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What are the Common Causes of Car Accidents?
In Florida, all drivers have a duty of care to avoid causing injuries to others. This means driving safely and obeying all traffic safety laws. Nonetheless car accidents are far too common. While numerous external factors can cause or contribute to car accidents, more often than not, they are the result of driver errors. If you have been an injured in a car accident, an experienced personal injury attorney can help you obtain compensation for the harm you have endured. In the meantime, let’s take a look at some of the common causes of car accidents.
Common Driver Errors
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the most common driver errors include:
- Distracted driving – Florida prohibits specified texting while driving under section 316.305 and separately restricts handheld use in designated school and qualifying work zones under section 316.306. There is no blanket statewide prohibition on every voice call. Even when phone use is lawful, drivers can also be distracted by other onboard technology, GPS, devices, talking to other passengers, or eating and drinking. Nonetheless, studies show that people cannot multitask while operating a motor vehicle. This is because the human brain is not capable of performing two critical tasks simultaneously. Drivers whose attention shifts from the road to using technological devices or smartphones are prone to becoming distracted and are unable to anticipate and react to hazards posed by other vehicles or road conditions.
- Driving under the influence – Impaired driving is a serious cause of fatal crashes. Driving under the influence has a negative impact on a person’s reaction time, vision, and depth perception, all critical skills while operating a vehicle. Keep in mind that DUI laws are strictly enforced in Florida.
- Driver fatigue – Driving for long periods of time and/or covering long distances is a necessity for truck drivers, salespeople, bus drivers and others. Nonetheless, fatigued drivers have slower reactions times and are more likely to run traffic lights or fall asleep at the wheel, which could lead to a catastrophic collision.
- Speeding – Speeding vehicles are harder to control, take longer to stop, or unable to stop quickly enough to avoid obstacles, other drivers and pedestrians.
The Takeaway
Although drivers have a duty of care not to injure others by driving in a safe manner, car accidents are common in Florida. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, experienced personal injury attorney can evaluate potentially recoverable losses, available coverage, comparative fault, and applicable deadlines. Recovery is not guaranteed.
Posted in: Personal Injury