October 15, 2022
According to reports from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were approximately 9,500 fatalities from car accidents in the first quarter of 2022 alone. These reports reflect a 7% increase in deaths from the very same quarter in 2021. In Vero Beach, trends are also moving in the wrong direction, as data shows that between January 2020 and August 2022, there were 2,350 reported accidents in the area. As recently as August, a 24-year-old man died in an early morning crash due to a collision involving two vehicles. It’s believed that the victim was hit by a 63-year-old man driving a van when the driver failed to yield, driving into oncoming traffic and colliding with the 24-year-old man.
As personal injury lawyer Vero Beach, FL, at our firm Tuttle Larsen, P.A. will share, car accidents of this nature are more common than many may realize. Although drivers and officials should prioritize traffic safety to prevent accidents, they are still a risk for anyone who gets behind the wheel of a car. Unfortunately, collisions leave a trail of devastation in their wake, and victims and their families are likely to have suffered losses. After an accident, time is of the essence, and victims should take immediate action to receive the care they need.
Collisions can take on many forms and can involve several factors. These accidents may involve other drivers, large trucks, motorcyclists, pedestrian-related accidents, and more. There are many hazards on the road, and traffic safety is critical to mitigating accidents from occurring. Things to keep in mind when driving a car that drivers should hold at the forefront include:
- Driving Defensively
- Always Paying Attention
- Refraining From the Temptation of Distracted Driving
- Refraining From the Use of Drugs and Alcohol
- Staying a Safe Distance From Other Drivers
- Drive the Speed Limit
- Factor in Weather
Practicing safe driving and following the rules of the road cannot only prevent accidents but also reduce their severity. However, when a person falls victim to a car accident, they should take action immediately to protect themselves from further harm for several reasons, including:
- To ensure they receive appropriate medical care
- To ensure they do not further implicate themselves in the accident
- To ensure that they have the necessary evidence to support their case
Immediately following an accident, the entire experience can be overwhelming and terrifying. With adrenaline pumping, it can be difficult for many victims to know what steps should be taken. Many may not realize that they inadvertently cause harm to their case and their health should they take the wrong action. Keep the following in mind after an accident:
- Move out of harm’s way to prevent further injuries
- Ensure that law enforcement is contacted
- Seek medical attention, even if you are unsure of an injury
- Gather the driver’s information
- Gather information from eyewitnesses
- Compile all evidence that may be relevant to the accident
Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident can be difficult, and it’s important not to hesitate. Because Florida is a no-fault state, all drivers must carry personal injury protection insurance (PIP), meaning that their insurance company covers the first $10,000 in medical expenses and lost wages. Once the policy limits have been exceeded, additional options may be available for pursuing damages from the party responsible for the accident.