Hurt in a Highway Crash in Fort Lauderdale? Contact Our Law Firm Today for a Free Consultation
Driving on the highway is a stressful experience for new drivers, and for good reason: when traveling at speeds in excess of 60 mph on a crowded, multi-lane road, there is a lot to pay attention to and a lot of dangers to avoid. As we get more familiar with driving and get used to traveling on the highway, this stress tends to dissipate, but no matter what, it is always a dangerous activity. If other people on the road choose to engage in reckless, negligent, or otherwise dangerous behavior, then you are at risk of an accident.
If you are in a highway accident someone else caused, then you have a right to seek compensation through a personal injury claim or lawsuit. Still, if you do so without the help of an experienced personal injury and car accident attorney, it can be difficult to get the money you actually deserve. At Bernheim Kelley, our car accident lawyers in Fort Lauderdale are skilled, experienced advocates for justice. We are committed to helping victims and families secure the maximum compensation. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation initial consultation.
What Causes Highway Car Accidents?
Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) reports that there were more than 400,000 collisions in the state in 2021 alone. A significant number of these accidents happened on highways. With higher rates of speed, a highway wreck can be especially dangerous—leading to catastrophic injuries or even fatalities. Highway car accidents can happen for a wide range of different reasons. Here is an overview of some of the most common causes of collisions in Florida:
- Speeding: Though it may seem like many drivers take them as a suggestion, speed limits are the law – and for good reason. When road planners determine the appropriate speed limit for a road, including highways, they take many factors into consideration, including curves or hazards, yields, merges, and much more.
- Unsafe Lane Changes: Changing a lane on a busy highway has the potential to be extremely dangerous. It is crucial that the proper safety precautions are taken by all parties. A significant number of crashes happen because of lane changes.
- Distracted Driving: On a highway, distracted driving is especially risky. It is imperative that drivers keep their full focus and attention on the road. Distractions—including texting and driving—can contribute to serious crashes.
- Drunk Driving: Drunk driving is one of the most dangerous decisions someone can make. Unfortunately, more than 130 million drunk drivers take to the roads each year, with drunk driving accounting for roughly 30% of all fatal car accidents in the country each year.
- Driver Inexperience: Inexperienced drivers have a lot to pay attention to as they get used to traveling on the open road, and an inexperienced driver on the highway can put everyone at risk as they try to pay attention to each lane and all of the vehicles passing on both sides.
The Most Common Injuries Associated with Highway Accidents
Highway accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor to life-altering. The severity and type of injuries sustained depend on various factors such as speed, type of collision, and safety precautions taken. Below is a list of the most common injuries associated with highway accidents:
- Lacerations and abrasions;
- Whiplash;
- Nerve damage;
- Broken bones;
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs);
- Spinal cord injuries;
- Internal bleeding;
- Organ damage; and
- Amputations.
The Types of Highway Car Accidents
There are several different types of highway car accidents. Here are some of the most common different types of highway crashes reported in Florida:
- Rear-End Collisions: Occur when a vehicle crashes into the one in front of it, often due to tailgating or sudden braking.
- Side-Impact Collisions: Also known as T-bone accidents or broadside collisions, these occur when one car crashes into the side of another. They can happen on highways.
- Head-on Collisions: These devastating accidents involve two vehicles colliding directly with each other, often due to wrong-way driving or loss of control.
- Rollover Accidents: Involve a vehicle flipping over, usually caused by high-speed cornering, tire blowouts, or collisions.
- Multi-Car Pile Ups: These involve multiple vehicles in a chain-reaction crash, typically due to poor visibility or slippery road conditions.
No matter what type of crash you have been involved in, you might wonder, “How Much Does an Accident Devalue My Car?” Filing a personal injury claim or lawsuit is the best way to recoup the value of your vehicle and all of your medical expenses and lost wages.
What to Do After a Highway Car Accident in Fort Lauderdale?
If you are involved in a highway car accident in Florida, there are a few steps you should take to protect yourself and ensure your safety. Knowing what to do can make a difficult, chaotic situation less stressful. Here are some of the most important steps to take:
- Move your vehicle to a safe location, away from oncoming highway traffic;;
- Call 911 to report the accident, law enforcement should arrive;
- Get immediate medical attention for any injuries (emergencies take priority);
- Exchange information with all other parties involved in the crash;
- Take pictures and otherwise document the highway accident; and
- Consult with a Fort Lauderdale highway accident lawyer before an insurance adjuster.
Five Ways to Prevent Highway Motor Vehicle Accidents
While not all highway crashes are avoidable, there are some actionable safety precautions that you can take to reduce your risk of being involved in a serious crash. Here are five tips to reduce your risk of suffering a serious injury:
- Always wear your seatbelt and ensure all passengers do the same.
- Stay focused on the road and avoid distractions, such as texting or using your phone while driving.
- Obey traffic laws and speed limits and adjust your speed based on weather and road conditions.
- Keep a safe distance from other vehicles and avoid tailgating.
- Stay alert for other drivers’ behaviors, such as sudden lane changes or swerving, and be prepared to react accordingly.
Contact Our a Personal Injury Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale Today
You do not have to navigate the aftermath of a serious highway car accident alone. You may be wondering about when to get an attorney for a car accident. A proactive approach is always best. At Bernheim Kelley, We offer a free initial consultation for victims of highway car accidents. During your consultation, we can discuss the specifics of your accident and give you a better understanding of how we can help you move forward from this frustrating and disruptive event and get back on your feet with the money you deserve. There is no reason you should have to suffer the resulting injuries and financial impacts when someone else is responsible for your accident. They should pay for the damages, and we will fight to make sure that is the case. When needed, we are ready to help you dispute fault for a car accident.
At Bernheim Kelley, our Florida highway accident attorneys have the professional experience that you can trust. Contact us today to set up your free, no-obligation legal consultation. We represent injured victims in Fort Lauderdale and throughout Florida.