Teaching Teens to Drive Safely

Teaching Teens to Drive Safely

by Distracted Driving

Few things are scarier than a teenager who has just gotten his or her driver’s license. But if that teenager is your son or daughter, they’re going to be looking to you to teach them how to drive safely.

Statistics show us that teaching teens to drive safely is crucial not just to keep them safe, but also to make sure that others don’t get hurt. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 2,800 teens in the United States ages 13–19 were killed and about 227,000 were injured in motor vehicle crashes in 2020.

And even though people 15-24 years old only represent 14 percent of the U.S. population, they account for 30 percent ($19 billion) of the total costs of car accident injuries among males and 28 percent ($7 billion) of the total costs of car accident injuries among females.

That’s why safe driving is an invaluable skill for teens to learn and practice. And what better way to learn than from their parents?

If you are currently trying to teach your teen to drive safely or will be doing so sometime in the future, here are a few things you should make sure they learn.

The value of seatbelts.

Seatbelts are always required! But besides “Click It or Ticket,” seatbelts are also lifesavers. In 2021, only 56 percent of teens involved in fatal car crashes were wearing seatbelts, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. And only about 80 percent of teens even admit to wearing seatbelts – the lowest percent of any age group.

Since seatbelts can reduce serious injury and death from a crash by nearly half, make sure your teen knows that seatbelts aren’t optional – even if they’re just driving a short distance.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving

Many teens love the freedom that comes with driving, but often forget about the responsibility that comes with it. Teens – and anyone who is behind the wheel – should focus solely on driving and ignore distractions. That includes texting, eating, drinking, playing with the radio, putting on makeup, and even talking to passengers.

Although all other activities should halt when driving, using a smartphone is the biggest distraction because it can use up to 37 percent of your brain power – which is 37 percent of your brain not focused on driving.

Passengers

Driving with one passenger for 16- and 17-year-olds has been shown to increase the likelihood of a crash by close to 50 percent. For this reason, you should limit the number of passengers your teen is allowed to have in their car. As they gain experience and confidence, you could loosen your restrictions. The more people in a car, the more distractions that are available.

Night driving

Driving at night is riskier for teens than driving during than day due to visibility issues in the dark, slower response times, and simple lack of experience. So you should limit your teen’s night driving when they first obtain their license.

Our state also recognizes the risk in night driving and has set restrictions based on age. For the first 3 months of having a license, a 22-year old can only drive during daylight hours. After 3 months, they are allowed to drive until 10 p.m. Sixteen-year-olds can drive until 11 p.m. and 17-year-olds can drive until 1 a.m. Once someone turns 18, however, there are no restrictions.

Rules of the road

When anyone has a license, they are consenting to follow the rules of the road. This means that they have to brake at stop signs and red lights, use signals to turn, drive within the speed limit, and follow any other road signs or regulations. By adhering to the rules of the road, the chance of an accident is greatly reduced. So if your teen is caught breaking any of these rules by a police officer, they should know not only will they have to deal with the traffic ticket, but they will also have to deal with consequences at home.

 

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Drinking and driving. Although anyone under age 21 is not allowed to consume an alcoholic beverage, many teens still do. With this in mind, it’s imperative make sure your child knows the dangers involved in driving while under the influence of alcohol or any drug. DUI accidents, unfortunately, are often the most serious and potentially fatal accidents and your teen should never drive if they’ve been drinking. Tell them that regardless of the time or where they are, they should always call you for a ride instead of choosing to drive home.

Teens love the independence that comes with being able to drive, but as a parent, you should remind them that driving is a privilege. And if they break the rules or don’t drive safely, teens should know that their driving privilege could be taken away for the safety of themselves and everyone else on the road.

