Common types of car accidents on Florida roads

Any type of car accident can be severe. Injuries and property damage can be extensive, and fatalities can also occur. Even a minor tap on your vehicle’s back bumper can cause damage. You may have issues with the vehicle’s alignment or be dealing with whiplash and other soft tissue injuries.

So, how common are car accidents in the Sunshine State? The state reported 1,100 vehicle crashes per day in 2021, and not all are the same type of accident. So, what are the most common types of car accidents in Florida? Knowing what kind of crashes commonly occur may help you stay safer on Florida roads.

Common types of Florida car accidents
Like pretty much all other states, Florida sees its share of vehicle accidents. In 2021, the state reported 401,540 vehicle crashes ranging from minor to devastating. These statistics also include auto accidents involving pedestrians and bicyclists. Florida has the unfortunate distinction of being rated one of the most dangerous states for pedestrians and cyclists.

Single-vehicle collisions also make the list of common types of accidents, and this type of car wreck typically occurs at night when drivers are fatigued or on unfamiliar rural roads. Even a single-car accident can cause severe injuries and vehicle damage.

To help better inform you of the different types of car accidents that can occur, here’s a look at some of the other types of auto accidents common in Florida.

Left turn collisions
You can turn left in Florida unless there’s a sign prohibiting the vehicle maneuver. However, not all intersections have lights signaling when left-turn drivers have the right of way.

University Boulevard is a perfect example. During rush hour, trying to make a left turn safely is a lot like rolling the dice in Vegas. You hope for the best but it doesn’t always work out that way.

Okay, so hoping for the best isn’t exercising caution in intersections, but it can feel like a gamble when you’re trying to judge the distance of incoming vehicles. If you’re wrong, there’s a good chance you’ll be involved in a left-turn collision.

Before turning left, always make sure there aren’t any incoming vehicles. Yes, this can mean long waits at a stop sign, especially during rush hour, but it’s better than being involved in a potentially catastrophic accident.

Rear-end collisions
A common type of vehicle accident is a rear-end collision, which happens when a driver hits the lead vehicle’s rear bumper. Rear-end collisions are similar to fender benders.

Both types of accidents occur when one vehicle hits the rear of the other. The difference between the two types of accidents is speed. Drivers are typically traveling faster in rear-end collisions and this means injuries and property damage tend to be more severe, compared to a fender bender.

Rear-end collisions can occur on highways like I-4 or city streets. The rear driver usually isn’t paying attention and can’t stop in time to hit the lead vehicle. Whether the distraction is from the amazing views, there’s plenty of gorgeous scenery in Florida, or a driver trying to navigate unfamiliar roads, the resulting damage can be severe.

Programming your vehicle’s navigation system before hitting the road can remove this potential distraction. Keeping your vehicle’s speed down, especially during rush hour traffic, can also help you avoid this type of vehicle accident.

T-bone collisions
The thought of being involved in a T-bone collision is often enough to make motorists reconsider their driving behavior. This type of vehicle collision isn’t as common as some others like a rear-end accident, but it still occurs on Florida roads.

A T-bone collision occurs when one vehicle strikes the other on the driver or passenger side. Even though auto manufacturers have increased vehicle support on the sides, T-bone collisions still typically result in catastrophic injuries. Fatalities also aren’t uncommon in T-bone accidents.

Some intersections in Orlando, and other Florida cities, are more dangerous than others. An example is the Colonial Drive and Semoran Boulevard intersection in Orlando. Not all drivers stop the second the light turns red. If you’re crossing the intersection on a green light and the other driver fails to stop, a T-bone collision can occur.

A good safety tip is to always check for oncoming traffic before crossing an intersection, and this applies even if you have the right of way.

Sideswipe accidents
This type of auto accident occurs when one vehicle swipes the side of the other. The force from the sideswipe often sends one or both vehicles spinning out of control.

While the initial impact may not be severe, the secondary impact can result in injuries and other damages. The secondary impact typically occurs when the out-of-control vehicle hits another object.

Most sideswipe accidents occur on freeways and highways when one vehicle is merging into another lane. For example, drivers merging onto I-95 can easily drift into another lane. Slowing down around entrance ramps can help you avoid this type of vehicle accident, along with always being aware of your surroundings.

Navigating PIP insurance
If you’re involved in a car accident, Florida gives you 14 days to seek medical attention for any injuries. If you wait longer than two weeks after the accident, your personal injury protection (PIP) insurance probably isn’t going to cover your medical expenses.

All Florida drivers must carry PIP insurance, there aren’t any exceptions. Florida is a no-fault insurance state, which means everyone turns to their policy to cover some of their damages. PIP typically covers up to around 80% of medical costs or up to the policy’s cap. PIP can also cover lost income, but only up to 60%.

To recover your remaining damages, you file a claim against the at-fault driver. You must also report the accident within 24 hours. However, if property damage is extensive, injuries are present, or a fatality occurs, all traffic accidents must be immediately reported to the authorities.

Don’t navigate an insurance claim alone
Whether you’re a resident or visitor, auto accidents can occur. If you’re involved in a car accident, it’s a good idea to discuss your legal options with an experienced personal injury attorney.

From helping you navigate no-fault insurance laws to filing for compensation, your attorney can help with every aspect of your claim.

The article Common types of car accidents on Florida roads first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.