Florida, along with forty-two other states, has adopted “move over” laws. These laws were designed to protect police officers and emergency workers as they work on the sides of busy highways and interstates. Florida law states that if it is safe, vehicles should move one lane over from a stopped police car or other emergency…
Florida car accident statistics from the CDC reports that more than 2,450 people were killed on Florida roadways in 2013. Florida’s Highway Patrol confirms this number, reporting over 315,000 crashes, 198,000 injuries, and 2,400 fatalities each year from 2013 to 2017.
Needless to say, car accidents are a major concern in Florida and the nation. Car insurers predict that the average driver will be in 3-4 accidents during their lifetime. Not all of these will be serious, of course, but as the CDC statistics indicate there is still plenty of injuries and fatalities that come from car accidents.
On this page, we’ve collected information about car accidents in Florida and how you can stay safe on the roads. The chances of receiving compensation after an accident depend on how well you followed safety procedures and the rules of the road. You must also follow legal procedures.
After a car accident, you must do the following:
Call for medical assistance for you or the other driver should it be needed. Saving lives comes first.
Contact the police to make a report about what happened.
Exchange insurance information with the other driver and file a claim.
In addition to these, here are tips that can improve your chances of a higher settlement:
Take photos of your injuries, the crash scene, and the vehicles as soon as possible, preferably while you’re still at the scene.
Keep a pain journal that talks about your experiences after your accident. Use dates and times to record your physical symptoms, how they interfere with your life, and how they make you feel. This can be used to prove a pain and suffering claim.
If you have any further questions about what to do after an accident or believe you have a case, contact our office to schedule a free consultation.
Top Intersections for Accidents In Brevard County
The Space Coast Transportation Planning Organization released a list of the top intersections for accidents in Brevard County. The top intersections, along with the vehicle crash frequencies, are: Babcock Street and Palm Bay Road: 77 .6 U.S. 1 and Eau Gallie Boulevard: 54.2 Minton Road and Emerson Drive: 52.6 Wickham Road and Sarno Road: 51.8…
Can A Florida Lawyer Prove Fault In A Car Accident When The Police Report Says Otherwise?
A Florida lawyer can prove fault in a car accident when the police report says otherwise. Police officers are trained in investigating car accidents and will prepare an official police report regarding the details of the accident in accordance with the Uniform Traffic Crash Report Manual. However, these police reports are not the only source…
Florida Car Accident Statistics From The CDC
Car accidents are a very serious problem in the state of Florida. They are a leading problem of injuries and death and result in billions of dollars spent in medical and work loss costs. Read on to learn some of the more notable car accident statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),…
The Financial Responsibility Law in Florida
UPDATE: Jessica Guevara Killed In Car Accident That Left Six Children Injured After Tire Blowout In Apollo Beach On Interstate 75 Freeway
Tire Tread Separation Causes and Prevention
A tread is the rubber on the outer circumference of a tire that makes contact with the road and provides traction. Tire tread separation occurs when the tread becomes separated from the casing or body of the tire. Most cars, trucks, vans and SUVs on the roads today use steel-belted tire tread technology, which is…
Can injured pregnant women benefit from care at trauma centers?
Around 8 percent of expectant mothers suffer traumatic injuries such as fractures and open wounds that typically arise from falls or car accidents. A recent study has suggested pregnant women who sustain traumatic injuries may experience better outcomes when treated at trauma centers instead of non-trauma hospitals. According to research published in the Journal of…
Driver negligence is the Cause of Most Car Crashes
A study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that mistakes on the part of drivers are the cause of 94 percent of all car accidents, and about 87 percent of drivers engage in unsafe behaviors. Meanwhile, the number of deaths from car accidents has risen sharply. In 2015, there were 38,300 fatalities and…
Florida seeks to prevent wrong-way auto crashes
Florida officials are looking for ways to prevent wrong-way car crashes, which occur with alarming frequency in the state. In April, a study published by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) found that 75 people were killed in 280 wrong-way crashes between 2009 and 2013 on Florida highways. Miami-Dade County accounted for 60 of those…
Teen Driver Risk
Inexperienced Teen Drivers Pose a Risk to Others on Florida Roads All drivers are potentially dangerous, possibly causing serious Florida car accidents involving you or your family members. These wrecks can cause serious injuries, such as broken bones or internal bleeding, and can even result in loss of life. Though any driver can cause a…
Watch This Campaign and You Will Never Drive Reckless Again
The holiday season brings a higher volume of drivers on the road in Fort Lauderdale. There are relatives and friends visiting others, there are holiday parties, and there are seasonal residents trying to escape the cold winter season up north. With a greater number of vehicles on the road – and people attending holiday parties…
7 of the Best Vehicles for Families
When you are buying a car for your family, safety is paramount. You want a car that’s safe, reliable, spacious, and affordable. U.S. News and World Report assesses the options on the market for families, and publishes a yearly list of the best cars for families for each vehicle class. U.S. News and World Report…
Dangerous Florida Intersections
Florida has a history of significant numbers of traffic accidents each year. Florida had the third highest number of traffic fatalities in the nation in 2012, second only to Texas and California, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. A new list published by TIME shows that Florida is, unfortunately, living up to its reputation. Of…
Florida Ranks Highest for Crashes Involving Drowning
Any car accident is dangerous, but one few people consider is driving into a body of water. According to a November 8, 2014 article in the Orlando Sentinel, more people drown in cars in Florida than in any other state. Car Accident Drownings Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration cites Florida as the…
Broken Ribs in an Auto Accident in Florida
A broken or fractured rib is a very painful medical condition. When trauma to the chest occurs, a broken or fractured rib is a common result. Car accidents are one of the leading causes of trauma to the chest, and therefore one of the leading causes of broken ribs. If you need help recovering compensation…
It’s Not Too Late to Celebrate National Teen Driver Safety Week
Last week was National Teen Driver Safety Week, but it’s not too late to have a talk with your teens about driver safety. Specifically, here are some facts you need to know about teenage texting and driving. Teen Drivers Already Face an Increased Risk of Having a Car Accident Teen drivers, even before texting is…
2017 Car Accident Statistics in South Florida
Car accidents occur every day in South Florida. Some are fender benders and lead to nothing more than scratches, while others result in devastating injuries that completely change the lives of the victims. While many accidents involve two or more cars, some involve only one or a variety of other vehicles present on the road….
How To Obtain a Police Report After a Car Crash
If you’ve been in a car accident and need assistance obtaining a police report, making changes to an incorrect police report or filing a personal injury case for damages, contact an attorney that can help. With a thorough understanding of car accident and personal injury law, the Ft. Lauderdale personal injury firm at Chalik &…
In a Car Accident in Florida with No Insurance
The state of Florida is a no-fault auto insurance state. This means that in the event of a motor vehicle accident, each driver’s own insurance policy is responsible for paying damages to the policyholder, regardless of fault. For persons involved in an accident without car insurance, knowing what to do can be frustrating. If you’ve…