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Car Accidents in South Florida: How to Find the Right Attorney

by Auto AccidentsDistracted DrivingDriverless VehiclesParking Lot AccidentsPersonal Injury ClaimsRental Car AccidentsRide Sharing AccidentsTruck AccidentsUber Accidents

South Florida is known for its heavy traffic and busy roads, which can unfortunately lead to a high number of car accidents. There are a number of reasons why accidents occur, including:

  • Heavy traffic: South Florida is known for its busy roads, which can lead to congestion and long commutes. Many do not pay attention as well in heavy traffic, creating avoidable accidents.
  • Inclement weather: South Florida is prone to hurricanes and heavy rain, which can make driving conditions treacherous. Wet streets and limited visibility can easily cause a wreck.
  • Distracted drivers: With the increased use of cell phones and other electronic devices while driving, distracted driving has become a major concern on the roads and responsible for a number of accidents throughout Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties each year.
  • Aggressive drivers: Some drivers in South Florida are known for their aggressive driving habits, which can increase the risk of accidents.
  • Poor road conditions: Some roads in South Florida may be in poor condition, with potholes, construction, or debris that can be dangerous for drivers.
traffic accidents in miami dade county

It’s important to be aware of these potential hazards when driving in South Florida and to take appropriate safety precautions such as wearing a seatbelt, obeying traffic laws, and avoiding distractions while driving to prevent being an accident statistic.

According to data from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, in 2021, there were over 400,000 car accidents in Florida, which resulted in over 250,000 injuries and over 3,000 deaths.

car accident in broward county

If you or a loved one have been involved in a car accident, it’s important to have the right legal representation on your side. But with so many car accident attorneys to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start.

First and foremost, you want to make sure that the attorney you choose has experience handling car accident cases. Ask about the attorney’s track record in terms of settlements and trial verdicts, and look for testimonials or reviews from past clients.

Secondly, it’s important to find an attorney who is a good fit for you and your case. Some attorneys may specialize in specific types of accidents, such as truck accidents or motorcycle accidents, while others may have experience handling cases involving serious injuries or wrongful death.

Car Accidents in South Florida: How to Find the Right Attorney 1 Auto Accidents South Florida Injury Law Firm

Another important consideration is the attorney’s fee structure. Some attorneys may work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if they win your case. Others may charge an hourly rate or a flat fee. Make sure you understand the attorney’s fee structure and are comfortable with it before moving forward.

Finally, it’s a good idea to schedule a consultation with the attorney to discuss your case and get a sense of their communication style and approach.

If you or a loved one have been involved in a car accident in South Florida, it’s important to take the time to find the right attorney for your case. By doing your research and being selective, you can increase your chances of a successful outcome.

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Too Many Car Accidents That Happen On St. Patrick’s Day End Tragically

by St. Patrick's Day

 

Not everyone is lucky on St. Patrick’s Day.

Over the last five years, there have been more than 325 lives lost in drunk-driving accidents on St. Patrick’s Day across the nation. And despite efforts from both law enforcement officials and the public to curb drunk driving, you can be certain that there will be dangerous drunk drivers on the road this St. Patrick’s Day.

 

If you plan on celebrating this year, you can help ensure the safety of you and your family by drinking responsibly and taking certain precautions. Below, we’ve listed some tips for preventing accidents on the roads this St. Patrick’s Day.

 

 

Avoid the roads on St. Patrick’s Day.

If it’s possible, it’s a good idea to avoid driving entirely on St. Patrick’s Day. The roads will be crowded with drivers traveling to and from celebrations, many of whom may be dangerously intoxicated. If you walk to nearby destinations rather than driving, you’ll be able to enjoy yourself without worrying about how you will get home, and minimize your chances of getting in an auto accident.

Too Many Car Accidents That Happen On St. Patrick’s Day End Tragically 2 Auto Accidents South Florida Injury Law Firm

Be an alert pedestrian.

Unfortunately, even abstaining from driving isn’t always enough to eliminate your chances of becoming a victim of an auto accident. Florida is particularly infamous for pedestrian fatalities, and many of its cities rank among the most dangerous for pedestrians in the world. And with a higher number of intoxicated drivers on the roads, the danger only increases for those traveling on foot. You can minimize your risk as a pedestrian on St. Patrick’s Day by crossing at designated areas, staying alert and off your cellphone, and wearing bright colors. In honor of the day, you can even choose Kelly green.

