Lots of legislation in Florida aims to improve roadway safety. One significant approach includes more severe punishments for distracted driving, including texting while driving. Stricter sanctions for vehicles that ignore pedestrians at crosswalks have also gone into effect to improve pedestrian safety. Furthermore, the state has reaffirmed campaigns encouraging the use of safety restraints for children and seat belts in an effort to lessen the impact of accidents. These initiatives highlight the state’s dedication to creating safer roads for everyone. But accidents do happen.
The experience of being in a vehicle accident and the anxiety that follows are both scary. Paying for things like medical bills, property damage and vehicle repairs can add up quickly. If you or someone you know has been in a vehicle accident in Davie, you should seek the advice of a skilled Davie car accident lawyer who can fight for your right to compensation and justice.
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Car Accident Statistics for Florida
According to the Traffic Crash Facts Annual Report 2022 from the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, there were 397,620 car accidents in Florida in 2022, which was a 0.98% decrease from 2021. On any given day, there were an average of 1,089 crashes. 3,320 of the crashes involved at least one fatality, while 15,996 resulted in incapacitating injuries. Alcohol was a factor in 5,262 of the accidents. A mind-boggling 107,844 of the crashes involved at least one hit-and-run driver.
Do You Have to Have Auto Insurance in Florida?
To legally register a vehicle and drive in Florida, you must have auto insurance. The insurance must, at a minimum, provide personal injury protection (PIP) and property damage liability (PDL). PIP pays 80% of covered medical expenses (up to $10,000) for insured injuries in an accident, regardless of responsibility. In the event that your insured vehicle causes damage to another party’s property, PDL protects it. If you don’t maintain proper insurance coverage on your vehicle, you run the risk of having your driver’s license and license plate suspended for three years, and if you want them back, you could have to pay $500.
Most Common Causes of Car Accidents in Davie
Automobile accidents, which can result in serious harm or even death, are as common in Davie as they are in many other cities. Fortunately, Florida drivers can take precautions to avoid these kinds of accidents by learning what the most common causes are.
DUI or Intoxication
Despite stringent legislation and an abundance of public awareness programs, driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is one of the most common causes of accidents in Davie. In 2022, there were 388 fatal crashes on Florida roadways involving alcohol, resulting in 423 deaths. There were 617 confirmed crashes involving drugs, with 349 of them resulting in 367 fatalities.
Inexperienced Driving
Many of the accidents in Davie are the result of inexperienced drivers on the road, including teens and drivers who just got their license. When you aren’t familiar with driving, it’s easier to make mistakes and ignore potential dangers on the road. This lack of experience can make it difficult to safely switch and merge lanes, which increases the risk of having an accident.
Rear-End Collisions
Tailgating, inattentive driving and unexpected stops are significant causes of rear-end crashes on Davie’s streets. Collisions like this usually occur when the car in front of you abruptly slows down or stops, and the car behind you doesn’t keep a safe distance. These accidents frequently cause whiplash and extensive damage to the involved vehicles and other property.
Distracted Driving
Distractions while driving include things like eating, grooming, talking on the phone, texting and updating GPS systems. Because they slow down response times, lessen situational awareness and make it harder to make decisions, every distraction raises the risk of accidents.
Ignoring Traffic Laws
Another common factor contributing to automobile accidents in Davie is the disregard for traffic rules and regulations. Incorrect turns, unlawful lane changes, speeding and the running of red lights or stop signs are all part of this.
Most Common Injuries
Injuries from car accidents can range from minor to severe, with some being life-threatening or even fatal. If you have suffered injuries in a vehicle accident, the Davie car accident attorneys at Shiner Law Group can file a claim to ensure you receive the compensation owed to you.
Whiplash
One of the most common injuries sustained in an automobile accident, especially in rear-end crashes, is whiplash. It happens when the neck and head are abruptly bent forward and backward, which puts pressure on the neck’s soft tissues. Whiplash can cause a variety of symptoms, including pain, stiffness, migraines, vertigo and restricted mobility in the neck. When left untreated, whiplash can cause long-term chronic pain and agony.
Broken Bones
Some car accidents put so much force on a person’s body that it breaks or shatters their bones. Bones that tend to break the easiest include arms, legs, ribs and collarbones. Depending on the severity of the break, it may be necessary to immobilize, cast or surgically treat injuries involving broken bones. And for many people, long-term physical therapy is necessary to achieve the fullest recovery possible.
Spinal and Back Injuries
It’s very common for victims of car accidents to experience injuries to the spinal cord or vertebrae. These injuries usually range from spinal fractures to herniated discs to compression on the spinal cord. The symptoms of these injuries can vary from paralysis to chronic pain. Immediate medical attention is usually necessary to treat spinal injuries as well as long-term therapy.
