If you were hurt in a wreck that could have been avoided if someone else had been more careful, you may be entitled to compensation. The common causes of car accidents in Orlando are all the result of somebody failing to take appropriate caution.
Professionals in the area, including other lawyers, choose Colling Gilbert Wright—The Florida Firm— as their law firm for car accident cases. We have a well-earned reputation for our legal skill, compassion for our clients, and exceptional results.
Many Wrecks Are the Fault of Distracted Drivers
Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of vehicle accidents in Orlando. Many people think of a driver using their phone to talk or text while operating their vehicle when they think of distracted driving. However, any activity that diverts a driver’s attention from the road is distracted driving.
When investigating a vehicle accident, our attorneys seek evidence of a driver’s distraction. They may subpoena cell phone records to determine whether the driver was on a call or texting, but they will also look for evidence of other forms of distracted driving, such as:
- Eating or drinking
- Smoking
- Adjusting the vehicle’s entertainment system
- Grooming
- Manually programming the navigation system
- Interacting with passengers
Witness statements, video footage, debris in the car, and similar evidence can indicate that a driver was distracted at the time of the crash.
Fatigue is another form of distraction that can cause accidents. A tired driver cannot focus properly on the road, and their reaction times may be delayed. Accidents due to fatigue are especially common among long-distance truck drivers, but tourists exhausted after a long travel day are also prone to them.
Impaired and Reckless Driving Causes Severe Accidents
Many of the worst car accidents in Orlando—those that produce fatalities or life-altering injuries—result from reckless driving. Racing, excessive speed, weaving between lanes, and tailgating all could be considered forms of reckless driving. In many cases, the reckless driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol when they cause the wreck.
When you suffer a serious injury in a vehicle wreck, your compensation may not be limited to whatever your PIP pays. If your injury results in a permanent impairment of a body part or bodily function, you can bring a claim in court against the driver who caused the accident. You can seek repayment of your injury-related expenses and losses, plus money for your pain and suffering.
Driving drunk, racing, and other forms of reckless driving can be considered intentional acts or conduct that demonstrates a willful lack of regard for others’ safety. Florida Statute § 768.82 permits you to seek punitive damages when you have clear evidence of the other driver’s outrageous actions. Our car accident attorneys will determine whether your case might qualify for punitive damages and, if so, incorporate it into their settlement negotiation strategy.
Other Causes of Serious Crashes
Driver error is behind most wrecks, but sometimes other factors come into play. Bad weather, poorly maintained roads, and defective vehicles can also cause car crashes in Orlando.
Although an accident in dense fog might seem like nobody’s fault, an investigation might reveal that a driver was driving too fast for conditions. Similarly, many wrecks are caused at least in part by a defective or malfunctioning component in one of the involved vehicles, and the manufacturer might be liable. A local government or agency might be responsible when flawed road design or shoddy maintenance contribute to a crash.
Our lawyers are experienced in car accident investigations and will identify all parties who may be liable. Bringing multiple parties to the negotiating table increases the likelihood that you will receive fair compensation. The lawyers at The Florida Firm have obtained verdicts and settlements exceeding $1million for many of our clients who were injured in car accidents.
Talk to a Lawyer About the Common Causes of Car Crashes in Orlando and How to Seek Compensation
The common causes of car accidents in Orlando are all traceable to someone’s failure to exercise reasonable care. The lawyers at The Florida Firm can hold the negligent parties accountable for the harm they cause.
There is no risk to working with us because we do not charge you unless we win your case. Initial consultations are always free, so please reach out to our team to learn more.