Traffic accidents in Bartow and throughout Florida are nothing new. In 2016, there were 1,081 crashes every day in Florida. Fortunately, the clear majority aren’t fatal or overly dangerous. To best protect yourself and your family, it’s a good idea to know the kinds of vehicle accidents that are the most common so you can avoid them to the best of your ability.
The Most Common Traffic Accidents
Rear-End Collisions
A car can be rear-ended if one driver follows too closely behind another. If the road is slick or the driver in front stops abruptly, an accident can occur. Traffic mishaps of this type are by far the most common. Make sure you always have the proper following distance (three car lengths or three seconds) between you and the vehicle in front of you.
Single Vehicle Accidents
Single vehicle accidents typically involve a new or teenage driver. Accidents of this type may include:
- Driving off the road
- Spinning uncontrollably
- Sliding on ice
- Hitting a stationary object
Single vehicle accidents are usually the result of applying the brakes with too much force or overcompensating when trying to avoid an object or another vehicle. New drivers and teens should take extra care when behind the wheel and when operating a vehicle in inclement weather.
“T-Bone” Accidents
T-bone crashes occur at intersections. Most often, they result from a driver running a red light or ignoring a stop sign. They can also occur if a vehicle attempts to turn left without yielding to approaching traffic. Always stay vigilant of drivers who are distracted or not paying attention to the road.
A personal injury attorney Bartow can help if you were in any of the accidents above.
Steps You Should Follow After a Traffic Accident in Bartow
- Immediately seek medical attention. If you weren’t driven from the scene of the crash in an ambulance, see a doctor as soon as possible for two reasons. First, some injuries that are serious have delayed symptoms. Second, the longer you wait, the more difficult it will be to file a claim with your insurance provider. After informing your doctor you were in a traffic accident, adhere to his or her plan for treatment. Maintain all your medical records and related expenses.
- Take photos to document property damage, damage to the vehicles involved, and any injuries you sustain. Pictures may play an important role in establishing how the accident occurred. If your vehicle is not drivable, make sure you take photos before it is towed.
- Get the contact information of any witnesses. Reliable unbiased witnesses are the best resource when determining the cause of an accident. Keep in mind you want to do everything possible to guarantee you will not run into any obstacles with your insurance company.
- Do not speak with any insurance provider. It makes sense that you would want to talk to your insurance provider and the provider for the other driver, but that isn’t a good idea. Insurance companies are in business to make a profit. They work diligently to deny settlements or pay the costs involved in a traffic accident. You must also keep in mind that an insurance provider may record your phone conversation and use the discussion to deny you equitable compensation.
The sooner you get a personal injury attorney in Bartow involved the better. He or she will work to gather evidence that is vital to your case and advise you on the best steps to take so you can have a strong claim.