Too Many Car Accidents That Happen On St. Patrick’s Day End Tragically 3 Auto Accidents South Florida Injury Law Firm

 

Be a wary bicyclist.

The roads of Florida are already dangerous for bicyclists, but on St. Patrick’s Day, risk of bicycle accidents double. If you must cycle on St. Patrick’s Day, be very wary of cars driving recklessly, carelessly, or too fast. Drunk drivers will not be looking out for cyclists, so you must be looking out for them.

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Find a designated driver.

If you do drive to a St. Patrick’s Day celebration, make sure you find a designated driver if you plan on drinking. Even the slightest buzz can impair your driving abilities, and you don’t want to risk getting into an accident or being charged with a DUI. If you can’t find a designated driver, consider some other means of transportation, such as a cab, ride share, or public transport.

Too Many Car Accidents That Happen On St. Patrick’s Day End Tragically 4 Auto Accidents South Florida Injury Law FirmBe a cautious driver.

If you aren’t drinking this St. Patrick’s Day but know you’ll be driving, remember to do so with extreme caution. Just because you’re behaving responsibly doesn’t mean other drivers will do so, and a drunk driver’s reckless driving could easily cause damage to your car and person. Stay as alert as possible, obey traffic signals, and refrain from using your cellphone. Also keep an eye out for pedestrians, who may drunkenly stumble off the sidewalk or ignore crossing signals.

Too Many St. Patrick’s Days Have Ended in a Tragic Car Accident

Unfortunately, these precautions can only reduce your risk of accident, not eliminate it entirely. If you or someone you care about is injured on St. Patrick’s Day due to a drunken driver, you should contact a Florida auto accident lawyer. A lawyer can help you hold the driver responsible for his or her actions, and help you secure maximum compensation for medical bills, repairs, and overall pain and suffering.

 

Too Many Car Accidents That Happen On St. Patrick’s Day End Tragically 5 Auto Accidents South Florida Injury Law Firm

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Who Is Liable in Florida If a Rental Car Driver Hits You?

by Auto Accidents

 

What are your chances of getting hit by someone driving a rental car in Florida?

Every year, the state of Florida has 15 million active drivers on its many roads and highways. About 250,000 drivers end up in car crashes annually in Florida. Since almost 125 million visitors come to enjoy Florida every year, you may end up with injuries from a car accident with them.

 

What are most of these visitors driving?
Rental cars. In our state, they’re not just everywhere – they’re everywhere all year long.
That means your chances of being involved in a car crash with a rental car driver are far higher than in most other states.

Who Is Liable in Florida If a Rental Car Driver Hits You? 6 Auto Accidents South Florida Injury Law FirmWho will be held responsible if a rental car driver hits you? The answer depends on several different factors.

 

Factors Involved in Rental Car Accident Liability

 

  • Rental companies require renters to carry insurance.
  • Drivers should be covered under their personal auto insurance policies, but this isn’t always the case.
  • Some drivers may opt to buy a collision-damage waiver through the rental company.
  • In Florida, renters have $10,000 in secondary coverage through the rental company, which means it only comes into play after their personal auto insurance has been exhausted.
  • The situation gets complicated because different states have different requirements for auto insurance. For example, many companies offer no-fault insurance, but some states don’t require it.
  • Additionally, many insurance companies will still cover the insured if they are driving a rental vehicle, but not all of them.
  • Because of these discrepancies, if you are injured in an accident, it’s essential to get the rental car driver’s personal insurance information.

 

These questions are important to consider:

 

  • Who was driving the rental car at the time of the accident? Only certain drivers are covered by the rental agreement. Immediate family members are covered, but other drivers may not be covered, even if permission was granted by the renter.
  • What kind of rental vehicle was being driven? Some vehicles do not have any coverage available, such as vans, pickup trucks, and U-hauls. Your claim may be denied with vehicles like these.
  • Where was the rental driver headed? Certain insurance coverage only applies to particular areas. Check with the insurance company for details.

