Common Car Accidents in Florida

Florida is one of the most dangerous states for drivers and other road users due to the high number of car accidents that occur each year. Car accidents happen so frequently that almost every driver has been involved in or witnessed a car accident. The injuries resulting from an accident depend on the type of accident and the level of impact. Some of the common types of car accidents in Florida include:

The alternative name for side-impact collisions is broadside or T-bone accidents. A side-impact collision occurs when a vehicle crashes head-on into the side of another vehicle. Mainly, these collisions occur when crossing a multi-lane intersection due to drivers’ failure to yield the right-of-way to oncoming traffic. Other leading causes of the collisions are distracted driving, running the red light, speeding, and making unsafe cross-traffic left turns.

Injuries sustained by victims of side-impact collisions are usually extensive. This is because the side of a vehicle offers a narrow layer of protection to vehicle occupants.

A rear-end collision is the most common type of car accident in Florida. This accident type occurs when the negligent driver hits the back of the lead vehicle. A rear-end collision may occur if one vehicle follows too closely and the lead vehicle makes an abrupt stop. Florida laws require drivers to leave ample space for vehicles in front to be able to stop if necessary. However, the law does not define a specific safe distance and will depend on the road conditions and other factors. Therefore, it would be wise not to follow too closely in wet road conditions, loose gravel, wet road conditions, and heavier vehicle weight.

In Florida, there is a presumption that a rear-end collision is always the rear driver’s fault, however, this is not always the case. In rear-end collisions, liability is not automatic; the lead driver could also be at fault for the accident by:

• pulling in front of another car or braking suddenly
• reversing a car into the vehicle behind
• driving with broken tail lights

A head-on collision occurs when two vehicles strike each other on the front. A head-on collision can occur if a driver makes a left turn in front of oncoming traffic or fails to yield a right-of-way to oncoming vehicles. When a head-on collision occurs, the impact is high, and the injuries sustained by victims are often life threatening. The injuries are more extensive if both vehicles were at high speeds at the time of impact.

Sideswipe accidents occur when two cars collide while moving in the same direction. The risk of sideswipe accidents increases while merging or traveling at high speed. Both soft tissue and more serious injuries may occur in a sideswipe accident depending on various factors, including but not limited to the speed to the car, the weather conditions and/or any corrective/defensive actions by either driver.

A rollover accident occurs when a car tips over onto its side or roof. When a rollover accident occurs, the risk of life-threatening injuries is high. Rollover car accidents may happen when a driver loses control of a vehicle or when a driver engages in risky or high-speed driving. Other causes of rollover car accidents include collisions with other vehicles or objects on the road.

In a rollover accident, the vehicle’s motion could lead to multiple points of impact between the car and your body. Therefore, severe injuries, like neck and spinal injuries may result. Other common injuries in rollover accidents are internal injuries and broken bones.

Being involved in a car accident might alter your life in many ways. Extensive injuries could result in permanent disabilities, disfigurement, and inability to work. If the accident was due to the negligence of another person or entity, you could seek compensation for your damages. Shrader Law, PLLC can evaluate your case and help you seek compensation.