Florida’s roads are some of the busiest in the nation. From scenic coastal highways to congested urban interchanges, drivers face a wide range of conditions that can quickly turn hazardous. Unfortunately, many auto accidents are caused by driver negligence, inexperience, or reckless behavior on the road.
At Amanda Demanda Injury Lawyers, our Florida auto accident attorneys have handled thousands of cases and understand the negligent driving patterns and behaviors that consistently lead to serious crashes. Fault determined in a car accident will define who pays for your injuries and losses.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of car accidents in Florida.
- Texting or Using a Smartphone: Looking at a screen for even a few seconds means driving blind at high speeds.
- Adjusting Navigation or Audio Systems: Touchscreen controls and infotainment centers pull attention away from the road.
- Eating or Drinking: Especially common during morning commutes, one-handed driving can delay reaction time.
- Passengers, Children, or Pets: Turning to talk or manage occupants in the car often diverts visual and mental focus.
Even brief distractions can lead to rear-end collisions, side-swipes, or failure to yield at intersections.
Driving Under the Influence
Impaired driving remains one of the major reasons why car accidents happen in Florida.
- Alcohol Impairment: Even at levels below the legal limit, alcohol can dull reaction time and impair decision-making.
- Drug Use (Prescription or Illicit): Many medications—especially opioids, muscle relaxers, or anti-anxiety drugs—can cause drowsiness or delay judgment.
- Recreational Marijuana: Increasingly a factor, cannabis use impairs depth perception and motor control, even if a driver doesn’t “feel” high.
DUI cases involve criminal charges, but civil claims can proceed simultaneously.
Weather-Related Accidents
Florida’s diverse weather conditions present dangers to drivers.
- Heavy Rain: Sudden downpours can cause hydroplaning and reduce visibility in seconds.
- Fog: Dense morning fog, especially in inland and rural areas, severely limits visibility.
- Hurricane Season: High winds, flying debris, and flooded roadways create treacherous conditions.
Drivers have a legal duty to adjust to weather conditions. That means slowing down, increasing following distance, and using headlights when required.
Speeding
Speeding is one of the most dangerous behaviors on the road and continues to be one of the leading Florida car accident causes.
- Longer Stopping Distances: Higher speed means more distance is needed to stop safely.
- Reduced Reaction Time: Speeding drivers are less able to avoid sudden hazards or react to changing traffic patterns.
- Increased Force of Impact: The faster the car, the more energy is released during a crash, often resulting in catastrophic injuries.
Speeding can also include driving too fast for conditions, such as through construction zones or during rain.
Running Red Lights and Stop Signs
Intersections are one of the most common locations for serious car accidents, particularly due to right-of-way violations.
- Red Light Runners: Drivers trying to “beat the light” often enter intersections at high speeds.
- Failure to Stop Fully at Stop Signs: Rolling stops or “California stops” are frequent causes of T-bone or side-impact crashes.
- Blocked Views or Poor Timing: In some cases, obstructed views or poor weather still require drivers to exercise heightened caution.
Running a light is a clear violation of traffic law and may demonstrate fault in the event of a car accident.
Reckless Driving and Aggressive Behaviors
Some drivers treat Florida’s roads like a racetrack, putting others at risk through dangerous and unpredictable behavior.
- Tailgating
- Illegal Lane Changes
- Road Rage or Brake Checking
- Racing or Speed Contests
These aggressive acts are not only reckless; they may show a willful disregard for the safety of others.
Fatigue and Drowsiness
Exhausted drivers may not realize they’re impaired until it’s too late.
- Microsleep Episodes: Drivers nodding off for a second or two can cross lanes or miss stop signs.
- Delayed Reaction Time: Fatigue dulls the senses and slows down critical response times.
- Commercial Drivers: Truck drivers working beyond federally allowed hours may cause devastating collisions.
Fatigue-related crashes are underreported in Florida because drivers rarely admit to falling asleep.
Inexperienced or Young Drivers
Florida’s youngest drivers are statistically more likely to cause accidents due to a lack of experience and risk-taking behavior.
- Poor Hazard Recognition: New drivers may fail to anticipate risks such as merging vehicles or slippery roads.
- Overconfidence: Many teens underestimate the importance of speed limits and defensive driving.
- Peer Pressure and Distraction: Passengers can divert a young driver’s attention, increasing the risk of crashes.
Our firm investigates all contributing factors, including the role of parental supervision, improper licensing, or even faulty driver’s education.
Our Florida Car Accident Lawyers Will Fight to Maximize Your Compensation
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Florida due to another driver’s negligence, Amanda Demanda Injury Lawyers is ready to fight for you. Our attorneys:
- Launch immediate investigations to collect evidence
- Work with accident reconstruction experts when necessary
- Negotiate from a position of strength to maximize settlements
- Prepare every case for trial to gain leverage during negotiations
To schedule your free consultation, call us 24/7 at 1-844-DEMANDA or contact us online.
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