Understanding Vehicle Drowning Accidents in Florida
No driver seeks to get into any kind of car accident, but one scenario that most people find especially frightening is the idea of driving into a body of water. As Floridians, we are fortunate to live in a place that has so many natural bodies of water. However, the combination of driving and the water that is next to so many roadways here in Florida can be a terrible one. In contrast with many other states where a change in road conditions while behind the wheel can lead to running into a patch of grass, here that same scenario can lead to a vehicle heading straight toward a body of water. Unfortunately, driving into water often leads to tragic results because there is a substantial risk of drowning if a car runs off road. After all, the moment a car enters the water, water begins flooding in and opening a door or window to escape can be impossible.
How Common Are Vehicle Drowning Accidents?
Unfortunately, statistics suggest that the Sunshine State sees more motor vehicle drowning fatalities than any other state. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, of the almost 1,100 people nationwide who died in vehicle drownings between 2013 to 2017, 1 in 6 died in Florida.
Additionally, the Palm Beach Post recently reported that since 1997, 181 people have drowned in vehicles in Palm Beach County. Historically, this has been the third-leading cause of drowning deaths in the county behind drownings that occurred in pools and the ocean.
Why Are Vehicle Drowning Accidents so Common Here?
Florida – and particularly south Florida – has the highest likelihood for vehicle drowning in the country for one probable reason; it has more bodies of water by its roads than any other state in the form of over 12,000 square miles of water area. In addition to canals, vehicle drownings can also occur in lakes, ponds and even swimming pools. Efforts have been made by authorities to make some roads safer and the paths to many waterways are blocked by crash barriers such as those made from cables, chain-link fences, and guardrails. However, even those don’t always work. Cars have gone over and even through these kinds of barriers on multiple occasions.
Turn to Us For Help.
Unfortunately, there is no way for authorities to add protection around every body of water. Vehicle drowning accidents often result in serious long-term injuries or even death. If you or your loved one has been injured or has died as a result of a vehicle drowning accident, we may be able to help. As the experienced West Palm Beach personal injury attorneys of The Pendas Law Firm, we understand that you are going through an incredibly difficult time and we are experienced in helping people like you recover the compensation that you deserve. We can conduct a thorough investigation and handle the legal issues to help you pursue justice from those responsible. Contact us today to begin.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Miami, Ocala, Tampa, Bradenton, Fort Myers, Jacksonville, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando and Daytona Beach areas.
Resource:
palmbeachpost.com/news/20191004/drivers-are-drowning-in-floridarsquos-canals-why-is-water-so-close-to-road