 

Auto Accident Liability Quirks Specific to Our State

 

In Florida, liability is determined by a comparative negligence system. Each person will be held liable for damages according to the portion of their fault.

 

For example, one driver may be held 70 percent at fault for speeding, while the second driver will be held 30 percent at fault for failing to signal. That means the first driver would be ordered to pay 70 percent of the second driver’s damages, and the second driver would be required to pay 30 percent of the first driver’s damages.

Who Is Liable in Florida If a Rental Car Driver Hits You? 7 Auto Accidents South Florida Injury Law FirmWhen the renter allows someone other than an immediate family member to drive the rental vehicle, complicated problems can arise. In one case, the renter had given permission to a non-family member to drive the car, and that person allowed another unauthorized person to drive the vehicle.

 

One person died and two others were seriously injured in a crash caused by the third driver. After a lengthy legal process, the Florida Supreme Court said that the original renter’s insurance company was responsible.

 

If you are injured by a rental car driver, waste no time in contacting an experienced Florida car accident attorney familiar with collision cases like yours. They will help you learn who is liable for the damages and help you receive the highest possible compensation for your injuries. Schedule your free initial consultation today.

 

 

 

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A New Report Reflects A Dramatic Increase in Auto Accident Related Deaths

by Auto Accidents

Roadway safety and Auto Accidents have worsened nationwide during the COVID-19 pandemic and shows no signs of improvement.

Recently, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a new report that details 31,720 people were killed on U.S. roadways in the first nine months of 2021, a record 12% increase from the same period last year.

A New Report Reflects A Dramatic Increase in Auto Accident Related Deaths 8 Auto Accidents South Florida Injury Law Firm
from the NHTSA:
NHTSA projects that an estimated 31,720 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes from January through September 2021, an increase of approximately 12% from the 28,325 fatalities projected for the first nine months of 2020. The projection is the highest number of fatalities during the first nine months of any year since 2006 and the highest percentage increase during the first nine months in the Fatality Analysis Reporting System’s history.

 

Also in the report, Florida saw 304 fatalities, 169 were pedestrians and 45 were bicyclists. The number of hit-and-run accidents in 2021 went up by 17% compared to 2020.Auto accident rates are already bad, but they are likely to get even worse during the summer months. Auto accidents are also the leading cause of personal injury in the United States and the second leading cause of unintentional injury-related death.

 

With these new statistics from the NHTSA, it indicates that your odds of being involved in a motor vehicle accident one day are pretty good.

Of course, you can only control your own actions. If you are injured in an auto accident due to another’s negligence reach out to a Florida personal injury lawyer and make sure you get the compensation you deserve.

If you are ever hurt in an auto accident, the attorneys at the South Florida Injury Law Firm are ready to discuss your incident and determine whether you have a valid accident claim.

Car accidents are serious matters, both medically and legally. The South Florida Injury Law Firm includes experienced and driven attorneys with the litigation skills you need to obtain the highest compensation possible in your injury verdict or settlement.

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South Florida Distracted Driving Accidents & Laws

by Auto AccidentsDistracted Driving

We don’t have the most accidents in the country, but we’re near the top. Florida placed third on the most dangerous U.S. states for driving list, with speeding the primary crash cause. Texas and California are ahead of us.

The Florida Highway Patrol reports there are about five distracted driving accidents in Florida every hour.

We all know Florida is not the safest state for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. But distracted driving is making the roadways even more dangerous.

Whenever you think of distracted drivers around South Florida, you may assume it’s only using your phone wile driving. Although it is a leading reason in distracted driving accidents, it’s not the only thing that takes attention away of drivers on the road.

 

What Is Distracted Driving?