Cuts and Bruises
During a car accident, it’s very common for auto parts and broken glass to fly through the air, cutting passengers and drivers. Some cuts and bruises may seem minor at first, but they can easily lead to infections and severe discomfort if not treated correctly.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Car accidents involving a lot of force can cause soft tissue injuries like strains, sprains and contusions. These injuries affect the body’s muscles, ligaments and tendons. A lot of soft tissue injuries aren’t noticeable immediately after the accident. This is why it’s always a good idea to contact a Davie car accident attorney and seek medical attention after any auto accident. These injuries will worsen over time if left untreated. A doctor will be able to refer you to a physical therapist and prescribe any necessary anti-inflammatory medications to ensure you have the best recovery possible.
Traumatic Brain Damage
Any time a car accident has a high amount of impact or sudden jolting, the brain is at risk of bruising, bleeding or swelling. Traumatic brain injuries can produce symptoms ranging from memory loss to headaches to dizziness, personality changes and more.
Neck Injuries
Because the head and neck move so quickly and violently when a vehicle crashes, many people suffer neck injuries. In addition to whiplash, neck injuries can stem from neck fractures and cervical dislocations caused by the accident. Their treatment requires prolonged medical care and recovery regimens.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Davie
It can be difficult to know what to do in the aftermath of a vehicle accident, but you should know that there are several options available to you. A car accident lawyer from the Shiner Law Group in Davie will be there to help you explore each option and seek the compensation you rightfully deserve.
Call 911
Always call 911 immediately following an accident. The emergency services will dispatch a police officer to the accident scene, as well as any necessary medical care.
When the officer arrives, he or she will start asking you questions about the accident. The officer will use the information you provide to create an accident report. Since the information you provide can be used to determine who was at fault, it’s very important that you provide only your name, contact details and insurance information. Don’t ever admit fault or make any speculative statements about the accident. Instead, let the insurance companies and legal representatives handle the investigation.
Obtain Eyewitness Statements
Do your best to obtain statements from eyewitnesses. Their credibility and unique viewpoint can bolster your case and illuminate what happened in the moments before and during the accident. Make sure to jot down their name and contact information in case your car accident lawyer needs to reach them.
Take Photos and Video of the Accident
Take as many photos and videos of the accident as possible. Record all the vehicle damage and any property impacted by the accident. Take photos and videos of your injuries, as well as any nearby road signs and traffic signals. The more proof you have to back your story, the stronger your insurance claim will be, and the better your chances of getting a reasonable settlement for your injuries and property damage.
Request Medical Attention
Regardless of whether you think you have suffered an injury from the accident, it’s always best to visit a doctor within 24 hours. You can go to the emergency room or see a doctor of your choice. Having medical documentation of any and all injuries, as well as the ongoing treatment you receive, will improve your insurance settlement.
Getting the Compensation You Deserve
There are many legal rights available to you after an accident. You can obtain compensation for a wide range of damages. Having a car accident attorney by your side will make it easier to understand the damages you qualify for.
All Medical Expenses, Past and Future
You might be eligible for reimbursement for all past and future medical costs associated with the accident. This includes:
- Hospital bills
- Ambulance costs
- Surgery expenses
- Medication costs
- Rehabilitation fees
- Counseling
Diminished Quality of Life
If the accident results in injuries or impairments that hinder your ability to live a quality of life at or above what you were living before the accident, you may be eligible for compensation. Compensation for a reduced quality of life aims to address the physical, emotional and social consequences of the accident.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering compensation can vary widely depending on the accident’s exact details. This is another form of compensation that seeks to remedy the physical agony, mental anguish, worry and despair you endured as a result of the crash.
Short-Term or Long-Term Disability
If the accident caused one or more injuries that keep you from working, you may be eligible for short- or long-term disability. Having access to this type of compensation is often lifesaving from a financial perspective for those severely injured in car accidents.
Loss of Vehicle or Property
Almost all car accidents result in some type of damage to the vehicle or other property. Getting paid fairly for the damage is key to winning a settlement case.
Lost Wages
In addition to disability, you may be eligible for compensation in the form of lost wages and benefits. This helps cover the amount of money you lost as a result of not being able to work because of the accident.
Loss of Consortium-Research
Loss of consortium is defined as negative effects on your relationship with your spouse or significant other as a result of an injury, such as diminished opportunities for companionship, tenderness, intimacy and support. Partners or spouses may be able to collect damages in this case.
Disfigurement
You might receive damages for disfigurement if the accident alters your appearance in any way. Even tiny changes to your appearance are worth filing a claim for.
Funeral and Burial Expenses
If a person’s death is the consequence of a car accident, their family may be able to file a claim for burial and funeral expenses.
Finding the Best Car Accident Lawyer in Davie
To maximize the compensation that is rightly yours, it is essential that you retain the services of an experienced car accident lawyer in Davie. Their knowledge and experience will guide you step by step through the claims and settlement process, reducing the likelihood of mistakes that could damage your case and lowering the amount you end up with. The lawyers at Shiner Law Group are experts in vehicle accident cases and will negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, collect evidence expertly and handle the necessary paperwork with care. Contact us today if you’ve been involved in a car accident.
