Unfortunately, no matter how careful you are behind the wheel, car collisions happen in Miami, Coral Springs, Homestead, and every corner of Florida. The Florida car accident attorneys at Flaxman Law Group have worked with thousands of survivors of Florida car crashes. Here, we look at some of the common causes of these collisions, so you know how you can avoid them.
Common Causes of Florida Car Accidents
There are many causes of crashes on Florida’s streets, but the most common are:
- Distracted driving. Any activity that takes your attention away from the road or your hands off the wheel can cause an accident. Crashes can be caused by activities such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, adjusting the radio, or looking at a map. Such actions can reduce your reaction time and increase your chances of making a mistake. To prevent accidents caused by distracted driving, always keep your eyes on the road, your hands on the wheel, and your mind on driving. If you need to do anything besides driving, pull over to a safe spot first. If you notice another driver on the road who is driving erratically and may be unsafe, put some distance between yourself and that car. If the driver is causing risk to other users of the road, consider calling the police.
- Speeding. Going faster than the speed limit or driving too fast for the road conditions makes it harder to control your vehicle, especially on wet roads and turns. It can also increase the severity of the impact in case of a crash. To avoid collisions caused by speeding, always follow the speed limit and adjust your speed according to the traffic, weather, and road conditions. Leave enough space between you and the vehicle in front of you so you can stop safely if they brake suddenly. If you notice another driver speeding, get out of their way and report the unsafe driving.
- Impaired driving. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can affect your vision, coordination, concentration, and decision-making. It can increase your risk of falling asleep or losing control of your car. It’s also illegal and can cause you to lose your driving privileges. If you plan to use drugs or drink alcohol, arrange for a sober ride home or stay put until you are safe to drive. If you see anyone get into a car and drive away impaired, call the police at once.
- Aggressive driving. Tailgating, weaving in and out of lanes, running red lights, ignoring stop signs, honking excessively, making rude gestures, and engaging in other aggressive driving behaviors can cause mistakes that lead to crashes. It can also spark road rage incidents. To avoid this, drive courteously and respectfully. Stay calm and avoid engaging with any drivers who are behaving aggressively.
- Defective vehicles. Most of the above causes of Florida car accidents come down to human error. Mechanical failures such as faulty brakes, tires, steering systems, airbags, or seat belts can also cause crashes. Defective cars can malfunction unexpectedly and cause collisions. You should always maintain your vehicle and check for any recalls. If you notice any problems or defects, get them checked out and report them to your manufacturer or dealer. If you’re in a car accident caused by a defective vehicle, you could have a case against the manufacturer.
In fact, if you’re injured in a car accident, you may wish to speak with a Florida car accident attorney at Flaxman Law Group to find out if you have a case and may be entitled to compensation. We have more than 60 years of combined experience and have already recovered over $100 million on behalf of injured people just like you. You can call Flaxman Law Group 24/7 at 866-352-9626 to arrange a free, no-obligation consultation with a Florida car accident attorney.