3 Unusual Causes of Car Accidents in Florida

While many causes of car accidents in Florida are attributed to common factors like speeding, distracted driving, or drunk driving, there are some lesser-known causes lurking on the state’s roads. In this blog post, we share three unusual—but relatively common—causes of car accidents in Florida that may not be on your radar.

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3 causes of car accidents in Florida that you might not be aware of

If you’re ever involved in a car accident in Florida, we strongly recommend you contact an experienced car accident attorney immediately. At Darrigo & Diaz, we have helped hundreds of victims recover from serious car accidents, and in our 25+ years of practice, we have seen every car accident cause imaginable. But here, we share three very unusual causes that are unique to Florida.

Have questions or need help? Call us at (813) 774-3341 to speak with our attorneys.

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1. Sun glare and visibility issues

With its nickname as the Sunshine State, Florida experiences abundant sunlight year-round. But while lots of sunshine is one of the reasons we love living Florida, it can also create hazardous driving conditions. Sun glare, especially during sunrise and sunset, can impair visibility and increase the likelihood of accidents. Additionally, Florida’s flat terrain and expansive roadways can exacerbate the effects of sun glare, making it challenging for drivers to see pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles. To mitigate the effects of sun glare, drivers should use polarized sunglasses, keep their windshield clean, and use sun visors when necessary.

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2. Wildlife collisions

In a research report by State Farm, Florida has seen an estimated 30% increase in wildlife collision claims. The most recent analysis reveals Florida averages over 50,000 wildlife collision claims per year. To put that into perspective, Florida saw only 38,000 wildlife collision claims from 2019 to 2020.

Florida’s diverse ecosystem is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, alligators, and even panthers. Collisions with animals can occur unexpectedly, particularly in rural and suburban areas near natural habitats. These collisions can cause significant damage to vehicles and pose serious safety risks to drivers and passengers. To minimize the risk of wildlife collisions, drivers should remain vigilant, especially during dawn and dusk when animals are most active, and adhere to posted speed limits, particularly in areas with known wildlife crossings.

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3. Wet roads and hydroplaning

Florida’s tropical climate means frequent rainfall, especially during the summer months. Wet roads can significantly increase the risk of hydroplaning, where a layer of water forms between the tires and the road surface, causing loss of traction and control. Many drivers underestimate the dangers of hydroplaning and fail to adjust their driving behavior accordingly.

Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise (FTE) conducted a 10-year study on hydroplaning risk and accidents on the state’s major highways. Here are a few of the highlights from the study:

• More than 50% of hydroplaning crashes occur during rainfall intensities of 1.5 inch/hour or over.
• Speeds observed at the time of the hydroplaning-induced crashes show that drivers were traveling at greater than posted speed limits.
• The rate of hydroplaning crashes increases about 257% from a six-lane to an eight-lane highway, meaning the wider the road, the greater the risk.

Wet roads and hydroplaning are common causes of car accidents in Florida. To reduce the risk, drivers should slow down, maintain proper tire tread depth, and avoid sudden maneuvers in wet conditions.

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Injured in a car accident in Florida?

Call the Florida Accident Attorneys at Darrigo & Diaz for a free consultation at (813) 774-3341

If you’re injured in a Tampa car accident, or an accident in the greater Central Florida region, the experienced injury attorneys at Darrigo & Diaz are here to help. For over 25 years, we have helped accident victims get the support, legal guidance and compensation they deserve.

Contact us immediately through our secured contact form. Or call our office at (813) 774-3341 to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation and connect with an experienced and knowledgeable accident lawyer.