The 5 Most Common Causes Of Car Accidents In St. Petersburg
Michael Babboni
Car Accidents
Getting caught up in a St. Petersburg car accident is a situation no one wants to find themselves in, and this rings particularly true for those who have been in an accident caused by another party’s negligence. Over 200,000 car accidents can be expected each and every year throughout the state of Florida, and each is caused by its own specific and particular series of events. The 5 most common causes of car accidents in the St. Petersburg area are:• Driving while intoxicated – Florida has a particular sunny, laid back, and vacation-ready atmosphere, which often contributes to one of the state’s most common car accident causes. Intoxicated driving in Florida is higher than the national average, and both tourists and locals are guilty of drinking and getting behind the wheel.
• Distracted driving – With the advent of smartphones and handheld tech, distracted driving is a bigger problem now than ever. While 20 years ago distracted driving may be the result of eating while driving, talking, flipping through a CD book, or performing some other type of activity, the most common cause today is smartphones. Texting, surfing the internet, and even shopping and driving are big problems that take eyes and attention away from the road, leading to accidents that are sometimes devastating in nature and severity.
• Careless driving – Even while paying attention to the road, drivers can be careless about road conditions or hazards, leading to serious accidents. For instance, a sign that alerts drivers to slow down for a curve can be ignored and lead to a car crossing the line and going into oncoming traffic, or cars may drive too quickly for rainy conditions and wet roads. While driving, care should always be paid not only to the vehicle, but you surroundings as well.
• Speeding – Speeding is a big issue all across the United States, and St. Petersburg is no exception. Drivers sometimes find themselves in a rush to get where they’re going, and feel that going over the speed limit is going to get them there more quickly. In some instances, drivers may want to show off what their vehicle can do and decide to speed to show off capability and power. In another example, a driver could feel over-confident on the road and assume speed limits are a mere suggestion, not a law in place for safety. No matter the reason for speeding, it can have serious repercussions when it leads to an accident.
• Ignoring surroundings – When behind the wheel, a driver needs to be simultaneously paying close attention to everything going on around them. The road, the vehicle, other vehicles, pedestrians, and natural surroundings all play a big factor in driving safely and avoiding accidents. Ignoring any portion of your surroundings could lead to an unexpected obstacle, and the accident that comes along with it.
What To Do Next
If you’ve been in an accident due to any of these common accident causes, or another cause, it pays to know what to do next. First and foremost, you should always contact your experienced St. Petersburg car accident attorney, and rest assured that you have a lawyer on your side to help you collect the settlement you need and deserve. Through negotiations with insurance providers, or lawsuits for accidents going beyond the serious injury threshold, your attorney will be by your side providing you with your best chance at a successful experience. To learn more about the following steps after a St. Petersburg car accident, contact us at TheStPeteLawyer.com today.