The Most Common Causes of Car Accidents
Being involved in a auto accident is a scary and confusing experience, and almost everyone will be in a car accident at some point in their lives. However, the reasons for why a car accident happens vary, and in many cases the driver of a vehicle can be held liable for the damages you suffer as a result. Understanding the top reasons why car accidents occur in Florida can help you and your loved ones mitigate the chances of a car accident happening to you. At Gary Roberts & Associates, we are here to help the victims of car accidents recover compensation for their injuries throughout the West Palm Beach area and can walk you through your legal options after an accident.
Speeding
Driving over the speed limit is the number one cause of car accidents in Florida. Speeding increases the chances of getting into an accident significantly, with higher speeds making it difficult to navigate turns, corners, and react situations on the road. The faster a person drives, the larger impact the vehicle makes in an accident, causing even more significant injuries and potentially death.
Failing to Obey Traffic Laws
Similar to speeding, when a driver fails to obey traffic laws the chances of causing an accident increase significantly. This includes failing to obey traffic signals, stop signs, no passing zones, no u-turns, and more. When other drivers are obeying traffic laws and expect everyone to do the same, drivers who violate these rules place everyone at a higher risk of accident and injury.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is the top cause of accidents for teens and younger drivers on the road. While steps are being taken to limit texting and driving on the road, distracted driving also includes messing with the radio, distractions from other passengers in the vehicle, and more. Taking your eyes off of the road, even for a moment due to distractions, can lead to disastrous results for other drivers on the road.
Driving Under the Influence
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious offense that has criminal and civil implications for drivers. Driving under the influence reduces reaction times behind the wheel and impairs judgment. Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs often do not try to turn away or mitigate the accident because they don’t have the reflexes to do so, causing more damage to the victims in the crash. While this can happen at any time of the day, accidents involving alcohol or drugs happen most often at night.
Bad Weather
One final cause of accidents is bad weather, which can come in the form of rain, fog, or ice. Bad weather does not absolve a driver of their accident. It requires that drivers who choose to get behind the wheel in this weather take more care to drive at a speed safe for the conditions and to allow enough space between vehicles to safely navigate the roads.
Call or Contact Us Today
The experienced auto accident attorneys at Gary Roberts & Associates are here to help after you have been injured in a car accident in Florida. Call or contact our office in West Palm Beach to schedule a free appointment with one of our skilled lawyers today to discuss your claims.
Resource:
flhsmv.gov/pdf/genreports/factsandfiguresinfographic2014.pdf
