How Often Do Traffic Accidents Happen in Florida?
Traffic accidents in Brandon are unfortunately common and have the potential to cause serious harm to everyone on the road. Personal injuries you suffer can have major impacts on your life, requiring ongoing medical care while preventing you from working or engaging in your usual hobbies and activities. Our Brandon traffic accident lawyers explain how they occur and ways to reduce your risks.
Common Causes of Brandon Traffic Accidents
Brandon sits just outside Tampa and east of the Interstate 75 interchange. This location and the heavy amount of traffic in our area increase the risk of crashes. Traffic accidents in Brandon happen on a regular basis, injuring drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and other road users involved.
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, more than 350,000 car accidents happen each year. Over 10% occur in Hillsborough County, impacting close to 30,000 motorists and nearly 3,000 other motorcycles, bicyclists, and pedestrians.
While heavy traffic conditions and the number of people that live and visit the area can increase Brandon traffic accident risks, reckless behavior on the part of other motorists is often ultimately responsible. Among the most common causes:
- Distracted driving, such as using cell phones or texting;
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
- Speeding and going too fast for conditions;
- Running red lights or disregarding other traffic signs and signals;
- Aggressive driving, such as tailgating, improper passing, and failing to yield.
How to Reduce Brandon Traffic Accident Risks
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration warns that even a minor crash can result in tens of thousands of dollars in losses. A more severe traffic accident in Brandon can easily total seven figures. To reduce your risk, it is important to take the following precautions
- Never get behind the wheel of a car if you have any amount to drink;
- Avoid walking or biking if under the influence as well;
- Pay close attention to what is going on around you when walking, biking, or driving in Brandon;
- Obey all traffic signs and signals, including posted speed limits;
- Be considerate of other drivers on the road;
- Give other motorists plenty of space;
- Be extremely cautious when sharing the road with truckers or any larger vehicles;
- As a bicyclist or pedestrian, stick to designated lanes and use crosswalks at intersections;
- Never assume another driver will stop or move out of the way.
If a traffic accident in Brandon happens, notify the police immediately. Get contact and insurance information for everyone involved and seek medical care as soon as possible. Before making any statements to insurers or accepting any settlements, reach out to our Brandon traffic accident lawyers.
Request a Consultation With Our Brandon Traffic Accident Lawyers Today
When traffic accidents in Brandon cause serious personal injuries, Carmen and Bevington: Brandon Legal helps victims and their families get compensation. For trusted, local legal guidance in filing a claim, call or contact our office online and request a consultation with our Brandon traffic accident lawyers today.