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Category: Car Accidents

  • Most common car accident bone breaks in Florida

    The most common injuries from car accidents are injuries to the neck or back and broken bones. Following a car accident in Florida, passengers may suffer a wide range of injuries, from scratches and bruises to whiplash or traumatic brain injury. Broken bones due to a crash can be painful and require medical attention and significant time to heal. Some breaks are more likely than others, with the most commonly-broken bones in car accidents including the skull, facial bones, clavicle, arm bones and spinal vertebrae.

    Car accident injuries to the cranium or facial bones

    Injuries to the cranium or face are more likely in car accidents where the person is not wearing their seat belt, but they can happen either way. Generally, head injuries are more severe if a seat belt is not worn, as the person’s head or face could impact violently with the steering wheel or other parts of the vehicle’s interior. Facial bones are smaller than the cranium and so are damaged more easily. People commonly break bones in their faces, like their nose or their cheekbone in crashes.

    Clavicle and arm injuries

    Clavicle injuries are more common in motor vehicle accidents where seat belts are worn. This injury is because the seat belt applies pressure to the clavicle in the event of a crash and the clavicle is a relatively delicate bone. Arm bones frequently break because the person puts their arms out to brace for impact. However, the bones are not strong enough to serve as a brace, so they fail and break against the strain.

    Car crash injuries to the spine

    The spine is a series of small bones known as vertebrae. Car accidents can put significant pressure on the vertebrae, causing them to misalign or herniate. The vertebrae can also be fractured if there is a hard enough impact. Injuries from car accidents can affect any area of the body. Therefore, seeking medical attention to deal with car accident injuries is a good idea.

  • The surprising ways airbags can cause injury

    It may seem strange that airbags, designed to add an extra layer of safety to motor vehicles, could cause injuries. In most cases, airbags can help to save lives during a collision in Florida or anywhere else, but oftentimes, not without injury to drivers and passengers.

    The ways airbags can cause injury

    Airbags deploy at a high rate of speed when a collision occurs during a motor vehicle accident. This decreases the risk of severe bodily injury for passengers. Depending on the speed of the vehicle at impact, minor to moderate injuries can still occur.

    A few of these airbag injuries include:

    • Fractures and bruising to the face, skull, ribcage or arms
    • Chest or spine injuries due to impact
    • Concussion and other brain injuries
    • Trauma to ears, eyes or lungs from chemicals in the airbag
    • Internal bleeding from impact
    • Fetal harm from impact with pregnant women

    Treating injuries caused by airbags

    You may not show obvious signs of injury after a motor vehicle accident. You should never assume you are uninjured until you are seen by medical professionals. Injuries like concussion and internal bleeding may not present visible symptoms, so it is imperative to seek help as soon as you can.

    How to avoid injuries from airbags

    There are ways drivers and passengers can protect themselves from injury should a motor vehicle accident occur. For example, never install child car seats in the front seat of a vehicle, and always use the correct seat for your child’s size.

    You should wear your seatbelt no matter how short your trip is. Additionally, check with your vehicle manufacturer to ensure there are no recalls on the airbags. Practicing cautious driving is the best way to ensure the least risk of motor vehicle accidents and airbag injuries.

  • How car accidents compare to motorcycle accidents in Florida

    Regardless of the kind of vehicle you are driving in Florida, getting into an accident is both dangerous and regrettable. There could be injuries and property damage, not to mention the emotional stress that comes with being involved in a collision. However, there are some key things you should know to protect yourself and your loved ones better when it comes to car or motorcycle accidents.

    Common causes: Car vs. motorcycle accident

    Cars and motorcycles have some similar causes of accidents: distracted driving, speeding, intoxication and following too closely. However, there are also unique risks that come with driving each type of vehicle. For example, motorcycles have a higher chance of being hit by another car because they are much smaller and harder to see on the road. They are also more likely to be involved in single-vehicle accidents because of their instability.

    On the other hand, cars are more likely to be involved in accidents with multiple vehicles. This is because they are much larger and can cause more damage if they collide with another car. They are also more likely to roll over, which can be incredibly dangerous for the driver and passengers.

    Fatality rates

    Motorcycle accidents have a higher fatality rate than car accidents. A report by the Insurance Information Institute showed that, per 100,000 registered motorcycles, there were 59.34 deaths. This number is nearly six times higher than the fatality rate for cars, which was 10.05 per 100,000 registered vehicles.

    Of course, the best way to protect yourself on the road is to drive safely and defensively. This means being aware of your surroundings at all times, obeying the speed limit and not driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. However, even if you are a safe driver, there is always the possibility that another driver will make a mistake and cause an accident. If this happens, you have the option of filing a personal injury claim to help cover the cost of your medical bills and other damages.

