What You Should Know About Intersection Accidents in Florida
Intersection accidents are among the most common and dangerous accidents on Florida roads. Every year, thousands of accidents happen at intersections across the state. These accidents, which can occur in a matter of seconds, often leave victims dealing with severe injuries, property damage, and complex insurance and legal issues. If you’ve been involved in an intersection accident in Florida, understanding how these accidents happen and what the law says can help you protect your rights.
Why Are Intersection Accidents Common in Florida?
While some intersection accidents are unpreventable, most result from drivers acting negligently. Some of the leading causes of intersection accidents in Florida include:
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Speeding through yellow or red lights
- Driving under the influence
- Distracted driving
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Misjudging oncoming traffic while turning left
Such behaviors, combined with traffic volume and sometimes poor intersection design, significantly increase the likelihood of an accident.
Common Types of Intersection Accidents
Common types of intersection accidents in Florida include:
- T-bone accidents
- Rear-end collisions
- Left-turn accidents
- Sideswipe accidents
- Pedestrian and bicyclist accidents
These accidents can result in severe injuries, such as broken bones, head injuries, spinal injuries, and internal damage.
How Florida’s No-Fault Insurance System Works in These Cases
Florida operates under a no-fault insurance system, meaning that after an accident, including an intersection accident, drivers will first turn to their own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. PIP typically covers medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of fault.
However, PIP benefits are limited. PIP only covers 80% of necessary medical expenses and 60% of lost wages. Additionally, it does not cover pain and suffering and other non-economic damages. Luckily, if injuries meet the “serious injury threshold” codified in Florida Statutes Section 627.737, a victim may pursue a claim against the at-fault driver. For example, a significant or permanent loss of a vital bodily function can qualify you to file an at-fault-based claim after an intersection accident.
Determining Fault After an Intersection Accident
Fault is often a contentious issue in intersection accident cases. Insurance companies may argue over who had the right of way, whether a driver ran a red light or stop sign, or if someone was speeding or distracted. To establish fault, investigators, insurers, and attorneys often rely on several key pieces of evidence, including:
- Police accident reports
- Witness statements
- Traffic camera or dashcam footage
- Physical evidence, such as vehicle damage patterns or skid marks
- Cell phone records in cases of distracted driving
Florida is a comparative negligence state. So if you share blame for the accident, your recovery may be reduced based on your percentage of liability.
Steps To Take After an Intersection Accident
To protect your health and legal rights after an intersection accident:
- Report the accident immediately
- Seek prompt medical attention
- Take pictures at the accident scene
- Gather witness information
- Don’t admit fault
- Notify your insurance company promptly
- Consult an attorney
An attorney can investigate the case thoroughly, gather evidence, handle negotiations with insurance companies, and ensure you pursue full compensation for all your damages.
Legal Help Is Available
Our Fort Myers personal injury attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm are here to guide you after an intersection accident and help you protect your rights.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Ocala, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Tampa, Jacksonville, Bradenton, Daytona Beach, West Palm Beach, Naples, and Melbourne areas.
Source:
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0600-0699/0627/Sections/0627.737.html