In Broward, Miami-Dade, and Monroe Counties, car accidents happen every day. They have many possible reasons, but many people overlook litter and debris as a cause of crashes. While litter can be unsightly on South Florida roads, it can also pose a danger to drivers. Driving over larger pieces of debris can cause drivers to lose control, and motorists can also get into a collision if they swerve to avoid an item on the road.
In addition, debris on the road can be large enough to block traffic or sharp enough to puncture tires, leading to crashes. For smaller vehicles, such as bicycles and motorcycles, debris can be especially dangerous, since even small debris can cause these vehicles to lose control. Some forms of spills on the road, such as chemical spills, can lead to exposure and even fires.
Many kinds of debris and litter can cause damage and crashes, including:
- Logs from logging trucks
- Heavy machinery and heavy items from shipping trucks or pickup trucks
- Debris, including nails and sharp debris from road work and construction sites
- Cans, bottles, and other debris thrown by individuals onto the road
Preventing Debris-Related Car Collisions
FDOT has a campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of unsecured cargo and debris on our roads. Whether you live in Broward, Miami-Dade, or Monroe County, you can do your part to prevent injuries and car crashes by:
- Securing your cargo: If you are transporting anything large and heavy in your pickup truck, van, or car, make sure it is properly secured using cords. If anything is sticking out of your truck, make sure it won’t slide off your truck or car and attach a bright flag to the end of the item to warn others of the danger. If you’re using a trailer to haul something, make sure the trailer is correctly attached and secure.
- Never overloading your vehicle: Overloading any vehicle increases the risk of tire blowouts and losing control while driving. It can also make you more at risk of having your cargo spill on the road. If you can’t fit everything, it may be safer to rent a truck or make two trips.
- Reporting dangerous cargo: If you notice a car or truck with cargo that is not secure, report the danger. You could be preventing a car collision.
- Never littering: Avoid throwing trash onto the road or out your car window. It can fly onto someone windshield and it contributes to pollution and debris on the road.
If you have been injured by a tire blowout, someone’s unsecured cargo, or debris on the road, you may have a legal claim if your car accident injuries were caused by someone’s negligence. Under Florida law, you may be able to seek compensation for your lost wages, medical costs, car damage, property damage, and other losses.
To find out whether you may have a claim, contact Flaxman Law Group at 866-352-9626. Our phone lines let you speak to a live person 24/7 so you can schedule a free, no obligation consultation with an attorney. Or contact us online to set up your consultation.