Pursue Damages after a Florida Car Accident Caused by a Dangerous Road or Road Hazard

Florida has some of the most dangerous roadways in the country causing hundreds of thousands of crashes to occur each year on Florida roadways. According to a report from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, “[f]our of the top five deadliest highways in the nation are in Florida.” Looking at the Top 10 list of most dangerous highways in America, Florida is home to six out of ten of the most dangerous highways, according to Forbes. Florida’s U.S. Route 1 is the most dangerous road in the United States. U.S. Route 1 is 544 miles of roadway running along Florida’s east. Over a thousand deadly crashes have occurred on this highway over the past decade.  

Why Are Florida Roadways So Dangerous?

While the above reports consider accidents involving all factors, the roads themselves are often to blame in many cases.  Numerous dangerous road conditions cause and contribute to serious and fatal car accidents across Florida each year.  Additionally, below are some other factors that contribute to Florida’s highways being so dangerous:

• Negligence/Speeding. Some drivers are negligent in driving and disregard posted speed limits causing accidents to occur. Florida motorists who drive at higher rates of speed that are appropriate for the area or the terrain, making it more difficult to quickly respond to a hazard that may appear in the roadway.  
• Dense Population. A combination of Florida’s dense population and dangerous road conditions contribute to a large number of accidents each year. Florida’s roadways that are connected to densely-populated areas increase the chances of accidents occurring. 

Florida Car Crash Statistics

According to data collected by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), in 2022 there were 388,961 crashes statewide. Of those crashes, 3,428 were reported as traffic fatalities. From January 1, 2023 – January 19, 2023, the FLHSMV has already reported 13,574 crashes and 74 fatalities.   In addition to fatal crashes, thousands of auto accidents each year cause serious damage to motorists causing expenses such as medical expenses, deteriorating quality of life, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property loss. 

Our car accident attorneys understand how complicated these cases can be and are readily available to fight for your compensation. If you have questions about the damages you sustained in your car crash case, contact an experienced Florida auto accident lawyer at Searcy Denney. Our auto accident lawyers can help explain your options as well as negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive the compensation you need for the injuries you sustained.

Common Road Hazards and Other Factors That Cause and Contribute to Serious in Florida Auto Accidents

Dangerous road conditions range from issues with how a road is constructed to problems with signs, traffic signals and lane markings (or the lack thereof). Any time you are involved in an auto accident, it is important to consider whether an issue with the road may have played a role in causing you to crash. Some of the most common road hazards involved in auto accidents in Florida include:

• Potholes and sinkholes
• Uneven lanes
• Low shoulders
• Inadequate merging areas
• Inadequate road maintenance
• Use of improper road construction materials
• Gravel, debris, and other road obstructions
• Missing signs, traffic signals or lane markings
• Inoperable traffic signals
• Limited visibility and visual obstructions

Additionally, the FLHSMV’s annual crash report for the year 2020 revealed that some of the leading causes of crashes in Florida in 2020 included:

• Failed to Yield the Right of Way
• Operated Motor Vehicle in a Careless or Negligent Manner
• Ran Off Roadway
• Driving on the Wrong Side of the Road or the Wrong Way
• Exceed Posted Speed Limit/Drove too Fast for Conditions
• Operated Motor Vehicle in an Erratic, Reckless, or Aggressive Manner

Regarding weather conditions, the FLHSMV 2020 report also revealed various weather conditions present when accidents occurred including, but not limited to:

• Blowing Sand, Soil, and/or Dirt
• Cloudy Weather Conditions
• Fog, Smog, or Smokey Conditions
• Rainy Conditions
• Severe Crosswinds
• Sleet/Hail/Freezing Rain

Weather conditions sometimes are a big component leading to crashes in Florida. Heavy rainfall, for example, can reduce visibility for drivers causing a reduction in response time to respond to a sudden hazard occurring on the roadway such as traffic suddenly stopping. Rain can also flood roads and cause motorists to hydroplane and slide off of the road or into another vehicle. Also, even though the Sunshine State is often a popular place for tourists to visit because of its warm and bright sunshine, bright sunny days can also cause serious accidents in Florida because the bright sunshine can temporarily “blind” drivers and cause reduced visibility.

Who is Liable When the Road Causes an Accident?

If you were involved in an auto accident in which an issue with the road was a factor, who is liable for your accident-related losses? Depending on the circumstances involved, the responsible parties may include:

• The Road or Highway Authority – In many cases, the state or municipal authority responsible for constructing and maintaining the road will be liable. Under the Florida Tort Claims Act, there are special requirements (including strict timelines) for pursuing personal injury and wrongful death claims against government entities.
• The Road Construction or Maintenance Contractor – In many cases, government authorities will hire private contractors to perform road construction and maintenance. If a contractor is to blame for the dangerous road condition that caused your accident, then the contractor may be liable for your losses.
• The Manufacturer of the Road’s Construction Materials – From asphalt and concrete to guardrails and traffic signals, virtually all products used to build Florida’s roadways have the potential to suffer from defects. If your accident resulted from a product defect, you may have a claim against the product manufacturer.

To determine the specific cause of your accident (and who is liable for your losses), it will be necessary to promptly conduct an investigation. At Searcy Denney, we can launch auto accident investigations throughout Florida immediately, and our attorneys can help you understand the insurance issues involved with your accident as well. To start protecting your legal rights today, request a free consultation with one of our Florida dangerous road accident lawyers now.

Request a Free Consultation with the Car Accident Attorneys at Searcy Denney

Are you entitled to financial compensation for injuries you sustained in an accident involving a dangerous road in Florida? To discuss your legal rights with one of our experienced attorneys in confidence, call 800-780-8607 or tell us about your accident online now.