If you are a Florida resident, it's important to know the law and your rights regarding car accidents.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were over 2.3 million car accidents in the United States in 2016. That's an average of 6,000 accidents per day! According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, there were over 400,000 car accidents in the state in 2017. That works out to an average of over 1,000 accidents per day. Of those accidents, nearly 3,000 were fatal, and over 100,000 resulted in injuries.
If you are involved in a car mishap, you must understand the laws in Florida and take appropriate action. In this article, we will discuss the most common causes of car accidents in Florida and the laws that apply to these incidents. We will also provide tips on protecting yourself after a car mishap.
There are many reasons why car accidents happen. However, some causes are more common than others. In Florida, the most common cause of car accidents is careless driving. This includes things like distracted driving, speeding, and reckless driving. If you are involved in a mishap caused by someone else's careless driving, you may be able to file a personal injury claim against the responsible party.
Another common cause of car accidents in Florida is weather-related conditions. Its tropical climate makes Florida susceptible to severe weather conditions that can create dangerous driving conditions. For example, heavy rains can lead to road flooding, and hurricanes can result in downed trees and power lines. If you are involved in a mishap due to bad weather, you must speak to an experienced car mishap lawyer to discuss your legal options.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious offence that can have devastating consequences. In Florida, DUI is a leading cause of accidents, and it can result in serious injuries or even death. Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs are likely to exhibit reckless behavior, such as speeding, tailgating, and weaving in and out of traffic. This increases the likelihood of a mishap occurring. In addition, DUI accidents often involve high speeds and head-on collisions, which lead to severe injuries and even death. If you are charged with DUI, you could face jail time, driver's license loss, and hefty fines. You may also be required to attend drug or alcohol counseling. If you are involved in a DUI mishap, you could be sued for damages by the victim's family.
In some cases, you may also be charged with vehicular manslaughter. Driving under the influence is a serious offense with potentially life-altering consequences. If you are charged with DUI, it is important to seek legal counsel immediately to ensure that your rights are protected.
Lastly, another common cause of car accidents is defective auto parts. This could include anything from faulty brakes to malfunctioning airbags. If you are injured in a mishap caused by a defective auto part, you may be able to file a product liability claim against the manufacturer of the defective product.
If you are involved in a car mishap, you must understand the laws. In Florida, there is a no-fault insurance system for car accidents. This means that each driver's insurance company will pay for their medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who was at fault for the mishap. However, there are certain circumstances under which you can file a personal injury claim against the responsible party, such as if you sustained serious injuries or the other driver was driving under the influence.
The following are laws that govern auto car accidents in Florida.
In Florida, all drivers must carry a minimum amount of car insurance. This insurance must include personal injury protection (PIP) and property damage liability (PDL). PIP pays for the policyholder's medical expenses, regardless of who is at fault for the accident, while PDL covers the damages caused to another person's property. If a driver wants to sue another driver for pain and suffering, they must first meet a certain threshold, which can vary depending on the severity of the injuries. As a result, all drivers in Florida need to be aware of these laws before getting behind the wheel.
It is important to exchange insurance information with the other driver if possible. If there are any witnesses to the accident, you should also get their contact information. Once the police have been called, you should cooperate with their investigation and provide them with a statement if asked. As mentioned earlier, it is also important to know that Florida is a no-fault state regarding car accidents. This means that each driver's insurance company will cover their damages, regardless of who is at fault for the accident. As a result, it is often not necessary to hire an attorney unless serious injuries or damages are involved. However, if you find yourself needing legal assistance, it is important to choose a lawyer who is experienced in handling car accident cases in Florida.
If found guilty of causing an auto mishap in Florida, the following penalties will be applied:
- A first offense will result in a four-year revocation of your driver's license.
- You will be required to complete a 12-hour Advanced Driver Improvement course and pay a $500 reinstatement fee.
- If caught driving on a suspended license, you will be charged with a first-degree misdemeanor and face up to one year in jail.
Additionally, if you cause a befall that results in injuries or property damage, you may be sued by the victim. If the victim is successful in their lawsuit, they may be awarded damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.
The following are ways in which an attorney can help handle car accident cases in Florida.
An attorney can help you navigate the complex legal system and ensure that you follow the correct procedures. They can also provide valuable guidance and advice, helping you make the best possible decisions for your case. In addition, an attorney can represent you in court and advocate on your behalf.
An attorney can also help you recover damages if you have sustained serious injuries or if the other driver was at fault for the mishap. If you cannot work or have high medical bills, an attorney can help you recover these damages from the responsible party. In addition, if your car was totaled or damaged in the mishap, an attorney can help you recover the value of your property damage from the other driver's insurance company.
If you have been involved in a car accident in Florida, it is important to understand your rights and options under the law. An experienced car accident lawyer can help you navigate the legal system and ensure that you can recover the maximum amount of damages possible. Contact an attorney today to discuss your case and learn more about how they can help.
After a car accident, it's important to protect yourself and your rights.
First, you should seek medical attention for any injuries you sustained in the befall. This is important for both your physical and legal wellbeing. If you wait for treatment, the insurance company may argue that the befall did not cause your injuries. Even if you feel fine at the scene, it's always best to get checked out by a doctor, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Some common serious injuries that people face include spinal injuries that may lead to back pain, neck injury, head injury, and whiplash.
Next, you should gather as much evidence as possible. This includes taking photos of the scene, getting any witnesses' contact information, and collecting other relevant documentation. It's also important to get a police report, as this can be used as evidence in your case. You should also get their insurance information if the other driver were at fault for the mishap.
Once you have gathered all this evidence, you should reach out to an experienced car mishap lawyer. A lawyer will review your case and help you determine what damages you are entitled to under the law. They can also negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf and fight for a fair settlement. If necessary, they can also take your case to trial.
The most recent befall that occurred resulted from a hit and runs. It involved a white male driving a newer model Honda. He rear-ended the victim's car, which caused it to hit the guardrail and overturn. The driver then fled the scene on foot. The victim was taken to the hospital with serious injuries.
In Sarasota County, a woman was killed in a car mishap after losing control of her vehicle and crashing into a tree. The victim was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the occurrence and was ejected from the vehicle. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
In Orange County, two people were killed in a head-on collision. The victims were both driving SUVs when they collided on an interstate highway. One of the vehicles caught fire due to the collision, and both victims were pronounced dead at the scene.
These accidents are just a few examples of the many that occur daily in Florida. If you have been involved in a car mishap, it is important to seek legal assistance as soon as possible to protect your rights and ensure that you can recover the full extent of damages you are entitled to under the law. Contact an experienced car mishap lawyer today to discuss your case.