Every year, there are approximately 6 million car accidents on roadways in Florida and across the United States. In 2015, the number of fatalities due to car crashes increased by 8 percent, the largest increase in 50 years. In 2016, the number of fatalities increased again; more than 40,000 people died in crashes on American roadways that year. Thanks to an increased focus on the factors that lead to motor vehicle accidents, it is possible to discuss the most common types.
Many accidents happen when a driver makes a rolling right turn at a red light. Turning right on red is legal in most areas, but a full stop is required, and there are many cases in which a driver looks left for approaching traffic and then finds a pedestrian or bicyclist in his or her path when turning back to the right again. This type of crash accounts for 6 percent of pedestrian fatalities.
A driver falling asleep at the wheel is an especially dangerous situation, and it happens all too often. Surveys indicate that 37 percent of drivers have at one point or another fallen asleep at the wheel. Drowsy drivers account for 7 percent of all motor vehicle accidents and 21 percent of fatal accidents.
A loss of control over the vehicle accounts for 11 percent of all accidents. Taking sharp curves too fast or maneuvering aggressively accounts for 5 percent of crashes, and 2 percent of accidents happen when the driver fails to slow down for water on the roadway.
Rear-end crashes, where someone hits the car in front of him or her, account for between 23 and 30 percent of car accidents. If a person has been injured in a car accident, he or she may be able to recover lost wages and receive compensation for pain and suffering, medical expenses or other damages. An attorney may be able to help in such a case by gathering evidence in support of the claim or negotiating with at-fault parties and their insurers.
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