Auto Accidents

COVID-19 and Auto Accidents in Florida

When we consider how our lives have changed in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our driving habits have shifted drastically. Many Floridians have been in a quarantine-like state at some point – working remotely, avoiding large gatherings, and running less errands. Due to this change in our driving habits, traffic has generally been lighter. Additionally, people are frequenting bars and restaurants less than they had pre-COVID, so there are fewer drunk drivers out on the streets. All this results in less automobile accidents. In facts, in June of 2020, Florida drivers were involved in 9,469 traffic accidents as compared to 31,128 in June of last year – a decrease of almost 70%. 

While this may lead us to believe the roads are safer, our interpretation of those figures, and our experience of less traffic congestion, may be giving a false sense of comfort.

The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) recently released a report which presents some somber news – with roads having less traffic, people are driving faster even pushing past 100 mph with greater frequency. The Florida Highway Patrol has seen that on average, drivers are driving 20-40 mph over the legal speed limit.

GHSA Executive Director Jonathan Adkins had this to say:

“Law enforcement officials have the same mission as health care providers — to save lives. If you must drive, buckle up, follow the posted speed limit and look out for pedestrians and bicyclists. Emergency rooms in many areas of the country are at capacity, and the last thing they need is additional strain from traffic crash victims”

https://www.ghsa.org/sites/default/files/2020-06/GHSAJun20Newsltr-FINAL.pdf

Over-confident Drivers

When you are out driving along the highway or that back country road, the horizon seems wide-open and the lanes seem clear. With less traffic on the road, hitting the pedal a bit harder to push it a few MPH over the speed limit seems like nothing to be worried about. In fact, it is no big deal.

When you dive deeper into the June 2020 numbers, 54% of the 9,469 automobile accidents were related to speed and of those, 37% were fatal.

When you combine this mistaken thought that it is ok to be daring on the road due to the decreased congestion with the already prevalent problems of distracted drivers and road conditions that are unsafe, the road is not as safe as it may appear.

With the financial burden that this pandemic has already caused so many Floridians, the added issues of an auto accident – the property damage and the physical injuries – can be crippling. If someone else’s negligence is the cause of your present suffering, you need to do everything in your power to be compensated for your damage. Remember these items if you find yourself in an automobile accident during this pandemic:

COVID-19 Auto Accident Tips

• If anyone is injured, seek medical attention by calling 911
• While waiting for help, practice social distancing by remaining 6 feet apart from the other driver
• Place your mask on if you are able and keep it on
• Exchange information with the other driver – name, driver’s license, car insurance
• If the other driver leaves the scene, get the license plate number and a description of the car – do not try to follow them! 
• Call the police
• While you are waiting for the police to arrive, stay in a safe place
• Get contact information of any witnesses
• Take plenty of photographs of the damage to all vehicles as well as the accident scene
• For your own records, write down a description of exactly how the accident happened

Finally, once you are able, call a personal injury attorney. As a Spring Hill Car Accident Attorney, Brian Brijbag has experience dealing with the complications that may occur when dealing with an insurance company. With offices in Spring Hill and Brooksville, plus virtual consultations, he can help you during this stressful time. There is no cost to have your case evaluated and you would owe no fee unless we settle your case or we win at trial. 

We urge you to not be led to a false sense of security during these drastic times of COVID-19. Be safe and cautious on the roads but if you do find yourself in an automobile accident, give our office a call at (352) 358-5880.

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