How Tourists Affect Florida’s High Car Crash Rate
It’s without a doubt that Florida is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world. With various attractions in Orlando like Disney and Universal Studios, to the breathtaking beaches along Florida’s coastline, millions of people book their travels to soak up some Florida sun and fun each year. However, one of the obstacles travelers face is how large the state is, meaning that in most cases, they will have to rent a car, drive one down, or use rideshare services to get around once they’re here.
Unfortunately, the influx of tourists into Florida causes roads to be even more congested and dangerous than they already are, which inevitably leads to more car accidents. It’s not shocking that serious car accidents happen throughout Florida with a vast number of visitors and commuters traveling each day.
Car accidents can be traumatizing and result in life-altering emotional and physical consequences. If you were injured in an accident caused by a tourist or if you’re visiting Florida and were injured in an accident, you have the right to consult a competent attorney and pursue compensation for your losses.
Tourist accident attorneys at The Umansky Law Firm can help gather the details of your accident and make sure that you get the justice you deserve. The following information will cover important details regarding tourist car accidents in Florida and steps to take if you’ve been involved in a crash caused by the negligence of another driver.
Statistics on The State of Florida’s High Car Crash Rate
If you’re driving in the State of Florida, regardless if you’re a resident, you are required to abide by Florida laws when operating a motor vehicle, including:
- Follow the speed limit
- Wear a seatbelt
- Turn your vehicle headlights on from dusk to dawn and if it rains
- Don’t drink and drive
- Don’t text and drive
When drivers fail to recognize these laws, they may get a ticket, or even worse, cause a terrible car accident to occur. In fact, Florida was named the third-leading state for deadly car accidents in 2018 by the U.S. News & World Report.
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) 2018 Crash Report, there were a total of 403,626 car crashes, 236,157 injuries, and 3,135 fatalities. This equates to an average of 1,106 crashes per day in Florida.
How Do Tourists Contribute to Car Accidents in Florida?
As of now, there is no statistical data concerning how many accidents in Florida have involved tourists. Still, many Florida residents are victims of car accidents that were caused by the recklessness of tourists, both out-of-state and international. There are several ways that tourists may contribute to the high car crash in Florida. These include:
- Driving under the Influence (DUI): Since most tourists are on vacation and are looking to have some fun new experiences, many people may partake in drinking. Unfortunately, if they operate their vehicles while intoxicated, they put the lives of others and themselves at risk.
- Unfamiliar with the Roads: Since tourists are not from here, they will most likely be unaccustomed to highways and streets, which may cause them to partake in unsafe driving actions like driving too slowly, sudden turns, or using phones to navigate while driving.
- Driver Distraction: Since tourists don’t particularly know their way around, most will use a GPS to guide them on their trips. Consistently being distracted by this while on high-paced Florida highways can result in some severe accidents.
- Unacquainted with Florida Driving Rules and Regulations: Since tourists may not be from Florida or the U.S., they may be unknowing of Florida Driving Laws when operating a vehicle. This could cause an unexpected accident for another driver who wasn’t anticipating the tourists to do something they weren’t supposed to.
Regardless of negligence, it can be overwhelming for tourists while driving in a new area. The best thing you can do is to be extremely cautious while driving your vehicle. However, being overwhelmed isn’t a substantial legal defense in any car crashes; therefore, if you were in an accident and endured injuries or property damage, you need the experience of an accident injury attorney in Florida to help you recover the compensation you need.
Steps to Take If You Are Involved in a Tourist Car Accident in Florida
Whether you’re a resident of Florida or a tourist, the process after an accident can be stressful and uncertain. It is crucial to obey all Florida traffic laws to ensure your safety and that of those around you. If you do happen to get hurt in a car crash caused by a tourist or vice versa, some steps you can take to prevent further damage and to keep yourself safe include:
- Stop your vehicle after an accident
- Pullover to a secure place
- Make sure everyone in all vehicles is okay
- Call 9-1-1
- Seek medical attention
- Get other drivers’ information (name, number, address, hotel address, insurance information, and rental car information)
- Ask witnesses for a statement
- Contact a car accident attorney
Contact an Experienced Orlando Tourist Car Accident Attorney for Help
If you were in an accident involving a tourist, your accident claim may be a long and complicated process. A car accident with a tourist could involve multiple components to investigate, and could require a fair amount of time to resolve. Consequently, you should seek legal counsel to assist you in determining who’s at fault in your car accident.
The Umansky Law Firm engages experienced and aggressive car accident attorneys who will do whatever it takes to get insurance companies, rental car companies, or the driver of the vehicle to compensate you for what you deserve. Our legal team has more than 100 years of combined experience representing clients injured in car accidents. We can direct you through the intricate legal process and define your rights in a simple and straightforward way. Call our office or complete our contact form for your free consultation today.