  • Men face higher risk of dying in distracted driving accidents

    Car accidents are an unfortunately regular occurrence in Florida. However, many such as those caused by distracted driving are preventable. Men face a higher risk of death in those types of crashes.

    How serious is distracted driving?

    Distracted driving is one of the most serious problems facing everyone on the road. In 2020, car accidents caused by distraction claimed the lives of more than 3,000 people. When a person is distracted while driving, the consequences can be deadly. Certain habits can even cause all three types of distractions: cognitive, visual and manual.

    Men are more likely to die from distracted driving

    Car accidents stemming from distracted driving are more likely to kill men than women. A vast majority of distracted driving crashes, 75%, involve male drivers. However, cellphone use behind the wheel is one of the least common issues leading to these accidents.

    A variety of habits behind the wheel can cause distracted driving accidents. Distractions include eating, fiddling with controls, reading, reaching for moving objects and conversations with passengers.

    In 2020, 2,125 men were killed in car accidents stemming from distracted driving. This is in vast contrast to the number of women who died in these accidents, 781. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, there are various reasons behind this. One is that men travel more miles by car each year than women. Another is that they are more likely to take risks while driving.

    Younger men between the ages of 15 and 20 are also more likely to be distracted while driving. However, those in the age range of 25 to 34 comprise the group most likely to get into a serious distracted driving accident. This group is also more likely to pick up a cellphone while behind the wheel.

  • Things you must not do after a car accident

    If you’ve been in a car accident in Florida, you may be feeling a range of emotions. Those emotions could include shock, confusion, anger and frustration. While you’re in that heightened state, it’s easy to make mistakes you’ll regret later.

    There are several things that you should never do after a car accident. By avoiding these mistakes, you’ll be better able to protect yourself legally and ensure that the process of recovering from your accident is as smooth as possible.

    You leave the scene

    The one thing you should never do after a car accident is to leave the scene. This is considered a hit-and-run, and it’s a very serious crime that can land you in jail. If you can, swap information with the other driver involved and call the police.

    You neglect to call your insurance company

    Another mistake to avoid is failing to call your insurance company. Many people think they can just handle car accident repairs on their own, but your insurance company will need to be involved in order to process your claim. Not using them could void your insurance coverage and make it harder to get compensated for the damages. Additionally, it’s important to get an official report from the police for your insurance company.

    You admit fault at the scene

    You should also never admit fault at the accident scene or sign any documents without reading them first. Even if you suspect you may be at fault, it’s best to wait until you’ve spoken with an attorney or your insurance company before admitting to anything.

    You speak to the other party’s insurance company first

    It’s important to avoid talking to the other individual’s insurance company without first speaking to your own. The other driver’s insurance company may attempt to get you to say things that could damage your claim, so it’s best to just provide them with your name and contact information. Then let your own insurance company handle the rest.

    You don’t seek medical help

    Don’t forget to seek medical help. Even if you don’t feel like you were injured, it’s always best to get checked out by a doctor after an accident. Injuries can sometimes take days, or even weeks, to manifest, so it’s important to get a professional opinion.

    If you follow these tips, you’ll be able to protect yourself after a motor vehicle accident and ensure that the process of recovery is as smooth as possible.

  • Teen drivers face deadly summer risks

    Summertime sees a lot of activity pick up on Florida roads. With many destinations appealing to locals and tourists, expect to see many motorists traveling more frequently between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Unfortunately, those 100 days could be deadly for drivers, and teens may be at the most significant risk.

    Summer’s 100 deadly days

    Adults and teens alike may need to be additionally careful on roads in the summer. Special hazards could exist in Florida, making Sunshine State travel even more dangerous. For example, tourists unfamiliar with locale routes may suffer from distracted driving. Festive partygoers might take to the roads intoxicated. Humidity could cause torrential rains, leading to dangerous driving conditions.

    Experienced drivers may have a challenging time dealing with summer driving risks. Teen drivers lack experience, and a 16-year-old with a new license may lack the defensive skills necessary to avoid a crash. Perhaps adults should spend additional time teaching teen drivers defensive skills.

    Teens make mistakes on the road

    Teenage drivers are often victims of motor vehicle accidents, and many crashes result from a teen driver’s failings behind the wheel. New drivers may take chances, and teens could become prone to speeding. Younger persons might become impatient behind the wheel and commit dangerous moving violations.

    Teens traveling with too many passengers might face dangers. Several passengers could contribute to distractions which may contribute to a crash. Drivers should avoid distracting behaviors, such as concentrating on the infotainment system’s touchscreen.

    Adults might set rules, including no passengers or nighttime driving. These rules might reduce a teen’s chances of causing a crash. Remember, those liable for any harm inflicted during an auto accident could face a lawsuit. In some cases, a teen’s parents may be part of the lawsuit if their behavior factored into the accidents.

