If you were injured in a car crash in Florida, you likely face mounting medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses – not to mention extensive pain and suffering. Understanding the common types of car accidents is essential to building a robust case to seek compensation for your losses from the driver who hit you. The nature and circumstances of an accident can be crucial in determining fault and the types of compensation you could pursue.
At Cardoso Law, PLLC, we understand that any type of car accident can cause significant financial and emotional strain. Let our Pensacola personal injury lawyers handle the legal details of your case so you can focus on healing. We can investigate the collision to identify who is liable for your losses and help you pursue fair compensation.
Contact our office today to speak to a car accident lawyer in Pensacola during a free consultation.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Car Accidents in Florida?
Car accidents happen for various reasons, but driver error is a significant factor in many collisions. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), the top driver-related contributing factors in most types of car accidents statewide include the following:
- The driver behaviors contributing to most fatal injuries include operating a motor vehicle carelessly or negligently, followed by failure to yield the right-of-way.
- Operating a motor vehicle carelessly or negligently contributes to the most overall crash injuries, including incapacitating, non-incapacitating, and possible injuries.
- Failure to keep within the proper lane and yield the right-of-way significantly contributes to all categories of accident-related injuries.
- Other causes of fatal injuries include exceeding posted speed limits, running others off the road, and operating a motor vehicle erratically, recklessly, or aggressively.
- Running red lights and running stop signs also contribute to many incapacitating, non-incapacitating, and possible injuries in subsequent traffic accidents.
Common Kinds of Car Accidents
Some of the most common types of car accidents in Florida include:
- Rear-end collisions happen when the front of one vehicle runs into the back of the car ahead of it. This usually occurs when the following driver cannot stop in time due to distracted driving, speeding, poor road conditions, or tailgating.
- Head-on collisions occur when the front ends of two vehicles collide. These collisions are often severe and can result in devastating injuries or even death. Many head-on crashes happen due to reckless driving, distracted driving, driving under the influence, or loss of driver control.
- Side-impact collisions, also known as T-bones or broadside collisions, happen when the front end of one vehicle crashes into the side of another. Many of these accidents occur at intersections when one driver fails to yield the right-of-way or obey traffic-control devices.
- Sideswipe accidents occur when two parallel cars touch sides. This can happen when one driver tries to change lanes without noticing the other vehicle or misjudges the space between them. Sideswipes can trigger a more severe impact when a driver loses control as a result.
- Single-vehicle accidents involve only one vehicle. They can include scenarios where a car hits a pedestrian, animal, object, or obstacle, like a tree or a wall.
- Multi-vehicle accidents involve more than two vehicles. Also known as pile-ups, they often occur on highways or freeways due to various factors, such as poor road conditions, congestion, high speeds, and chain reactions from other accidents.
- Rollover accidents occur when a vehicle tips over onto its side or roof. Various factors can trigger rollovers, including sharp turns, collisions, or hitting curbs or potholes at high speeds. Large trucks and SUVs are more likely to roll over due to their high centers of gravity.
- Blind spot accidents happen when drivers move into lanes already occupied by other vehicles because they fail to see the other cars in their blind spots – the areas around a vehicle not visible in the driver’s rearview or side mirrors.
What Compensation Can I Receive Through a Car Accident Lawsuit in Florida?
Florida follows a no-fault rule, meaning that a driver injured in a car accident first files a claim with their auto insurance company to seek compensation. Motorists in Florida must have personal injury protection (PIP) insurance that partially covers medical costs and some lost wages if the policyholder is injured in a collision, regardless of who was at fault for the accident. However, it only covers up to 80 percent of medical costs and 60 percent of lost income. Additionally, PIP does not cover non-economic losses like pain, suffering, or reduced quality of life.
Florida’s no-fault rule generally bars car accident victims from filing lawsuits, but a person can step outside the no-fault system under certain circumstances when the crash causes severe injuries. A severely injured person who meets the criteria could seek compensation for the total value of their losses, which could include the following:
- Medical expenses beyond what is covered by PIP
- The total value of lost wages
- The value of projected losses in lifetime earning capacity
- Subjective losses such as pain and suffering
- Property damage repair or replacement expenses
- Incidental out-of-pocket expenses related to the crash
Is There a Deadline for Filing My Lawsuit?
Generally, you have two years from the date of a car accident injury to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. However, the deadline can vary depending on several factors, so it’s crucial to speak to an attorney who can review the time limits that apply to your case.
Filing deadlines also apply to insurance claims. For example, to have a valid claim for PIP benefits, you must seek medical care for your injuries within 14 days of a car accident.
Contact a Pensacola Car Accident Lawyer Today
The aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming and frustrating, but you don’t have to face it alone.
At Cardoso Law, PLLC, we can handle the details of your case so you can focus on healing. Our Pensacola car accident lawyers can help you seek the maximum compensation and accountability you deserve. No matter the type of car accident, our legal team is equipped to build a solid case.
Contact us now to get started with a free consultation.