In 2017, there were 34,247 traffic fatalities in the United States. Of these, 3,112 were in Florida. This accounts for over 9 percent of all traffic fatalities. That’s a scary number. Every day, thousands of accidents happen across the state of Florida. The majority of these accidents are preventable. If you have been injured in a car accident, contact the Law Office of Jerry Jenkins to learn more about your legal rights.

What Are the Leading Causes of Accidents?

Auto accidents are one of the leading causes of death in the United States and the leading cause of death for young adults. It’s important to understand why these accidents happen so that you can take steps to prevent them. Here are a few of the top causes of accidents in Florida:

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is a major problem on the road. In fact, it is the leading cause of accidents in the United States. In 2017, distracted driving was the primary cause of 3,166 traffic fatalities (9 percent). According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for five seconds. Given that the suggested following distance is three seconds, that is plenty of time to cause an accident.

As a result of the high number of distraction-related deaths, many states have implemented laws prohibiting drivers from using a mobile device while driving. Recently, Florida made it illegal to text and drive. As of July 2019, texting and driving is a primary offense, meaning if an officer sees you texting, they can pull you over. In the event of an accident, the court can request your personal cell phone records to prove that you were on the phone while driving.

But it’s not just texting that can take a driver’s eyes off the road. Other distractions can interfere with a person’s ability to focus on the road. Some examples include:

• Adjusting the radio
• Other passengers
• Eating/Drinking while driving
• Personal grooming

Driving Under The Influence

While distracted driving causes more accidents than any other factor, driving under the influence kills more. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 10,874 traffic fatalities in 2017 caused by drunk driving. This accounts for 29 percent of all traffic fatalities. Driving under the influence can affect a driver’s judgment and their ability to control their vehicle. The NHTSA reports that at a blood alcohol level of just 0.02, a person’s judgment and visual functions are affected. At a blood alcohol limit of 0.08, a driver will experience short-term memory loss, diminished muscle coordination, and decreased information processing capabilities.

In Florida, anyone with a blood alcohol limit of 0.08 or greater will be cited for a DUI. However, any alcohol level that affects a driver’s ability to safely drive is dangerous and illegal. In 2017, Florida reported 839 alcohol-involved traffic fatalities. This is the third-highest figure in the United States, only behind Texas and California. The good news is, Florida also saw the largest decrease in alcohol-related accident fatalities compared to the previous year.

Speeding

Speeding is a serious problem in the United States. In 2017, speeding killed 9,717 people. That’s over a quarter of all traffic fatalities and the second leading cause of traffic fatalities. In Florida, excessive speed killed 124 people that same year. Another 92 people were as a result of driving too fast for conditions. Many drivers don’t realize the dangers of driving too fast. The thing about speeding is that while it only accounts for 17 percent of all fatal accidents, it also 26 percent of all traffic fatalities. This means that you are more likely to die in a speeding-involved crash than other types of accidents.

This is because of the physics behind these accidents. As a vehicle goes faster, the energy inside that vehicle increases. When two vehicles collide, the energy from vehicles is absorbed by the accident. This increases the severity of injuries and risk of death. Additionally, safety devices designed to protect you in the event of an accident are not as effective at excessive speeds. In addition to following posted speed limits, drivers need to adjust their speed to adapt to changing conditions.

Not only does speeding increase the severity of an accident, but it also diminishes a driver’s ability to react to hazards. This means:

• Reduced reaction time
• Increased stopping distance
• Increased possibility of losing control of the vehicle

Failure To Yield

In 2017, there were more fatal accidents in Florida caused by a driver’s failure to yield than by speeding. As drivers, we expect others to follow all traffic laws. This is especially true at intersections. Most drivers take for granted that other drivers will always stop at red lights and stop signs. Unfortunately, more than 500 fatal accidents in Florida were caused by a driver’s failure to yield. Most of these accidents happen at intersections when a driver runs a red light or stop sign. Because we expect others to obey the traffic laws, most people don’t double check when proceeding through an intersection.

While driving under the influence is a contributing cause of many of these accidents, other drivers red through intersections because they are not paying attention or because they think they can make it through before the light turns red. Because of this, you should always look both ways before crossing an intersection.

In addition to intersections, failure to yield accidents can happen in parking lots and freeway on raps and off-ramps. Always practice defensive driving and be prepared to respond in the event a driver pulls out in front of you.

