What Is the Likelihood I Will Experience a Car Accident in Clearwater?
December 5, 2023 | Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers | Car Accident
There are millions of car accidents in the United States each year. With around 340 million people in the United States, that means a notable percentage of the population is involved in a car accident each year.
In Florida, there were 346,332 total traffic crashes in 2022. The population of the state is around 22 million, which means that 1.6% of the population was involved in a traffic accident that year.
There are certain behaviors and characteristics that can increase your chances of getting into a car accident in Clearwater, FL, as discussed below.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Clearwater, reach out to our experienced car accident lawyers to see if you can recover compensation for your injuries and losses. Contact our office today for a free consultation.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
The most common causes of car accidents relate to driver error. Engaging in the following behaviors increases your risk of getting in a car accident.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving refers to any activity that takes a driver’s attention away from the task of driving. This can include using a mobile device, using the car’s navigation system, or eating and drinking. Most often, distracted driving refers to texting and driving.
Speeding
Speeding greatly increases a driver’s chances of being involved in an accident. Speeding gives a driver less time to react to changes on the road, increases the time it takes to stop the vehicle, and decreases a car’s maneuverability.
Running a Traffic Light or Stop Sign
Failing to come to a stop at a traffic light or stop sign can lead to a car accident, including a side-impact crash.
Impaired Driving
Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol leads to car accidents because these substances can impair a driver’s thinking, reasoning, and muscle coordination. It’s illegal to drive in Florida with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of greater than 0.08%.
What Are My Chances of Being in a Car Accident in Clearwater?
It’s difficult to find car accident statistics that are specific to Clearwater, FL. However, according to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, there were a total of 15,682 traffic accidents in Pinellas County in 2022.
There were approximately 959,000 residents in Pinellas County that year, meaning that around 1.6% of the population in the county was involved in a car accident that year.
What Damages Are Available if You’ve Been Injured in a Car Accident?
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Clearwater, you may be able to recover compensatory damages to compensate you for your injuries and losses. The two main categories of compensatory damages are economic damages and non-economic damages.
Economic damages relate to the financial impacts of an accident or injury and include:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Vehicle repairs and other property damages
- Lost wages
- Diminished earning capacity
Non-economic damages relate to the emotional, psychological, or intangible impacts of an accident or injury. They include:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of companionship
- Emotional anguish
- Diminished quality of life
The amount of damages available in your case will depend on factors such as the extent of your damages, whether you were partially at fault in the accident, and the relevant insurance policy limits.
How Long Do You Have To File Your Car Accident Case?
In Florida, you generally have two years from the date of a car accident to file a personal injury lawsuit regarding injuries sustained in the accident. This two-year deadline is referred to as the statute of limitations.
There are exceptions to this deadline for some cases. It’s important to know the deadline for filing your car accident case to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your losses. An experienced lawyer can help.
Contact an Experienced Clearwater Car Accident Lawyer
Unfortunately, car accidents are fairly common. If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Clearwater, our attorneys will help you seek compensation for your injuries or losses. Contact our office today to schedule your free consultation.
Contact a Clearwater Car Accident Lawyer from Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
For more information, please contact Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a car accident lawyer in Clearwater today. We have five convenient locations in Florida, including Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, New Port Richey, and Lakeland.
We proudly serve Hillsborough County, Pinellas County, Pasco County, Polk County, and its surrounding areas:
Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers – Clearwater Office
600 Bypass Dr Suite 224-D, Clearwater, FL 33764
(727) 493-4418
Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers – Tampa Office
601 W Swann Ave, Tampa, FL 33606
(813) 223-6200
Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers – St. Petersburg Office
111 2nd Ave NE Suite 350, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
(727) 314-5988
Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers – New Port Richey Office
5006 Trouble Creek Rd Unit #200, Port Richey, FL 34652
(727) 910-5060
Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers – Lakeland Office
1543 Lakeland Hills Blvd Suite 18, Lakeland
