TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS IN FORT LAUDERDALE
Fort Lauderdale is home to some of Florida’s most beautiful attractions and it draws millions of tourist each year. Unfortunately, Fort Lauderdale is also home to thousands of car accidents each year and currently ranks as one of the most dangerous cities to drive in in the nation. With a high traffic mortality rate of 22.39 deaths for every 100K people involved in a car crash, this city has witnessed some of the most life-threatening auto collisions in the state.
These accidents come in several forms including rear-end, side impact, vehicle rollovers, and head-on collisions. Other runoff accidents involve vehicles driving off the side of highways and into medians, guardrails, and over dams. Understanding the type of crash you were in will help you relay the information to a car accident attorney who can help you get the most money for your injury.
COMMON TYPES OF CAR ACCIDENTS IN FORT LAUDERDALE
Accidents on I-95
Interstate-95 (I-95) runs through the heart of Fort Lauderdale and is an especially dangerous roadway for the South Florida stretch. Aggressive driving, drunk driving, heavy traffic, and other factors account for the high number of car accidents on I-95. According to a Wall Street Journal analysis, South Florida’s stretch is the deadliest portion of I-95, with more people dying in Miami-Dade than in any other county along the way. Some of the frequent accidents involve rear-end collisions and sideswiping while merging and are defined as:
Rear-end Collisions: Heavy traffic on I-95 can become hectic. Drivers stop and accelerate frequently, often bumper to bumper. When one vehicle follows another too, and the driver ahead suddenly stops, a rear-end collision may occur.
Sideswiping When Merging: These accidents are often a result of the merging driver’s negligence to properly check all of their blind spots before entering the highway or changing lanes. Speeding makes it more difficult to secure all of your blind spots and often results in much more severe accidents.
Other Types of Accidents
Other frequent accidents in the area include side impact, head-on, and single vehicle collisions.
Side-Impact Collision: Side-impact crashes, also known as broadside or T-bone collisions, occur when one vehicle crashes into the side of another car. They are common at intersections or when a driver takes a red light/ stop signs. It can also occur when one car makes a left turn without yielding to traffic.
Head-On Collisions: These accidents happen when the front ends of two vehicles collide from opposite directions. They are the most dangerous type of collision, mainly due to the speed at impact, and often result in severe or fatal injuries. Head-on collisions often involve drunk, distracted, or reckless drivers.
Single Vehicle Accidents: While the majority of auto accidents involve multiple drivers, accidents that only involve your car can happen. For instance, imagine you swerve off of the road to avoid hitting a dog, and you run into a light pole; this qualifies as a single vehicle accident. They may be caused by driver error, defective auto parts, a vehicle design flaw, or poor road maintenance.
COMPENSATION AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT
A devastating collision can happen to anyone anywhere at any time, so it’s essential that you understand how to recover financial compensation after an accident. Since Florida is a “No-Fault” state, you will have to file a claim with your auto insurance provider to obtain coverage for some of your accident losses. By law, you should have purchased a minimum of $10K in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. Your PIP benefits will cover up to 80% of your medical bills and 60% of lost wages, regardless of which driver is liable for the crash.
Hiring an attorney will enhance your chances of recovering a substantial settlement that covers all of your injuries. An attorney will defend your best interest and fight to obtain adequate payment for your accident damages.
HOW 1-800-Injured CAN HELP YOU TODAY!
If you need help filing an insurance claim after a Fort Lauderdale car accident, 1-800-Injured can connect you with a personal injury attorney in Fort Lauderdale . 1-800-Injured is a medical and attorney referral service that helps South Florida get in touch with the professionals they need after an accident. We understand the challenges following a car crash, and we want to help. Call us toll-free at (305) 809-8934 to get started on your case today.