Miami is famous for its lively culture, stunning beaches, and busy roads that see many car accidents. To stay safe in Miami, both residents and visitors need to know the common causes of car accidents on the streets. By identifying and dealing with these usual reasons, we can all strive to decrease accidents and make driving safer. The most common causes of car accidents in Miami include:
1. Failing to Yield the Right-of-Way
One of the most common causes of car accidents in Miami is the failure to yield the right-of-way. This often occurs at intersections controlled by stop signs or yield signs. Drivers should follow the basic rules of right-of-way, such as allowing the first driver to arrive to proceed first. If drivers don’t follow the rules, accidents can occur, and the driver who didn’t yield correctly is usually responsible.
Prevention tip: Always obey traffic signs and yield the right-of-way as required by the law. The rules are for organization, smooth traffic flow, and ensuring road safety. These rules are important for organization, smooth traffic flow, and most importantly, everyone’s safety on the road.
2. Speeding
Speeding is another major contributing factor to car accidents in Miami. This includes driving over the speed limit and traveling at excessive speeds for the road and weather conditions.
Driving at high speeds makes it more difficult to control your car. It also slows down your reaction time. As a result, there are more crashes, and typically the person behind is at fault.
Prevention tip: Always follow posted speed limits and adjust your speed based on road conditions, such as bad weather and heavy traffic. This practice ensures better vehicle control, accident prevention, and the safety of all road users.
3. Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a widespread issue not only in Miami but throughout the nation. It puts road safety at risk when drivers do other things instead of focusing on driving.
- Texting
- Talking on the phone
- Eating
- Adjusting the radio
- Conversing with passengers
- Applying Makeup
Distractions hinder drivers from focusing on the road, reacting promptly to hazards, and raising the likelihood of accidents.
Prevention tip: Stay focused on driving and avoid distractions. Pull over to a safe location before using your phone.
4. Following Too Closely
Tailgating, or following too closely, is a common cause of rear-end collisions in Miami. If a driver fails to maintain a safe distance, they may not have enough time or space to stop in an emergency. This can lead to car crashes, which are typically the person’s tailgating fault.
Prevention tip: Keeping a safe distance while driving shows your dedication to road safety and the well-being of others on the road.
5. Driving Under the Influence
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol impairs judgment, reduces reaction time, and increases the risk of accidents. Drunk drivers are a common risk to all road users and they are legally accountable for the crashes they cause.
Prevention tip: Always designate a sober driver or use alternative transportation if you’ve been drinking or using drugs.
6. Making Improper Turns
Bad turns on the road can cause many accidents, leading to bad outcomes for everyone involved. These incidents occur at intersections. Not following right-of-way rules and proper turning procedures is crucial for maintaining traffic order and safety.
Prevention tip: Follow the rules of the road when making turns and be cautious at intersections. Drivers must learn intersection rules, use turn signals, and be patient when turning.
7. Lane Changes Without Proper Checking
Improper lane changes on the road are a common cause of accidents that can lead to significant consequences. These incidents occur when drivers fail to check their blind
spots before changing lanes or merging. Making unsafe lane changes can lead to serious accidents, and people often blame the driver who made the change for the crash.
Prevention tip: Always use your mirrors and check your blind spots before changing lanes. To change lanes safely, use mirrors, check blind spots, and signal clearly before moving over.
8. Drifting from a Lane
Accidents occur when a vehicle moves out of its lane because of physical or visual limitations, tiredness, or distractions. Typically, authorities hold the drifting driver responsible for the accidents.
Prevention tip: Stay alert and focused while driving, especially on long journeys, and take breaks if needed. Your safety and the safety of others rely on you staying focused and taking care of yourself while traveling.
9. Aggressive Driving
Aggressive driving, which includes behaviors like tailgating, road rage, and committing multiple traffic violations, can lead to accidents. Drivers who escalate ordinary road frustrations can cause injuries or fatalities.
Prevention tip: Stay calm while driving, and avoid aggressive actions that can cause accidents and conflicts. By remaining calm, you help prevent accidents and create a safe and respectful environment.
10. Running Red Lights or Stop Signs
Running red lights and ignoring stop signs is a common problem in Miami. Not just breaking the law but also super risky for everyone on the road. Traffic signals are crucial for organizing and ensuring safety on the road, particularly at intersections and other key areas. So, it’s important to follow these rules for everyone’s safety.
Prevention tip: Always stop at stop signs, obey traffic signals, and be cautious when approaching intersections.
Proving the Cause of a Car Accident in Miami
Establishing the cause of a motor vehicle accident in Miami requires gathering the right evidence. The following steps can significantly strengthen your case:
Testimony
Collect statements from witnesses who observed the accident, providing crucial firsthand accounts.
Accident Reconstruction Expert
Hire an accident expert to determine why the accident happened and provide professional testimony to help your case.
Establish Negligence
Demonstrate the negligence of the at-fault party in their actions, further helping your case.
Consequences of Car Accidents in Miami, Florida
The consequences of accidents in Miami, Florida, can be wide-ranging and impactful. Whether they result from common causes like distracted driving, speeding, or improper lane changes, accidents can lead to:
Property Damage: Collisions often result in damage to vehicles, requiring repairs or replacements.
Injuries: Accidents can cause a range of injuries, from minor cuts and bruises to severe, life-altering conditions.
Medical Expenses: Treating injuries may lead to substantial medical bills, adding financial stress.
Lost Wages: Injuries can lead to missed work and income, affecting financial stability.
Emotional Distress: The emotional toll of accidents can be significant, causing anxiety, trauma, and stress.
Legal Consequences: Determining fault and liability may result in legal proceedings or insurance claims.
Impact on Daily Life: Accidents can disrupt daily routines, making recovery challenging.
Understanding the consequences of accidents emphasizes the importance of safe driving practices and seeking legal support when needed.
Contact Our Car Accident Law Firm in Miami, FL
If you have a car accident in Miami, it’s important to get the right legal help to deal with the aftermath. At Steinger, Greene & Feiner, our skilled injury lawyers commit to assisting you during this difficult period. We know accidents can be tough on you physically, emotionally, and financially. We’re present to assist and steer you through it.
Our car accident lawyers prioritize your well-being and financial recovery. We are here to offer legal representation during this difficult time. Call us today for a free consultation.
About the Author
Michael Steinger
MICHAEL S. STEINGER, founding partner of Steinger, Greene & Feiner, believes in representing real people, not big businesses. Since the firm’s creation in 1997, Steinger, Greene & Feiner has never represented an insurance company or large corporation, and he vows to keep this promise. Over the course of his career, Michael has handled thousands of Florida accident cases, recovering millions of dollars for his clients and earning him membership into the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
Staying up-to-date on the ever-evolving laws protecting injury victims and their families, Michael is an active member of the American Bar Association, the Palm Beach, and St. Lucie Bar Associations, and sits on the Auto Insurance Committee of the Florida Justice Association.
Michael Steinger
MICHAEL S. STEINGER, founding partner of Steinger, Greene & Feiner, believes in representing real people, not big businesses. Since the firm’s creation in 1997, Steinger, Greene & Feiner has never represented an insurance company or large corporation, and he vows to keep this promise. Over the course of his career, Michael has handled thousands of Florida accident cases, recovering millions of dollars for his clients and earning him membership into the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Staying up-to-date on the ever-evolving laws protecting injury victims and their families, Michael is an active member of the American Bar Association, the Palm Beach, and St. Lucie Bar Associations, and sits on the Auto Insurance Committee of the Florida Justice Association.