Causes of Orlando Car Accidents
In 2019, there were 2,950 fatal crashes that resulted in 3,183 deaths in the state of Florida. Unfortunately, the Tampa area is not immune to these accidents.
Each day, accidents occur across the area, leading to serious injuries and death. The causes of these accidents vary, but some reasons are more common than others.
If you are involved in a Orlando car accident and left injured, get in touch with our team at Pardy & Rodriguez P.A.. We have represented Orlando auto accident victims for years and helped them recover the compensation they deserve.
Keep reading to learn about some of the most common causes of Orlando car accidents. Knowing what these are may help you avoid becoming a victim.
Speeding
The speed limits in Florida are calculated to help ensure you arrive without incident at your destination. If you do not follow the posted speed limits, the likelihood of being involved in an accident increases significantly.
If you or someone else speeds, it means it is more difficult to negotiate corners and turns safely. It also reduces the amount of time a driver has to react to unexpected events or changes in the road.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving leads to thousands of car accidents every year. This term refers to anything that takes your attention off the road and from the task you are doing – driving.
The types of distracted driving that occur include:
- Cognitive distractions: Take place if your mind wanders from driving.
- Visual distractions: This occurs if you take your eyes off the road for any reason.
- Manual distractions: When you take your hands off the steering wheel, it is a manual distraction.
Manual distractions are some of the most common that occur; however, they may be combined with visual and cognitive distractions. Some common examples of why someone may get distracted while behind the wheel include:
- Texting or talking on the phone
- Drinking or eating
- Changing the radio station
- Using the GPS
- Talking to other people in the vehicle
Essentially, distracted driving occurs when someone is not giving all of their attention to driving.
Consider this – if you choose to drive and text, you will take your eyes off the road for a minimum of five seconds. If you are traveling at 55 mph, it means that you have traveled the entire length of a football field (100 yards) without looking at the road.
Adverse Weather Conditions
Some drivers believe that if weather conditions are bad, they will not be considered liable if they lose control of their vehicle and cause an accident. However, Florida drivers are held to a set standard of care. If visibility is low and the driver cannot operate a vehicle the same as they do in good weather conditions, they have to adjust their driving.
If adjustments are not made, and an accident occurs, the driver is still considered liable for the damages and injuries caused. Working with an attorney is highly recommended for individuals who find they are injured by someone during adverse weather conditions. Our team will be able to gather the evidence needed to prove liability in the case.
Drunk Driving
There are two ways you may be considered a drunk driver in the state of Florida. One is if you have a blood alcohol limit that is above the legal limit of 0.08%. The second is if you drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Drinking and driving is never a good idea. Alcohol and drugs will impair your ability to react quickly and avoid an accident. When someone is under the influence of alcohol, they cannot focus on more than one thing on the road at a time. For example, they won’t be able to stay in their lane and keep track of their speed the way sober drivers can.
Drowsy or Fatigued Driving
Drowsy driving, which may be called fatigued driving, is a serious issue. Unfortunately, it is more common than some people believe.
Some drivers underestimate how fatigue will impact their ability to operate a vehicle safely. However, when you are tired, it will reduce your reaction times and make it more difficult to avoid a collision. In some extreme situations, the driver may even fall asleep behind the wheel.
While fatigued driving accidents are most commonly heard about with commercial vehicles, they can occur to anyone on the road.
Staying Safe on Orlando Roads
As you can see from the information above, there are more than a few common causes of Orlando car accidents. If you are injured in a car accident because of one of the situations above, contact our team at Pardy & Rodriguez P.A.. We will review the details of your case and help you recover the compensation you deserved.
