A total of 3,183 deaths occurred in the year 2019 as a result of 2,950 fatal car crashes in Florida. Unfortunately, some of these crashes occurred in Tampa.
Every single day, serious accidents occur in the Tampa area, causing fatalities and serious injuries.
If you’re involved in a car accident in Tampa that leaves you with injuries, be sure to contact our team at The Law Offices of Pardy & Rodriguez.
Over the years, we have represented the victims of car accidents and helped them to secure the compensation they deserved.
Read on to learn about some of the common causes of Tampa car accidents. This knowledge can help you avoid road crashes.
Speeding
Speed limits around the country, Florida included, are usually carefully calculated to ensure drivers can drive safely on different types of roads. If you exceed the speed limit set for a given stretch of road, you are likely to get into an accident and suffer serious injuries.
Speeding makes it difficult for the driver to turn or negotiate corners safely. Speeding also reduces the time a driver has to respond to changes on the road as well as unexpected events, such as wildlife crossing the road.
Distracted Driving
Every single year, thousands of car accidents occur on public roads due to distracted driving. This can be due to anything that takes your eyes away from the road and hamper your ability to focus on the primary task at hand, which is driving.
The following are some common forms of distracted driving:
– Cognitive distractions: Things that cause your mind to wander.
– Visual distractions: These are things or events that take your eyes away from the road.
– Manual distractions: These distractions take your hands away from the steering wheel.
While manual distractions are the most common, they are often combined with cognitive and visual distractions. Common forms of manual distractions include:
– Talking on the phone or texting
– Using the GPS navigation system
– Adjusting the radio
– Eating or drinking
– Talking to another person in the vehicle
In short, if a driver is not giving their full attention to the primary task of driving, they are distracted while driving.
For example – If you decide to reply a text message on your phone while driving, you will have to take your eyes away from the road for 5 seconds more. If your driving speed is 55 mph, you’ll find yourself driving the length of a football pitch without taking a look at the road.
Harsh Weather Conditions
Despite what most people believe, if you cause an accident during adverse weather, you will still be liable for the resulting liabilities. However, Tampa drivers are usually held to a certain standard of care. If there is poor visibility due to bad weather, the driver has to adjust their driving to ensure they can drive safely in poor weather conditions.
Failure to make the necessary adjustments can lead to a car crash, in which case the driver will be liable for the resulting liabilities. If you are injured in an accident during harsh weather conditions, it is recommended you consult an attorney. Our team is able to answer all your questions and help you gather all the evidence needed to win the case and get the compensation you deserve.
Drunk Driving
In the state of Florida, a driver can be considered drunk if they are found to be driving with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08%, or higher. Drivers can also face drunk driving charges if they are found to be driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
It is never a good idea to drive after consuming alcohol or taking a drug as this may impair your ability to drive safely on public roads. Drivers who are under the influence of alcohol are not able to multitask. A drunk driver is not able to keep track of their speed and stay on their lane at the same time.
Fatigue and Drowsiness
Driving while feeling fatigued or drowsy is a common cause of accidents. Unfortunately, most people do not know this.
Most drivers usually underestimate how fatigue can affect their driving. However, if you are tired, your reaction time can reduce considerably, so you may not be able to evade collisions on the road.
Be sure to stay safe on Florida roads by avoiding these common causes of Tampa car accidents. If you’re ever involved in an accident, be sure to call the Law Offices of Pardy & Rodriguez for assistance.
