Every year, tens of thousands of car accidents occur on Florida’s highways, city streets, and rural roads. The state’s large population, heavy tourism, and year-round traffic congestion contribute to the high number of crashes. For victims, the consequences can be devastating — ranging from minor injuries to life-altering disabilities or even wrongful death.
While not every accident is avoidable, many are caused by preventable forms of negligence. Identifying these causes is critical to determining liability and pursuing compensation.
The Most Common Causes of Car Accidents in Florida
1. Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of crashes in Florida. Cell phone use, texting, adjusting navigation systems, or even eating while driving can take a driver’s attention away from the road for just a few seconds — long enough to cause a serious collision. Florida law prohibits texting while driving, but distracted driving continues to be a significant danger.
2. Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
Alcohol and drug impairment slow reaction times, blur judgment, and reduce coordination. Sadly, DUI-related crashes are still all too common in Florida, often resulting in catastrophic injuries or fatalities. Victims of drunk driving accidents may be entitled to compensation not only from the impaired driver but, in some cases, from establishments that overserved them.
3. Speeding and Aggressive Driving
Exceeding the speed limit or driving aggressively — tailgating, weaving through traffic, or failing to yield — significantly increases the risk of accidents. High-speed crashes often cause severe injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and wrongful death.
4. Fatigued Driving
Driver fatigue is especially common among truck drivers, rideshare operators, and those who work long shifts. Exhaustion impairs judgment and slows reflexes, making it nearly as dangerous as driving under the influence.
5. Poor Weather and Road Conditions
Florida’s sudden rainstorms, hurricanes, and flooding can create hazardous driving conditions. Poorly maintained roads, inadequate signage, and construction zones can also contribute to accidents. While weather is beyond anyone’s control, negligent road maintenance or reckless driving in poor conditions may still establish liability.
6. Defective Vehicles or Auto Parts
Sometimes accidents occur because of mechanical failures — such as defective brakes, tire blowouts, or malfunctioning airbags. In these cases, victims may have a products liability claim against the manufacturer or distributor.
Proving Negligence After a Car Accident
In order to pursue compensation, accident victims must establish negligence. This typically requires proving:
- 1.
- Duty of Care – The at-fault driver owed a duty to operate their vehicle safely.
- 2.
- Breach of Duty – That duty was violated, such as by speeding, texting, or driving drunk.
- 3.
- Causation – The negligent act directly caused the accident.
- 4.
- Damages – The victim suffered actual losses, such as medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering.
Gathering evidence like police reports, medical records, witness statements, and accident reconstruction expert testimony is crucial. Moore Payne Law assists clients in building strong cases backed by compelling evidence.
Compensation Available to Car Accident Victims
Victims of Florida car accidents may be entitled to a variety of damages, including:
- Medical expenses (emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, future treatment)
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage to vehicles or personal belongings
- Long-term care costs for catastrophic injuries
- Wrongful death damages for families who lose a loved one
The value of a claim depends on the severity of injuries, the clarity of fault, and insurance policy limits.
How Moore Payne Law Helps Car Accident Victims
Car accident cases often involve aggressive insurance companies determined to minimize payouts. Having an experienced attorney is essential. Moore Payne Law’s attorneys, Geoff Moore and Spencer Payne, are trial-ready advocates who fight for full compensation.
Here’s how the firm helps:
- Conducting thorough investigations into the cause of the crash
- Working with accident reconstruction experts and medical professionals
- Negotiating with insurance companies to prevent unfair settlements
- Filing lawsuits and taking cases to trial when necessary
- Providing compassionate guidance to clients throughout the process
Steps to Take After a Car Accident
If you are involved in a car accident, these steps can protect your rights:
- 1.
- Seek medical attention immediately – Even minor injuries can worsen without treatment.
- 2.
- Call the police – An official report provides valuable evidence.
- 3.
- Document the scene – Take photos, collect witness contact information, and note conditions.
- 4.
- Avoid admitting fault – Anything said at the scene can be used against you.
- 5.
- Contact an attorney – The sooner a lawyer is involved, the stronger your case may be.
Conclusion
Car accidents in Florida can happen in an instant but leave victims with lifelong consequences. Understanding the common causes of car accidents — from distracted driving to defective vehicles — is key to proving negligence and pursuing justice.
Moore Payne Law is dedicated to protecting victims’ rights and holding negligent parties accountable. If you or a loved one has been injured in a Florida car accident, contacting an experienced attorney can make all the difference in securing the compensation you deserve.
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