 

 

In Florida, distracted driving is defined in a very broad range of things that can be considered as a distraction for dfriving as “any activity which takes a person’s hands off the steering wheel, eyes away from the road, or mind (thoughts) away from driving, creating manual, visual, and cognitive distractions for driving.”

Distractions endanger the safety and lives of drivers, passengers, bystanders, and anyone else on the road. Some common distractions include:

  • Texting
  • Talking on a cell phone
  • Using a cell phone or smartphone
  • Eating while driving or tipping a bottle or can up for a drink
  • Putting on makeup
  • Having a conversation with passengers
  • Reading
  • Looking at things on the side of the road like an accident or a broken-down vehicle
  • Watching a video
  • Adjusting climate control, radio, or GPS settings
  • Rubbernecking

 

“I risk my life every day while driving on I-95,” said Brianna McCall, an Oakland Park resident who works in Coral Springs. “I prepare myself for 40 minutes of anxiety every morning. It’s like people forget to use their brains while operating a moving vehicle.”

South Florida Distracted Driving Accidents & Laws 9 Auto Accidents South Florida Injury Law Firm

Florida Distracted Driving Statistics

 

 

The latest distracted driving statistics in Florida that are available are from 2017. In that year:

  • There were 234 car crashes that resulted in a fatality as a result of distracted driving.
  • 270,000 non-fatal accidents occurred that resulted in injuries ranging from minor to catastrophic.
  • Of those 270,000 accidents, 3,100 caused life-altering injuries for one or more people involved in the event.
  • Distracted driving is most common among teenagers and young adults. In fact, distracted drivers under the age of 30 caused 12,000 auto accidents in 2015 alone.

Distracted Driving Has Caused Accidents to Skyrocket in Florida

 

What do South Florida drivers do to prevent an accident from distracted driving?

 

 

The distracted driving laws in Florida have made it easy for law enforcement officials to pull over people that they see or suspect that are distracted while operating a vehicle.

There is a hand-held device law that went into effect in 2019 that allows law enforcement to pull over people they see or suspect them of using their phones while driving. Unlike before, where they could only ticket someone for this only if they had pulled them over for a different reason.

 

South Florida Distracted Driving Accidents & Laws 10 Auto Accidents South Florida Injury Law Firm 

Tips for Avoiding Distracted Driving

 

 

Saying “no” to distracted driving does not just prevent you from getting a ticket, it can keep you from causing a serious accident and lifelong damage to other drivers, passengers, cyclists, and pedestrians.

Sometimes it seems like we can’t get away from our phones, but it is a necessary thing to do while driving. Here are some tips to help you put it down when you’re behind the wheel:

 

  • Be aware of safe phone zones. Sometimes, you might be expecting an important call or need to contact someone while on the road. If you find yourself in this situation, seek out a safe phone zone so that you will be less likely to be distracted by your upcoming call or text.
  • Assign a passenger to be your “phone buddy.” They can give directions, send texts, and manage hotel and restaurant reservations on a road trip.
  • Take advantage of “hands free” options. As we mentioned above, you can receive a citation for texting while driving, but general cell phone use is not included in the ban. In case of emergencies, learn how to use the “hands free” options on your cell phone. Smart phones give you the option of giving verbal commands for texting, calling, or finding directions to your destination. This is still a form of distracted driving, but at least it allows you to keep your eyes on the road while using your cell phone.
  • Leave your phone at home. It sounds like a wild idea because we’ve all gotten so used to having our phones at all times, but the truth is that you don’t need your phone for every shopping trip or errand. If you keep your phone at home, you won’t be able to use it while driving.

 

 

If you are cited for a distracted driving law in Florida, you could face hefty fines, be required to attend driving school, and you may see increases in your car insurance rates.

It is also important to remember that distracted driving can lead to accidents. If you are distracted and cause an accident, you can be held responsible for the event. Negligence is a very serious charge, and you could face financial and legal problems if found negligent.

