In Hillsborough, Florida, and everywhere else in the United States, as more and more motor vehicles are on the road, there is a much greater chance for these automobiles to be involved in car accidents. A car accident can inflict a serious injury or a fatality.
Accidents are especially common occurrences during holidays. While fatality may be the worst possible outcome in a car accident, fatalities are tragically common during the days between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Reportedly, more people are killed in the period of 100 days between those two holidays than at any other time throughout the year. Distracted driving, including texting and driving, is a major factor in these accidents.
Texting and driving is one of the most common causes of car accidents. Due to this, lawmakers recently agreed to a new bill that can officially ban texting and driving in Florida. If the bill were put into law, it could be implemented this coming October. The National Transportation Safety Board and AT&T are also working together to fight against texting and driving. The NTSB and AT&T have launched a commercial called “It Can Wait,” which shows how texting and driving influences people’s lives.
Aside from texting and driving, distracted driving can also cause car accidents. Police officers are putting more efforts into patrolling the highways for possible distracted drivers. In line with this is also the goal of the Florida Highway Patrol to reduce fatal accidents involving motor vehicles. It was reported that over 2,200 individuals were killed in Florida car accidents and Hillsborough County was ranked second for highest rate of car-accident fatalities.
In such cases, the victim who suffers injury may be entitled to compensation. The compensation may support the medical expenses, lost income and emotional distress. In the event of a fatality, the compensation can be sought through a wrongful death lawsuit.
While efforts to prevent car accidents are positive developments, car accidents can still occur, particularly if a motorist is negligent while driving. Every driver is required to exercise caution under all circumstances on the road and failing to do so can result in liabilities and consequences in the event of a car accident.
Source: WJHG, “Deadliest Days on Florida Roads Approaching,” May 21, 2013
