South Florida is one of the most exciting places to be. Families on vacation, college students on Spring Break, and local residents going about their days, there are many people on the road. With so many drivers, though, there are more opportunities for accidents. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, 1-800-Injured in Fort Lauderdale can connect you with a lawyer to discuss your case.
1-800-Injured is an attorney referral service with a wide network of personal injury lawyers who can help you fight for compensation.
Types of South Florida Car Accidents
A lot of downtown streets are one-way roads, so if a driver is not paying attention or is not familiar with the area, they can find themselves in an accident with an oncoming car.
Many of the highways in the western part of South Florida or going to the Keys are two-way highways. All it takes is for one driver coming from the wrong direction to veer off and cause a head-on collision.
When two vehicles traveling in the same direction collide, it can result in a side-swipe accident. Also known as blindspot accidents, they can occur when one driver doesn’t see another vehicle before changing lanes. The resulting impact to the side of one car can cause it to veer off the road or into other cars.
Causes of South Florida Accidents
The CDC reports that nine people die every day in the US in crashes that involve a distracted driver. Thirty-two percent of traffic citations and violations that the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) reported in 2021 were related to texting while driving. Distracted driving can be visual, manual, or mental. Looking away from the road, letting go of the wheel, or thinking about something else rather than paying attention can pose a danger to other road users.
Speeding is another one of the top causes of car accidents. Speeding prevents the driver from responding to changing road conditions. In 2021, there were 27 arrests made by FHP in Broward County for reckless driving, 244 arrests made by city police, and 154 made by the local sheriff’s department.
Alcohol affects a person’s judgment and motor skills. Inebriated drivers make wider turns, have a slower response time to any changes in the road, and may drive faster or slower than other vehicles. In 2021, there were 18 DUI manslaughter arrests made by city police in Broward County and eight made by the local sheriff’s department.
What to Do If You’re Injured In a Car Accident
If you’ve been involved in a car accident in South Florida, there are certain steps you should take. First, dial 911 and report the accident. You should check the other driver and their passengers if your injuries allow. You should also move your car to the side of the road if you are in danger of getting hit or blocking traffic.
You should exchange names, addresses, emails, phone numbers, and car insurance information with the other driver. You should also get contact information for any of their passengers or other witnesses.
Next, take photos of the scene. Take pictures of both cars as well as the location, including street signs and other things around you that may have contributed to the accident.
You should get checked by a doctor immediately to rule out any serious injuries. Lastly, you should talk to a personal injury attorney specializing in car accidents in south Florida. They can advise you of your rights in the Sunshine State and any applicable laws in your situation.