If you are involved in an auto accident and believe that the other driver’s distracted driving caused the accident or your injuries, you should speak to an attorney immediately. If another driver is found to have been distracted at the time of the crash, you could be entitled to extra compensation. Contact a Florida personal injury lawyer today for a free consultation.

 

South Florida Distracted Driving Accidents & Laws 11 Auto Accidents South Florida Injury Law Firm

reasons you may need a lawyer after auto accident

5 Reasons You May Need a Lawyer after an Auto Accident in Florida

by Auto Accidents

 

As we inch closer to life as it was before this pandemic, demonstrated by the increased swarms of cars that we’re all seeing return to the streets of South Florida, so are the rise of car accidents.

 

Just this month, two people in Hollywood were killed after their car was split in half after it smashed into a tree and busted through a fence. In Wilton Manors, 2 children were killed and 4 injured in a hit and run crash and a fatal crash on I-95 at Glades Road, near the campus of Florida Atlantic University also shutdown the interstate for hours.

There’s not just one reason to point to that explains why there has been such a huge increase in fatal car accidents. Neither is there a one-size-fits-all solution to stop them. What we can do is use, teach, and encourage safe driving practices. One way to do this is to hold responsible parties accountable if you are in an accident – especially if you lose someone.

How do you know whether or not you should hire an attorney to help you deal with your auto injury?

 

When Car Crash Injury Victims Should Contact an Attorney

 

South Florida Auto Accident Attorneys

You Don’t Know Your Rights.

Lawyers can be extremely helpful if you want to learn more about your rights and what is ahead after a car accident. Laws are always changing, and this may be your first time entering the world of personal injury law as it relates to car accidents.

 

Insurance companies may incorrectly try to tell you that you don’t have the right to do something in order to lower their payout to you. Reviewing your rights and your options after a car accident is the number one way to get the best outcome.

 

If you are new to Florida, or you are not familiar with Florida’s policies and procedures, it is especially important to talk to a lawyer who, has experience in the Sunshine State. Each state has different laws and policies regarding insurance, fault, and negligence claims, and ours vary more than most.

 

You Need to Negotiate with Your Insurance Provider.

Damages from an auto accident can’t always be calculated with a few receipts: an auto accident can cause financial damages in the form of lost work, loss of transportation, and so on. Your insurance provider can therefore negotiate these damages.

 

Haggling for the compensation you deserve can be extremely stressful and confusing, especially if this is your first time filing a claim of this sort. From writing a demand letter to finalizing your settlement, a lawyer can represent you, negotiate for you, and help get you the best settlement.

 

If you get involved with another driver’s insurance company, or if your insurance provider gets a lawyer involved, get on the phone with your lawyer immediately.

 

Filing a “Bad Faith” Insurance Claim.

Even after you negotiate with your insurance provider, they may deny your claim, leaving you with car repairs and hospital bills to pay.

 

An insurance company may deny you because you failed to make certain deadlines or applied for payments that are not covered under your plan. However, if they unlawfully deny you, it may be necessary to file a “bad faith” insurance claim. A lawyer can lead you through the process of negotiating a bad faith claim and fighting for the compensation that you deserve after an accident.

 

Damages Aren’t Fully Covered By PIP.

After many smaller, less serious car accidents, insurance will cover most of the damages and everyone can move on. Unfortunately, if your damages exceed $10,000, PIP will not cover them. Other types of coverage can step in to ease the blow, but if there is no additional insurance or if your damages go beyond even that, you may have to take the other driver to court.

 

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This only works if your injuries are truly serious and you believe you can prove that the other driver’s negligence caused the crash. If you are able to do this, a lawsuit can help to get you the compensation you need and deserve.

 

Be prepared for blame to be cast in your direction as well, though. To defend their actions, the defendant is likely to try to argue that you are at least partially at fault for what happened. Even if they succeed, though, it doesn’t mean that you won’t be compensated.

 

Florida’s comparative negligence laws mean that it is possible to assign a percentage of blame to each driver and base compensation accordingly. So if you sue the other driver for $20,000 and win, but you are found to be 25% at fault, you will only get $15,000.