Aggressive Driving

Aggressive driving is dangerous. According to AAA, speeding, cutting off other drivers, tailgating, and failure to signal all qualify as aggressive driving. Other examples of aggressive driving include:

• Weaving in and out of traffic
• Blocking in vehicles when they are trying to merge or change lanes
• Tapping your brakes or flashing your headlights
• Honking your horn

Aggressive driving is unpredictable. A driver may drive erratically because they are angry or because they are in a hurry. When a driver exhibits these behaviors, they put other drivers at risk. Shockingly, approximately 80 percent of drivers have admitted to aggressive driving.

Inexperienced Or Visiting Drivers

Inexperienced drivers are still trying to find their footing on the road. They may not fully understand the rules of the road. Adding to this, inexperienced drivers may not know their way around yet. This may cause them to slow down, turn or brake quickly, or make impulsive decisions.

Like new drivers, tourists can be unfamiliar with the road. In addition to trying to find their route, they are also unfamiliar with the weather conditions and wildlife in the area. They are also likely driving a rented vehicle that they are not familiar with. All of these factors combined put visitors at high risk of being involved in an accident.

Poor Road Conditions

Sometimes accidents aren’t the direct result of someone’s negligence. Factors such as bad weather or poorly maintained roads can cause an accident. However, while these factors aren’t always predictable, as a driver, you have a responsibility to recognize and adapt to changing conditions. This may mean reducing your speed, turning on your headlights, or even pulling to the side of the road.

One of the best ways these types of accidents can be prevented is knowing your surroundings and being prepared. It’s always a good idea to check the weather and traffic before you head out. If there is construction in the area, you may want to consider a different route.

Five Steps You Can Take to Reduce Your Risk of an Accident

Driving on the road can be scary. Sometimes drivers actions are erratic, irresponsible, or just plain dangerous. Thankfully, there are steps that you can take to reduce your chances of being involved in an accident. The following tips can help keep you safe:

1. Drive smart. It goes without saying, but the number one thing you can do to reduce your risk of being involved in an accident is to make smart decisions. Don’t drink and drive, watch your speed, and follow all traffic laws.
2. Be aware of your surroundings. Always check your surroundings. Scan in front of you, behind you, and both sides. Watch for animals, children, and other hazards that may enter the roadway.
3. Drive defensively. There will always be bad drivers on the road, but knowing how to spot them can help prevent an accident. Report any driver that is driving dangerously. Pay extra attention at highway on-ramps and off-ramps and look both ways before crossing an intersection. If a driver is following too close, move over and allow them to pass.
4. Stay calm. Don’t involve your emotions when you are driving. Never drive aggressively and don’t respond to other aggressive drivers.
5. Buckle up. State law requires all vehicle occupants to wear a seatbelt. Wearing a seatbelt can prevent you from being thrown out of the vehicle in the event of an accident and can stop you from becoming a projectile and injuring or killing other drivers in the car.

Know Your Rights After an Accident

After an accident, certain legal protections can help you recover from your injuries. If you have been injured in an auto accident that was not your fault, you may be eligible for compensation. Additionally, your PIP coverage can be used to cover any injuries caused by the accident. To use your PIP, a doctor must see you within 14 days of the accident. To be eligible to use all of your PIP benefits, a doctor must diagnose you with an emergency medical condition. Otherwise, you can only use $2,500 worth of benefits. If your injury causes you to miss work, you can also use your PIP to cover lost income.

Florida’s personal injury laws allow victims of an accident to recover damages in the event of an accident. These damages will be recovered from the at-fault party’s insurance. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you determine whether you have a personal injury claim. Though the amount of benefit you will receive will depend on the specifics of your case, common damages include:

• Medical bills: A personal injury claim can cover any reasonable medical costs related to your injury. This includes doctor visits (including primary care, physical therapy, and chiropractic care), surgeries, medication, and medical devices.
• Lost Wages: Lost wages cover any time missed because of your injury, including doctor visits and reasonable time to recover.
• Loss of earning capacity: If you are unable to return to your previous line of work, you may have a claim for loss of earning capacity.
• Home modifications: Auto accidents can cause serious injuries. These injuries can limit your ability to safely move around your house. Home modifications may include handrails, ramps, and other assistive devices.
• Pain and suffering: Pain and suffering covers the non-economic damages of an accident. This may include physical pain, mental distress, loss of companionship, loss of enjoyment, or loss of consortium.

Contact a Car Accident Attorney for More Information

While we carry insurance, obey traffic laws, and acknowledge the risks that come with driving, no one is ever really prepared for an accident. A car accident can take you by surprise and cause serious physical, emotional, and financial stress.

If you were injured in an accident, you have rights that an Orlando car accident lawyer can explain to you. Accidents are never easy, but taking the steps to protect yourself can make recovery easier. One of the most important steps is calling a car accident attorney.