In 2022, there were a total of 381,156 car accidents in Florida, resulting in. 242,622 injuries and 3,292 fatalities.

Most car accidents in Florida involve aggressive driving, speeding, drunk driving, and distracted driving. Whatever the case, if you suffered injuries due to another person’s negligence, you might be eligible to file an insurance claim or civil lawsuit. A Florida car accident lawyer can help guide you through this process to ensure you get a fair amount of compensation for things like medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering.

What Are the Leading Causes of Traffic Accidents in Florida?

According to data from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, the most common causes of car accidents in Florida include speeding, aggressive driving, distracted driving, driving under the influence, failure to obey traffic laws, and defective auto parts.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is by far the most common cause of car accidents in Florida. There are a number of ways drivers can get distracted while driving, including visual, cognitive, and physical distractions. Texting is perhaps one of the most dangerous types of distractions because it takes the driver’s eyes, mind, and hands away from the task of driving.

Other examples of distractions while driving include following a GPS navigation system, eating, changing the radio station, reaching for items in the passenger or back seat, and talking on the phone. Despite the fact that Florida and many other states have laws in place prohibiting texting or putting limitations on phone use while driving, people still engage in such behaviors. Florida allows hands-free cell-phone use to take phone calls and has specifications for using airpods or earbuds. Yet, people still continue to get citations for distracted driving violations.

Aggressive Driving and Speeding

Speeding is one of the top causes of traffic accidents in Florida and also one of the top causes nationwide. Speeding is one of the riskiest driving behaviors people can engage in, and a crash at high speeds often results in fatalities. Nearly one-third of all crashes involving fatalities are caused by speeding. A motorist who breaks the speed limit or drives too fast for weather or road conditions could be guilty of negligence and responsible for damages.

Drunk Driving or Driving Under the Influence of Drugs

The use of alcohol or other substances while driving is a major issue in Florida. It’s illegal to drive if your BAC is over 0.08. In addition to alcohol, prescription drugs, marijuana and other substances can slow your reflexes and compromise your judgment. Driving requires sharp reflexes and attention, so being under the influence of drugs or alcohol greatly increases the risk of getting into an accident.

Florida imposes strict penalties for any motorist who is caught driving under the influence. In addition to a personal injury lawsuit, they may face criminal charges too.

Following Another Car Too Closely

When a driver does not allow enough space between them and the driver in front, there is a higher probability of a rear-end collision. Rear-end accidents can cause serious injuries even when they occur at lower speeds.

Failure To Yield

Drivers who fail to yield or run red lights or stop signs can cause T-bone collisions. For example, a driver who makes a left turn without checking for oncoming traffic could get into a side impact collision, which is very dangerous for the passengers on the impacted side.

Driving While Too Tired

We all get tired, but driving while extremely fatigued is very dangerous. It’s very common with commercial truck drivers or other people whose job requires driving for long hours, such as Uber and Lyft drivers and delivery drivers. Drowsy drivers have slowed reaction times, similar to the effects of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs. One of the most deadly situations for all motorists is a driver who falls asleep behind the wheel.

Defective Auto Parts

While driver negligence accounts for a large percentage of accidents, it’s not the only cause. Sometimes, cars or car parts can be defective and cause accidents, rather than a driver being at fault. Defective car parts could include suspension, brakes, steering, tires, or any other major component that’s faulty or malfunctions. When this happens, the driver can easily lose control of their vehicle and get into a deadly crash. In this instance, the manufacturer could be held liable for the accident.

Learn More About Your Rights If You Were the Victim of a Florida Car Accident

Our legal team has unique experience because one of our top personal injury attorneys used to represent insurance companies in Florida. Now he represents injury victims while using the inside knowledge he gained from working for the other side.

We are here to help you understand your legal rights after getting injured in an accident and how to protect those rights. Most importantly, we can evaluate your case to determine the best strategy for you to recover the compensation you deserve.

Talk to an Experienced Florida Car Accident Lawyer About Your Case Today

Let our team handle your case so you can focus on healing and recovery. We will help you identify the cause of your accident and all liable parties. Then we can build a strong case on your behalf to win you the compensation you are entitled to. You may have limited time to act under Florida’s statute of limitations, so it’s better to call now without delaying any longer.

If you or a loved one was injured in a Florida car accident, contact us today for a free initial case review.