 

The best way to get needed compensation is to find a lawyer who has experience dealing with these types of lawsuits. They will know how to collect the right evidence and make the most effective arguments to help you win your claim.

 

 

Reasons Your Holiday Accident Might Have Been Due to Negligence

Reasons Your Holiday Accident Might Have Been Due to Negligence

by Auto Accidents

If you were involved in a car crash over the holiday season, chances are good that negligence probably played a big role.

 

Even with the pandemic, there were over 341,000 auto accidents in the state of Florida. Since a good share of those accidents occur over the Christmas and New Year holidays, we’re going to cover the most common reasons for negligent driving during the holidays and we’ll discuss whether you may have grounds for an auto accident lawsuit.

 

 

Distracted Driving

 

Drivers are distracted all year round, but at the holidays, everyone is so busy that distracted driving is a big problem. Some drivers are distracted due to shopping, and others are visually distracted by light displays. The top reason drivers are distracted is because they are using their mobile devices while driving.

 

Drivers may also be distracted by eating, conversations, personal grooming, makeup application, or even reading. Any of these activities are dangerous because they take the driver’s focus away from the road. If the other driver in your accident was distracted, negligence will be a factor in your case.

 

Stronger negligence Distracted Driving Laws - Nope, Says Florida Senate

Fatigued Driving

 

The holidays can involve staying up late for parties or long hours of travel. A fatigued driver can be just as dangerous as a drunk driver in an accident. Fatigued drivers are not as alert and can cause many types of accidents. If fatigue affected the other driver in your accident, he or she may be held liable for damages.

 

Drunk or Drugged Driving

 

Drinking and drug use spikes over the holidays. Some people use substances to deal with stress. Others don’t drink often, but they do drink socially during the holidays. If those people get behind the wheel while intoxicated, they can cause serious accidents. Alcohol or drugs may have played a role in your accident too.

 

Navigation Problems

 

Drivers who are navigating new areas may drive too slowly, make sudden stops, or change lanes without proper signals. An elderly driver who is not usually on the road can also have navigation problems. These driver errors can contribute to accidents, and they may have been a reason for the accident you endured.

 

Reckless Driving

 

Drivers who are experiencing holiday stress or fatigue may engage in reckless or aggressive driving. This is a clear case of negligence, and if it caused your accident, be sure to tell your attorney about it.

 

Speeding

 

Many of us make this mistake on a regular basis. Unfortunately, it contributes to numerous holiday accidents. Speeding may have been a factor in your accident, and if the other driver was speeding, you can take them to court for damages.

 

Boca Raton Auto Accident Lawyer

Tailgating

 

With so many drivers on the road and in a hurry during the holidays, tailgating accidents are all too common. They can cause injury even at low speeds. If you were rear ended in a holiday accident, talk to an attorney about receiving compensation for your injuries.

 

What to Do Now

If you believe one or more of these descriptions fits your accident, it’s essential for you to take immediate action to protect your rights. Here are three actions to take right away.

 

See a doctor

A medical report is the strongest evidence you can use to recover damages from an insurance company or from a civil lawsuit. Even if you feel fine right after an accident, some injuries show up weeks or even months later. See a doctor as soon as you can to get the record filed.

 

File an insurance claim

Don’t wait to report the accident to your insurance company. Florida has no-fault insurance laws, which mean that negligence on the part of the other driver will not play a part in the compensation you get from your insurance company – up to the $10,000 covered by PIP.

 

However, you must get a medical examination within 14 days of the accident to be able to file a claim and get covered for medical care.

Seek legal counsel

 

If you are sure that the other driver is at fault for the accident, it’s crucial to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer to protect your rights. The sooner you work with a skilled attorney, the better your chances of recovering the financial compensation you need.

 

Call us for a free case review. We represent many clients every year who have been victims in car crashes due to another driver’s negligence. We know how to hold drivers accountable for damages, and we can help.