There are many ways to get in an auto accident in Fort Lauderdale. Our legal team has represented victims of accidents long enough to know that no car accident is simple.
Common Causes of Auto Accidents in Broward County
Here are some of the auto accident causes in Fort Lauderdale:
Driving while Intoxicated – Driving while intoxicated is probably the most foolish and irresponsible way that accidents happen. People know not to drive after they’ve consumed too much alcohol. Sometimes, they get behind the wheel anyway. This can cause them to severely injure and kill other drivers on the road. It happens just to save a few bucks on a taxi cab. Alcohol contributes to about 15 percent of all auto accident deaths in Florida. We think this number will always be too high.
Distracted Driving – The temptation to focus on multi-tasking while driving is just too much for some people. They do not want to look away from their cell phones and other easy to access devices.
Reckless Driving – Acts that could be considered reckless driving are usually punishable by a simple traffic ticket or a misdemeanor. However, once the injury or death of another is involved, the criminal offense increases to a felony. This is all from something as simple and common on Florida roads as driving too fast or too aggressively.
Speed – Speed is usually the the best predictor for how bad an accident is going to be. People regularly disobey posted speed limits and drive too fast. This can end in tragic results. The faster someone drives, the less control they have over their vehicle. This gives them less time to react.
Types of Car Accidents in Broward County
High Speed Collisions – Technology allows us to move at dangerously high speeds. We take steps to increase the safety of people moving at high speeds. A collision at very high speeds can still have devastating effects.
Rear-End collisions – Rear-end collisions are also very common. Some of the causes are tailgating, not paying attention to traffic on the road, or faulty and neglected brakes. Rear-end collisions are very common in high, stop-and-go traffic. They have a reputation of being annoying but minor fender-bender rear-end collisions can actually cause severe injuries from whiplash.
Injury Victim
T-Bone Collisions – T-bone crashes are also called side impact crashes. These crashes are responsible for about a quarter of vehicle occupant deaths in the U.S. This is second only to head-on collisions.
Head On Collisions – Head-on collisions are less frequent but are more deadly when they do happen. You have a right to get personal injury and physical damages from the person who caused the accident.
Commercial Vehicle Accidents – Commercial vehicles are usually larger and heavier than most cars on the roads. This can cause more traumatic and expensive injuries.
Intersection Accidents – Collisions at intersections can involve multiple cars and the injuries can vary. One negligent driver can send many people to the hospital and rack up expensive medical bills for all involved.
Hit and Runs – When a person commits a hit and run offense, it is a big form of negligence. It is also a crime in the state of Florida
Other Factors in Auto Accidents in Florida
Uninsured / Underinsured Motorists – Florida has one of the highest rates of uninsured drivers in the United States. This can mean big financial loss for everyone involved in an accident with an uninsured driver.
Road hazards & Malfunctioning Traffic Lights – A car accident isn’t always the fault of a driver. It can be a city, government agency, or road crew’s failure to properly maintain the roads. This can be from not repairing potholes, not replacing missing signs, and not installing guardrails.
Auto Product Defects – Defective vehicle design is a big concern because they may cause a car accident to happen. These accidents could be avoided if the vehicle had been properly designed.
Fort Lauderdale Car Accident FAQs
What Steps Should I Take After a Car Accident in Broward County?
When you’re involved in a car accident, the first thing you should do is stop at the scene, move your vehicle out of traffic (if you can), turn on your flashers, and call the police and get medical treatment.
Other important steps to take include documenting the scene, obtaining the other driver’s contact information, and calling your insurance company.
What Mistakes Should I Avoid After a Car Accident?
In order to prove your case and recover the maximum amount of compensation you are owed after a car accident, there are several common mistakes you should avoid. One of the biggest is: Do not admit fault. Even something as simple as saying “I’m sorry” can be used by the other party to argue that you were at fault.
What Should I Keep in My Car in Case of An Auto Accident?
While we all hope we’re never involved in a car accident, it’s still important to be prepared in the event that one should occur. Keeping these items in your car is a great way to make sure you’re read should the need arise:
– A cell phone with a camera and pen and paper
– Medical information card with insurance numbers, allergies and conditions that may require special attention if you are not conscious
– Information for who to contact in case of emergency
– First aid kit
– Small road cones and emergency flares
Hiring A Broward County Auto Accident Attorney
If you’ve been in an accident, you may care less about the way you got in an accident and more about your hospital bills, pain and lost wages. The auto accident attorneys at Lisa S. Levine P.A. have a decade of experience and will fight for you. We represent accident victims in Weston, Hollywood, Miramar, Sunrise, Plantation, Cooper City, Hialeah, Coral Gables, North Miami, Florida City, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Palm Springs and other locations in Southeastern Florida.
We work on a contingency basis. This means our fee comes when you get paid, and only if you get paid. This gives you peace of mind and makes sure we’re fighting for you. Call Lisa S. Levine P.A. today at 954-256-1820 or send an online message to set up a free consultation. She can help you decide what to do next if you were injured by one of these auto accident causes in Fort Lauderdale.