  • 2020 saw thousands of fatal car accidents

    People take risks when they travel in a car, even if they’ve avoided accidents for many years. One mistake could lead to a tragic incident, and there are times when collisions might be out of a careful driver’s control. Florida drivers and commuters may panic after learning government figures show an unfortunate increase in fatalities during 2020. Such information might lead some to be more careful, but negligent drivers make the road dangerous.

    The deadly year of 2020

    The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration keeps track of many statistics related to vehicle collisions. The federal entity noted that 38,680 people lost their lives in 2020 due to car accidents. The number represented a 7.2% increase over 2019, despite factors contributing to fewer drivers on the road.

    Many might wonder how a situation with fewer drivers traveling leads to more fatalities. Perhaps a decrease in fellow commuters caused some to take chances, such as speeding or driving recklessly. Fatal accidents don’t always require numerous cars on the road. Two vehicles colliding could prove tragic.

    Negligence and dangers on the road

    Not all the 2020 collisions involved cars, trucks, and SUVs. Fatal accidents also included crashes with motorcycles and pedestrians. And even if 2020’s tragic figures decline, there will always be dangers on the road.

    A motor vehicle accident that ends in someone’s passing may result in a wrongful death lawsuit. If a large truck crashes into a motorcyclist, the victim may have little chance of surviving. Even those who recover could suffer from severe injuries requiring extensive care. A lawsuit or insurance claim might help the victim or their families recover compensation.

  • What injuries can happen due to reckless driving in Florida?

    Reckless drivers can cause serious, life-threatening motor vehicle accidents that would otherwise be totally preventable. Reckless driving might seem harmless at the time, but the injuries to victims of a crash can take years to recover from. It’s important to spot the signs of a reckless driver and what some of the consequences of reckless driving can look like.

    What does reckless driving look like?

    Reckless driving can take many different forms. Some of the most recognizable forms are weaving in and out of traffic at high speeds or swerving erratically. Reckless is defined as any of the following:

    • Driving under the influence
    • Speeding
    • Ignoring weather conditions
    • Driving too close behind cars and tailgating
    • Ignoring traffic signs and stoplights

    Running a red light while going 10 or 20 miles over the speed limit can have devastating consequences. Because of the high speeds, injuries attained from a car accident with a reckless driver can be serious.

    What types of injuries can happen with reckless driving?

    At worst, accidents with a reckless driver result in death or lifelong disabilities such as paralysis, amputations and deformities. One of the most common injuries is a traumatic brain injury that can change a victim’s cognitive functioning. Soft tissue damage or orthopedic injuries are also very common in motor vehicle accidents.

    What should you do if you’re injured as a result of a reckless driver?

    Regardless of the severity of your injuries, they can still have devastating consequences on your finances. It’s important to work with police officers, doctors and your attorney to ensure that you get adequate support and compensation after an accident with a reckless driver.

  • Types of head injury from vehicle accidents

    Vehicle accidents are the second most common cause of brain injury after falls. A person in Florida may experience one of several types of brain injuries.

    Concussions

    A traumatic brain injury occurs when a blunt force interrupts the normal function of the brain, such as hitting a steering wheel. Concussions are commonly mild traumatic brain injuries that may cause dizziness, nausea or vomiting, and headaches.

    A mild TBI usually doesn’t cause a loss of consciousness, and if it does, it should only be brief. Concussions commonly don’t cause long-term effects, and they may heal in several weeks if they get treatment.

    Skull fractures

    A skull fracture commonly occurs from hitting the steering wheel or dashboard, being hurt by flying debris or getting ejected from the vehicle. A basal skull fracture, which occurs at the skull base, is the most serious fracture because it could cause a TBI.

    A closed skull fracture breaks the bone, but it does not pierce the skin over the injury site. An open fracture occurs when the bone pierces the skin or surrounding skin on the injury site, making the bone visible. Skull fractures may cause swelling, fatigue, severe headaches, ear or nose fluid, bleeding, and nausea or persistent vomiting.

    Contusions and hematoma

    A contusion is a bruise on the brain, commonly occurring from rapid movement of the brain pushing against the skull. Some contusion symptoms include confusion, slurred speech, vomiting, nausea, light sensitivity, headaches and speech issues.

    An intracerebral hematoma causes scattered bleeding under the surface of the brain, including the lobes, cerebellum and the poles. Common ICH symptoms include swelling, pain, confusion, seizures, severe headaches, sleep issues, redness and trouble moving limbs.

    People who have been injured in vehicle crashes may pursue claims against at-fault drivers. They should first get examined by a doctor for proof of injury.