Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog
Florida car accidents are one of the leading causes of trauma and injury in the state. While you can’t change how others drive on the roads of Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and other communities, there are things you can do to prevent car accidents and ensure the well-being of all motorists:
- Observe Speed Limits. Speed limits are set based on the road conditions, traffic volume, and other factors to maximize safety. Respecting posted speed lets you maintain better control of your vehicle and react promptly to unexpected situations.
- Avoid Distracted Driving. Avoid using your cellphone while driving, including texting, making calls, or using social media. Keep your focus on the road, and if necessary, pull over to a safe location to attend to any urgent matters.
- Maintain a Safe Distance. Leave enough space to allow for sudden stops or changes in traffic flow. Remember the “Three-Second Rule”: maintain at least a three-second time gap between your vehicle and the one in front.
- Stay Alert and Avoid Fatigue. Fatigue can impair your reaction time and decision-making abilities, so ensure you’re well-rested before getting behind the wheel, especially for long trips. If you feel drowsy during your journey, pull over at a safe location, and take a break or switch driver, if you can.
- Use Turn Signals. Proper use of turn signals allows other drivers to anticipate your actions, promoting safe lane changes and turns. It gives drivers around you sufficient time to adjust their speed or position.
- Yield Right of Way. Yield the right of way when required, and be cautious even when you have the right of way to account for unpredictable actions by other drivers.
- Practice Defensive Driving. Be aware of your surroundings, anticipate potential hazards, and maintain a heightened sense of caution. Avoid aggressive driving behaviors such as tailgating, excessive speeding, or changing lanes abruptly. Think a few moves ahead so you can anticipate the actions of other motorists.
- Be Alert to Weather Conditions. Florida’s weather can be unpredictable, with sudden rain showers and thunderstorms, so check the forecast before getting behind the wheel. If you need to drive in adverse weather conditions, slow down, maintain a safe distance, and ensure your vehicle’s headlights and windshield wipers are functioning properly.
- Take Care of Regular Vehicle Maintenance. Regularly check your tires, brakes, lights, and other critical components to ensure they are in optimal working order. This type of regular maintenance can help prevent mechanical failures that could lead to accidents.
- Drive Sober. If you plan to consume alcohol or are taking medications that may impair your driving abilities, arrange for alternative transportation. It keeps you compliant with the law and keeps everyone on the roads safer.
Preventing car accidents in Florida requires a collective effort to prioritize safety on our roadways. However, even if you do everything right, you may suffer due to the reckless actions of other drivers.
If you’re injured in a car accident caused by someone’s negligence, Florida law has provisions that allow you to seek compensation for your injuries and losses, including your car repair bills, hospital expenses, lost income, incidental costs, and more.
To find out whether you can seek compensation in your case, call Flaxman Law Group at 866-352-9626 to speak to a live person 24/7 who can schedule a free, no obligation consultation with a Florida car accident attorney on our team. It costs nothing and you risk nothing by finding out whether you have a claim, so contact our offices in Miami, Homestead, and Hollywood today.