Florida has a large population, which translates into a significant number of cars on the road. Therefore, it’s no surprise that in 2023, there were 394,930 reported crashes throughout the state. These collisions resulted in 3,402 fatalities and over 15,000 incapacitating injuries.
To better understand why they occur, Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers examines common car accident scenarios, their causes, and how to determine fault. Learn more from our car accident lawyers in Clearwater, FL. If you need legal assistance, contact our firm for a free case review, call us at (727) 787-2500.
How Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help You Prove Fault After an Auto Accident in Clearwater, FL
Being in a car accident can result in serious injuries, property damage, and emotional suffering. If you’ve been in a collision and suffered losses in Clearwater, Florida, you need to hire a personal injury lawyer to help you recover damages.
At Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers, our team of attorneys can provide a number of vital services during the claims process, including:
- Assessing your claim during a free consultation
- Investigating the accident
- Gathering evidence to prove you deserve compensation
- Negotiating with insurance companies
- Taking your claim to court, if necessary
Since 1986, our lawyers have helped clients recover more than $120 million in settlements and jury awards. By offering our services on a contingency fee basis and being available to our clients 24/7, we make it possible for those who need help to receive it. Contact us to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced Clearwater car accident attorneys.
Common Causes of Clearwater Car Accidents
Pinellas County is one of the most dangerous locations in which to drive in the entire country. On average, two people are seriously injured or killed in traffic crashes in the county every day. Although collisions occur for many reasons, there are some common causes.
Failure To Yield
In Clearwater and the rest of Pinellas County, drivers who fail to yield the right of way cause the most accidents. It’s the most common cause of intersection accidents. Distracted driving, intoxicated driving, and reckless driving can all lead to a driver not following the rules of the road.
Speeding
Another common cause of Clearwater car accidents is speeding. A driver going over the posted speed limit or traveling too fast for weather or road conditions won’t have much time to react if a hazard appears. The force of a speeding vehicle will also result in more severe accidents.
Distracted Driving
Drivers who aren’t paying full attention while they drive can easily cause accidents. The most common distraction involves using a smartphone, but changing radio stations, performing personal grooming tasks, and even speaking with passengers can all be distractions.
Intoxicated Driving
A driver who’s under the influence of drugs or alcohol will have impaired reflexes and coordination. They may also be more reckless in their driving. Although the legal blood alcohol concentration limit is 0.08%, just one drink can make a driver more dangerous on the road.
Determining Fault in Clearwater Car Accidents
If you suffered significant injuries in a Florida car accident and are filing a personal injury claim against another driver, you’ll have to demonstrate that the other party is liable. In most accidents, determining fault means establishing negligence.
To establish negligence, you must demonstrate that the person owed you a duty of care that they breached. All drivers have to operate their vehicles safely and follow all traffic laws. That’s a responsibility they owe to everyone else on the road. If a driver goes over the speed limit or has one too many drinks, they’re breaking the law and, therefore, breaching their duty of care.
You then have to show that the breach caused the injuries you suffered and that you can receive compensation for your losses. Medical records help prove this.
For example, rear-end collisions are very common, and the rear driver is usually at fault because they either weren’t paying attention, were speeding, or were following too closely. All of those establish a breach of duty of care.
The driver of the front vehicle can sometimes be at fault, however. If they weren’t paying attention and slammed the brakes at the last second, the driver of the car behind them might not have had enough time to stop. If both drivers were distracted or if the front car’s driver was distracted and the rear car’s driver was following too closely, they may share fault.
Our Clearwater Car Accident Lawyers Can Help You Prove Your Case – Call Today For a Free Initial Consultation
If you’ve suffered injuries in a Florida auto accident, you could be entitled to compensation. At Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers, our team can help you defend your rights. Schedule a free consultation to speak with a Clearwater car accident lawyer.
Mark S. Roman
Board Certified Civil Trial Attorney and Founder
Mark S. Roman is the founder of Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers and a Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer, a credential held by fewer than 2% of Florida attorneys. A Tampa Bay native, he has practiced throughout Florida since 1986 and founded the firm in 1996 to represent injured people in his hometown.
He earned a B.S. in Journalism from the University of Florida in 1981 and his J.D. from Florida State University College of Law in 1986. Mark is AV Rated by Martindale-Hubbell, holds a perfect 10 AVVO rating, and belongs to the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. He has served on the Florida Bar Grievance Committee for both Pinellas and Pasco counties, chairing the Pasco committee.
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