Car accidents are scary – and they can be quite costly, too. Especially in Florida, which is a no-fault state, you can find yourself in quite a sticky situation if you’re injured in an accident. The best thing to do is incorporate some strategies to help you avoid car accidents in the first place.
However, it also pays to know the law in Florida regarding car accidents, just in case you are involved in one. Here is what you need to know about avoiding car accidents this year and what you can do if you’re involved in one.
Avoiding a Car Accident
Driving is a big responsibility. There are things every driver on the road should be practicing in order to help everyone stay safe. Knowing just a few of the basics when it comes to driving safely can help you reduce your chances of being involved in an accident.
You should:
Be Sober
One of the best things you can do to avoid an accident is to make sure you are sober when you get behind the wheel. Driving under the influence is one of the biggest contributing factors to car accidents, in Florida and around the country.
Cut Out Distractions
Distracted driving is another big cause of car accidents. Any activity that takes your focus away from the road directly in front of you – or that takes your hands from the steering wheel – will put you in danger of being involved in an accident. This includes things such as smartphone usage or changing the radio – even kids misbehaving in the back. Be aware of distractions and try to keep them to a minimum.
Be Familiar with Your Car
This may seem like an obvious tip, but it’s important and is worth the mention. Being familiar with your car’s inner workings, such as how to adjust the mirror, turn on windshield wipers, or adjust your seatbelt is crucial for your own safety.
Also, an understanding of how your car handles various weather conditions will help, too.
Stay On Top of Car Maintenance
Make sure to keep up with any routine maintenance on your vehicle. Make sure your tires aren’t too worn and that your brakes are in working order – as well as the lights and other features that ensure good handling. A well-maintained car can help to keep you safe.
Avoid Driving Under Certain Conditions
If you’re tired or emotionally distraught, then you should avoid getting behind the wheel of a car. Driving when you are very tired can have the same impact as imbibing alcohol on your ability to stay safe. Stress and emotional upset can also turn you into an aggressive driver, which can create the perfect storm for an accident to occur.
Florida Car Accident Law
It’s important to know a few things about Florida’s car accident laws in case you are involved in an accident. As a no-fault car insurance state, Florida requires you to file a claim with your own personal injury protection insurance if you are injured, no matter who is at fault.
You can only bring a claim against the driver who was at fault if you were seriously injured in the crash, meaning that you had a significant or permanent injury, the permanent loss of bodily function, or experienced significant disfigurement or scarring from the accident. If someone dies, you may be able to pursue a lawsuit as well.
About the Author:
Andrew Winston is a partner at the personal injury law firm of Winston Law. For over 20 years, he has successfully represented countless people in all kinds of personal injury cases, with a particular focus on child injury, legal malpractice, and premises liability. He has been recognized for excellence in the representation of injured clients by admission to the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and named one of America’s Top 100 High-Stakes Litigators. Mr. Winston is AV Preeminent Rated by the Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory, enjoys a 10.0 rating by AVVO as a Top Personal Injury Attorney, has been selected as a Florida “SuperLawyer” from 2011-2021 – an honor reserved for the top 5% of lawyers in the state – was voted to Florida Trend’s ”Legal Elite,” recognized by Expertise as one of the 20 Best Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorneys, named one of the Top 100 Lawyers in the Miami area for 2015-2021, and one of the Top 100 Lawyers in Florida for 2015-2017 and 2019-2021.
