault means they lose 10% of their compensation. If they are 50% or more at fault, they cannot claim compensation.

Q: How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim?

A: If you were injured in a car accident, full recovery is likely to require an auto insurance claim against the at-fault driver, followed by a personal injury claim. You have only a few days in which to file your auto insurance claim, and there is now a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. This may sound like enough time in which to file your case, but it is always advisable to start the claim filing process as soon as possible.

Q: Do I Need to Hire an Attorney After a Car Accident?

A: Technically, you have the right to pursue compensation on your own without hiring legal counsel, but this is likely to be more challenging than you may expect at first. When you have a Florida car accident lawyer representing you, they can ensure you meet the procedural deadlines of your case and secure as much compensation as possible for your damages. They will also know how to streamline your case, shortening the time it takes for you to recover.

The attorneys at Spohrer Dodd have extensive experience helping car accident victims recover from their accidents. You are likely to have many important legal questions in the aftermath of your accident, and our goal is to help you recover as fully as possible. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a car accident attorney and learn how we can assist you with your recovery efforts.