There are more than 250,000 car crashes each year here in Florida. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, at least 2,600 people died in auto accidents in 2010 in the Sunshine State. Those who are lucky enough to live through their crash find themselves living with lingering injuries. There are some trends as to why these accidents occur.
Most frequent causes of auto accidents in Florida
Data compiled by Drive Safely shows that some contributing factors are more apt to injure fatal crashes than others in Florida. Included on this list are:
- Speeding
- Impaired driving
- Distracted driving
- Not using turn signals
- Failure to yield to the right of way
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data shows that at least 814 individuals lost their lives at the hands of an intoxicated Florida motorist in 2018. Many motorists also tend to think that it’s safe to utilize their phone while driving here in Florida since state lawmakers have been slow to classify it as a moving violation, and NHTSA data also shows that at least 393 motorists lost their lives due to speeding in 2016. Motorists who failed to activate their turn signals or obey traffic lights or signs often found themselves involved in crashes as well.
What you should do if you have a Florida car accident
While some injuries you suffer in a crash may be clear from the onset, others can be slow to develop. Your Florida Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage will likely cover some of your medical costs and lost wages if you suffered debilitating injuries during your Panama City crash. A car accidents attorney can advise you of other compensation you may qualify for, though, if your injuries are particularly severe and you’re likely to need dedicated medical care in the future.
