Motor Vehicle Accidents

Every time a person gets behind the wheel, they take on a significant responsibility. One of the most important aspects of responsible driving is obeying speed limits.

Speeding might seem thrilling, but it comes with serious dangers that can have lasting consequences.

Loss of control

When a motorist drives at a high rate of speed, they are more likely to lose control of their vehicle. High speed reduces reaction time, which makes it harder to respond to sudden obstacles or changes in traffic. Imagine trying to stop a car abruptly while going 20 mph over the limit – it is much harder to do without risking a collision.

Increased stopping distance

Speeding drastically increases the distance a vehicle needs to come to a complete stop. The faster a person goes, the longer it takes for the brakes to slow down a vehicle. Should a pedestrian suddenly cross the road, or should a car suddenly stop, the driver might not have enough time to avoid a collision.

Greater impact and injury

Along with its impact on vehicle operation, speeding also increases the risk of serious injuries. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 29% of all driving fatalities occurring in 2021 involved speeding. When a car collides with an object or another vehicle, the speed of the vehicle determines the force of impact. This greatly increases the risk of injury to all motorists.

Reduced visibility

Speeding can also reduce a person’s ability to see the road and react to hazards. High rates of speed cause the field of vision to narrow, which then makes it difficult to see pedestrians, cyclists or other cars coming from side streets. A lack of visibility significantly raises the risk of accidents, especially in complex traffic situations.

Speed limits ensure safe driving

Road conditions often determine speed limits, meaning the posted speed limit is the maximum for safe driving. That is why all drivers must remember that speeding is not just a violation of the law – it is a serious threat to your safety and the safety of others on the road. When everyone obeys speed limits, the road becomes much safer for all involved.

Did you know that every day six teenagers get killed in preventable car accidents? In 2021, accidents involving teen drivers actually killed 2,608 people.

Sadly, teens actually have a three-times greater risk of accidents than drivers 20 years of age or older. Therefore, you and your teens should understand their driving hazards.

Inexperienced driving

Each state has different requirements for teens who seek a license. In Florida, teens between 15 and 18 years of age have to take a Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education course before they can receive a learner’s permit. However, these courses do not prepare teens for the requirements of the road. In fact, the majority of teen accidents are the result of inexperience. Therefore, parents should spend additional time with their teens behind the wheel, so they get adequate experience before they are out on their own.

Distracted driving

Distracted driving affects every driver, but teens are even more susceptible. Did you know that the risk of an accident increases significantly when teens have passengers in their vehicles? In fact, just one passenger increases their risk. If the passengers are loud or rowdy, this hazard by two to six times the normal rate.

They also experience greater risks when they have devices out, and did you know that up to 50% of teens admit to driving while texting? Even loud radios and GPS can cause distractions if they are not used properly.

Impaired driving

Your teens also have a greater risk of accidents when they drive impaired. Impairments can include drugs or alcohol, but even drowsy driving is dangerous and has a similar risk to actually driving drunk.

For the best results, teach your children about their driving risks and set ground rules to keep them safe.

With warm Florida weather, beautiful ocean breezes and endless horizons on the water, it is perfect for taking the boat out. Unfortunately, not all boaters are responsible boaters. Although you might not think an accident can happen with all that open water, it can and does.

According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, Florida leads most other states in boating accidents and fatalities. There are many causes of boating accidents, but they are usually one of these three.

Boating while intoxicated

Many people use the open water as a chance to relax and unwind. For some people, this means drinking or using other substances. Like any other vehicle, it is dangerous to operate a boat when you are when intoxicated. Intoxicated boating is a major problem.

This is particularly true of boating on saltwater. Even one drink can impair your ability to react or function. Not only are boats slower to respond to course correction, but the saltwater also dehydrates you and worsens any intoxication.

Speeding

Again it may seem hard to run into anything within a large expanse of water, but it does happen. Except for no-wake zones, there are no technical speed limits for boating. This does not mean that you cannot go too fast. When you combine speed with no forward watch, the situation can result in an accident or serious injury.

Distraction while boating

Just like distracted driving, a distraction while boating is dangerous. Distractions can come in the form of passengers, depth finders, mapping and even cell phones. When you combine this with other issues, the consequences can be deadly.

Practicing boating safety is not particularly difficult. If you are unsure, take a boating course to avoid these situations.

Rear-end accidents commonly occur when one driver is inattentive or traveling too fast. Such collisions are not the deadliest, but these accidents lead to more injuries and property damage than other types of wrecks.

A person who experiences a rear-end collision should remember some vital details to decide what to do next.

Who is liable?

The driver who rear-ended the front driver often bears responsibility for the collision, but that is not a foregone conclusion. For over a decade, Florida has allowed drivers to offer evidence that the front driver was negligent and contributed to the accident. However, the driver who rear-ended the other must keep in mind that the law mandates drivers to follow at a safe distance, which will affect an officer’s decision on who is at fault.

What injuries are common?

A rear-end collision can cause bodily harm, even at low speeds. Whiplash is a real injury that occurs when the impact jolts an occupant’s body forward while the head is in a fixed position. Neck pain may linger afterward.

The impact could also cause a driver to bump forcibly against the steering wheel, injuring the head or chest. The force of the collision could also cause spine compression or disk herniation. Medical treatment after a rear-end collision can determine the severity of the harm.

How does no-fault insurance affect a claim?

Florida requires drivers to obtain compensation first through their own insurance company after an accident. If the payment does not cover the total damages, an injured party can pursue damages from a negligent driver for the excess.

A rear-end crash that might seem minor could have long-term consequences. After an accident, a person should treat the event like any other car crash by reporting the incident and collecting the other driver’s information.