Cars are smarter and more technologically advanced than ever before. In fact, you may soon be able to get behind the wheel of a vehicle that can drive you to your destination. It’s logical to assume that safer vehicles would mean a lower rate of car accidents in Florida, but it is also important to consider that humans will still make mistakes behind the wheel. A mistake while driving can have devastating consequences, leaving other people with serious or fatal injuries.
One way that cars can make the roads safer is to help drivers make safer decisions behind the wheel. Studies seem to suggest that these features do work, but that does not mean you will not suffer because of the actions of another driver. Any time you suffer because of the negligent or reckless actions of another person could be grounds to pursue compensation through a civil claim.
Important safety features
Advanced safety systems are those that help drivers avoid collisions by alerting them to dangers. Some systems can even operate the vehicle momentarily, helping a driver avoid a collision by moving a vehicle back to safety. You may not know how valuable these types of systems can be until you find yourself in a situation where an accident would have happened if not for an advanced safety feature. Examples of these features include:
- Automatic braking system
- Lane departure warning
- Adaptive cruise control
- Cross-traffic alert
- Road sign recognition
- Front or rear collision warning
- Pedestrian detection system
- Blind spot detection
While these features are good, you may wonder how effective they truly are. Studies have found that vehicles with the blind spot detection feature have an accident rate that is 14% lower than those that do not have that feature. Other studies find that crash avoidance technology can reduce accidents by 3.5%. Advanced safety features can help make up for lapses in judgment and moments of negligence behind the wheel.
What happens if you’re in an accident?
Even with safer and smarter vehicles on the road, accidents still happen. If you were in an accident, it is in your interests to seek an understanding of the legal options available to you. It is possible you have grounds to pursue compensation through a civil claim. An assessment of your case can help you understand how to pursue appropriate damages and restitution, and you can take this step as soon as possible after a crash.