Great numbers of car accidents occur on the greater Tampa Bay Area’s busy roads and highways, spanning from minor collisions to catastrophic events that can alter lives. Recognizing the primary causes of these accidents and grasping how liability is established can empower drivers to stay safe and effectively manage the aftermath of a crash.
Car accidents have many causes in the greater Tampa Bay Area, but some are more prevalent than others.
By recognizing these common mistakes and acts of negligence, drivers can take steps to minimize their risk and help keep roads safer for everyone.
Distracted driving: In the modern digital era, distracted driving has emerged as a prominent contributor to wrecks. Drivers who text, make phone calls, adjust entertainment systems, or engage in any other non-driving tasks are at higher risk of causing collisions.
Florida law strictly prohibits texting while driving, imposing fines and license points for those who violate this regulation.
Speeding: Exceeding the posted speed limit or driving too fast for conditions is another major contributor to car accidents in the greater Tampa Bay Area. Speeding reduces a driver’s reaction time, increases the distance needed to stop, and amplifies the force of the impact in a collision.
Impaired driving: Impaired driving, including operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, illicit drugs, or prescription medications, can significantly impair a driver’s judgment, reaction time, and coordination.
Florida law stipulates that drivers with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher are deemed impaired and can encounter criminal charges for DUI. Nonetheless, drivers with lower BACs can also be accountable for accidents resulting from their impairment.
Reckless driving: Engaging in reckless behaviors such as tailgating, weaving through traffic, running red lights, and neglecting to yield the right-of-way can result in severe accidents. These actions signify a lack of concern for others’ safety and can lead to both criminal charges and civil liability in the event of any resulting crashes.
Mechanical failures: Malfunctioning brakes, tire blowouts, steering system failures, and other mechanical issues can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles and cause accidents. In these cases, liability may fall on the vehicle manufacturer, a repair shop that performed faulty work, or the driver for failing to maintain their vehicle properly.
Determining Fault in Car Accidents:
When a car accident occurs in the greater Tampa Bay Area, determining who was at fault is one of the most critical aspects of pursuing a claim for compensation for the injured party. In Florida, the comparative negligence system dictates that the fault for an accident can be shared by multiple parties, reducing the compensation received by an injured party based on their percentage of fault. Additionally, if an injured party is 51% or more at fault for the crash, they cannot collect compensation from the other parties to the accident.
To determine fault, insurance companies and legal professionals consider a variety of factors, including:
Police report Law enforcement officers who respond to the accident will create an official report documenting their observations, any citations issued, and statements from involved parties and witnesses.
Witness statements: Accounts from impartial witnesses who saw the accident can help corroborate or contradict the involved parties’ version of events. These statements can be crucial in determining fault, especially when the drivers’ accounts differ.
Physical evidence: Skid marks, vehicle damage, and debris patterns can help explain how the accident happened and which driver may be responsible.
Traffic laws: Determining which driver violated traffic laws can help establish fault in an accident.
Video footage: In some cases, surveillance cameras or dashboard cameras may have captured the accident on video. This footage can be invaluable in determining fault.
Navigating Car Accident Claims
If you or a loved one are facing the aftermath of a car accident in the greater Tampa Bay Area, it’s essential to take the appropriate steps to protect your health, safety, and legal rights. Here’s what you should do in the aftermath of a crash:
Assess any injuries and dial 911: Right after the accident, check yourself and your passengers for any injuries. If anyone is injured or if you’re uncertain, promptly call 911 to request medical assistance.
Move to a secure area: If feasible, relocate your vehicle to the side of the road or a nearby parking lot to prevent traffic obstruction and mitigate the risk of additional accidents. Turn on your flashing hazard lights to warn other drivers.
Exchange information: Collect the other driver’s name, contact information, insurance details, and vehicle information. If there are witnesses, ask for their contact information as well.
Document the accident: Report the crash to your insurance company as soon as possible. Provide them with the information you collected and follow their guidance on how to proceed with the claims process.
Report the accident: Even if you don’t think you are injured, it’s essential to get a medical evaluation as soon as possible after the accident.
Seek medical attention: Impaired driving, including operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, illicit drugs, or prescription medications, can significantly impair a driver’s judgment, reaction time, and coordination.
Florida law stipulates that drivers with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher are deemed impaired and can encounter criminal charges for DUI. Nonetheless, drivers with lower BACs can also be accountable for accidents resulting from their impairment.
Consult with a Tampa car accident attorney: If you have been injured in the accident or believe the other driver was at fault, consult an experienced Tampa Bay Area car accident attorney.
When handling the car accident claims process, being cautious when communicating with insurance companies is crucial. Insurers, including your own, might attempt to diminish the value of your claim so they can pay less for your claim.
Car accidents in the greater Tampa Bay Area can be stressful, painful, and emotionally overwhelming. Understanding the common causes of these crashes and taking the appropriate steps after an accident can assist in safeguarding your rights in pursuing the compensation you rightfully deserve.
Get Help from the Skilled Attorneys at Stathopoulos Law Group, P.A.
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a car accident caused by someone else, contact Stathopoulos Law Group, P.A. at (727) 942-9000 or our nationwide toll free number (800) 754-8100 for a complimentary consultation. Our seasoned
Car Accident Attorneys advocate for injured drivers’ and passengers’ rights, and we will provide compassionate and expert guidance throughout the legal proceedings while we pursue the compensation you deserve.
With our deep knowledge of Florida’s traffic laws and our commitment to holding negligent drivers accountable, we can help you seek justice and move forward after a devastating crash. Don’t hesitate to seek the support and advocacy you need during this challenging time.
Florida’s traffic statutes are difficult to navigate and understand. We strive to keep you and your family at the forefront of our thoughts and the focus of your case. Our job is to seek a fair and just recovery for you and your family. We know that the system is daunting and confusing, and that is why we are here to help you get thru this and not do it alone. Having an attorney at your side makes things easier and less stressful. Let us handle the stress of the law, the negotiations, the strategy and the court process so you can focus on healing.
April 20, 2024
