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What is the Most Common Cause of Collisions

What is the Most Common Cause of Collisions?

November 18, 2022

Trusted Personal Injury Lawyers

Traffic collisions happen every single day in our region. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) reports that 341,399 happened in the state in 2020 alone. Even the safest and most attentive of drivers are still at risk of ending up in a serious crash. This raises an important question: What is the most common cause of collisions? While accidents happen due to a wide range of different factors, the large majority are caused by human error. They could and should have been prevented with proper care. In this article, a Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer provides a comprehensive guide to the most common causes of traffic collisions in Florida.

What are Common Factors that Result in Vehicle Collisions? 

Every car crash involves its own unique set of factors. It is crucial that all serious automobile collisions that occur in the Fort Lauderdale area are comprehensively and independently investigated. At the same, many crashes happen because of the same common factors. Notably, human error is the causal factor in most collisions. According to a landmark study cited by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), “human factors caused or contributed to 93% of the crashes investigated.” Errors are committed not just by drivers, but also by large corporations and other parties. Here are some of the most common factors that contribute to motor vehicle collisions in South Florida:

Common Injuries Resulting From Motor Vehicle Accidents

A significant share of car crashes in Florida result in injuries. The FLHSMV reports that nearly 40% of all traffic collisions in our state are “injury crashes.” While some injuries are thankfully relatively minor, many are quite severe. Each year, between 15,000 and 25,000 people suffer “incapacitating injuries” in car accidents in Florida. The state defines these injuries as ones that require emergency medical services and result in long-term or permanent physical trauma. Some of the most common serious car accident injuries reported in Florida include:

When Can You Get Cited for a Speeding Ticket in Fort Lauderdale?

You may be cited for speeding by state or local law enforcement in the Fort Lauderdale area if you operate a motor vehicle above the posted speed limit or in excess of the speed that a reasonable and prudent person would drive, given the specific road conditions (bad weather, etc.). Any law enforcement agency in the area can write a speeding ticket, including the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), the Broward County Sheriff’s Office, and the Fort Lauderdale Police Department.

What are the Exceptions to Florida’s New Handheld Device Distracted Driving Law?

As noted previously, distracted driving is another one of the most common causes of traffic collisions in Florida. Alarmingly, highway safety officials throughout the country believe that distracted driving is on the rise. In Florida, motorists have a general obligation to operate their vehicles in a safe manner, including avoiding inattentiveness and distractions. Additionally, that state has an anti-distracted driving law that bars the use of handheld electronic devices while driving, including for the purposes of texting and for making phone calls. As of 2019, this is now a primary offense—meaning a driver can be pulled over and cited for being on their phone while behind the wheel. However, there are a few exceptions to the law, including:

How to Avoid Speeding Accidents and Distracted Driving Accidents in Florida  

As a driver, you can never completely eliminate your risk of being involved in a crash. That being said, there are proactive steps that you can take that will dramatically reduce your odds of suffering a serious car accident injury. First, slow down. Speeding is not only against the law; it is dangerous. Follow the posted speed limits and avoid operating too fast for road/traffic conditions. Additionally, always keep your focus on the road. Distracted driving is perhaps even more dangerous than speeding. By avoiding common distractions—texting and driving, talking on a phone and driving, etc.—you will be far less likely to be caught up in a serious collision.

Are Most Car Accidents Preventable?

Yes. Only a relatively small share of car crashes are classified as “not preventable.” The vast majority of traffic collisions could and should have been avoided if only all parties involved had taken the proper precautions. Florida has a no-fault insurance law—meaning your initial personal injury claim for a car accident is likely through your own Personal Insurance Protection (PIP) policy, regardless of who was to blame for the accident. However, you can always step beyond the state’s no-fault system and file a personal injury lawsuit directly against the negligent (at-fault) party if you sustained serious physical harm in an accident. To learn more, contact a Florida car accident lawyer for a crash that was not your fault.

How Much Compensation Can Be Recovered in Car Accident Claims in Florida?

Following a major traffic collision, you need compensation to support your bills and provide for your loved ones. Florida law allows car accident victims to seek financial relief for out-of-pocket losses (economic damages) and intangible losses (non-economic damages). Insurance companies invariably try to settle claims for less. Our Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer fights tirelessly to help injured victims maximize their settlement or verdict. Depending on the nature and severity of your crash, you may be entitled to recover compensation for the following types of losses:

Why Should a Person Hire Bernheim Kelley for a Car Accident Case?

Motor vehicle accident claims are complicated. At Bernheim Kelley, we are devoted to helping injured victims successfully navigate the legal claims process, so that they can get justice and maximize their financial recovery. Our firm is proactive and results-focused. When you contact our Fort Lauderdale office, you will have a chance to consult with a Florida car accident lawyer who can:

Contact Our Fort Lauderdale Auto Accident Injury Attorney Today

At Bernheim Kelley, Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyers are committed to helping injured victims get real justice and real results. If you or your loved one was hurt in an accident, we are here to help. Get in touch with us by phone or connect with us online to arrange your free, no-obligation initial legal consultation. From our law office in Fort Lauderdale, we represent car accident victims in Broward County, South Florida, and throughout the wider area.

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