Dangerous Roads, Dangerous Driving: Auto Accidents in Florida
Driving can be dangerous on all roads, at all ages, and in all weather conditions. We take precautions specifically with our younger drivers, placing driving restrictions on them during the first two years they have their license. Despite our greatest care, many youth still drive too fast and ignore the seatbelt laws designed to protect them. For instance, just recently, an auto accident involving five teenagers took the life of one youth and injured four others.
An All-Too-Common Scenario
On October 25, 2014, the 18-year-old driver of a 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix lost his life when his vehicle ran off the road and struck a tree. His four friends, ages ranging from 16-19, suffered serious injuries. Though it has been reported that only one of the passengers was wearing a seatbelt, there has been no information regarding whether alcohol or speed were factors in the crash. The vehicle suffered significant damage, and it is likely that speed may have been a factor.
Reports do indicate, however, that a neighboring resident believed “it was [just] a matter of time before somebody got killed on this road.” The neighbor said he had previously witnessed reckless driving, fast speeds, and several accidents. He hopes that the news of this crash will prompt new safety measures or lead other drivers to be more cautious when traveling on the dirt road.
How to Prevent Car Accidents
Despite the utmost caution, accidents do still occur. Obviously, obeying traffic signals, observing driving speeds, adjusting your driving to accommodate adverse road and weather conditions, and practicing “defensive driving” by watching out for others are among the best ways to avoid being involved in an accident. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration estimates that seatbelt usage saves an average of 13,000 lives in the United States annually. Wearing a seatbelt has substantial benefits in high impact crashes; they can prevent a victim from being ejected from the car and into the road and can also allow an air bag to operate properly. There is a reason that Florida and most other states have laws requiring use of a seatbelt, although it should be noted that Florida has yet to join the ranks of other states that make failure to wear a seatbelt a primary offense. A primary offense is one in which a police officer can pull you over simply for violating that provision; a secondary offense means that the offender must be pulled over for something other than the offense in order to be cited for the violation.
Auto Accident Attorneys in Miami
Despite taking every precaution, auto accidents will affect many of our lives at some point. Auto accidents can cause physical injuries, loss of life, loss of ability to make a living, and loss of financial stability. At Alan Goldfarb, P.A., our experienced team of auto accident trial attorneys understands the devastating effect an accident can have on your life. We have the knowledge and experience to work with the people who are at fault for the accident, insurance companies, and hospitals to ensure you will be compensated to the full extent provided by law. We will help you navigate the civil justice system as quickly and effortlessly as possible to help get you back on your feet. If you or anyone you know has been injured or killed in a car accident, or have questions about your legal rights, please do not hesitate to contact our Miami-based office today.
