6 Tips for Navigating Florida Roads Safely
The state of Florida sees 200,000 auto accidents a year, caused by a wide variety of factors. We’ve compiled safe driving tips as most auto accidents are preventable, either by making the decision to not drive when it is dangerous or by maintaining a strict focus on the road and your surroundings. As the summer approaches and more people hit the road for summer vacations, it is good to refresh your knowledge on safe driving techniques. Below are 4 safe driving tips for driving safely on Florida roads.
Put Down the Phone.
Distracted driving causes 1 in 4 accidents and fatalities every year. Set a good example for your children, passengers, and other drivers on the road by keeping away from your phone while driving. You can put it in your glove box, briefcase, the center console it doesn’t matter so long as you can’t access it. And if you have children of driving age, talk to them about the dangers of distracted driving, because it is something that affects and is committed by a higher proportion of teenagers and young adults than any other age group.
Don’t Hog the Road. 
You will not just encounter cars and trucks on the road, so be aware of your space and your surroundings.Be aware of motorists and cyclists. Not every road has proper bike lanes put in place, and parked cars, construction, or other obstructions may block existing bike lanes. Cyclists may have to share your lane, so mind your speed and maintain a good distance if you are driving behind one. Also, remember that emergency vehicles need your help in getting to their destination so they can perform their jobs safely and quickly. If an emergency vehicle is stopped on the side of the road, do your best to move out of their way into a separate lane. If you hear an emergency vehicle approaching, pull over and let them pass you (if you can do so safely).
Be Careful in Inclement Weather.
Florida weather can be nasty, unpredictable, and even downright dangerous. When visibility is low due to inclement weather, you may feel the urge to drive faster and get off the road. Be careful. Remember that when you have trouble seeing what is ahead of you or around you, other drivers on the road may not be able to see you either. Drive slowly, proceed with caution, use turn signals early, and turn on your low beams if it will help you see. Pullover or postpone your trip if you need to.
Be Aware of Holiday Traffic.
Florida is home to beautiful beaches and popular tourist destinations. Many drivers on the road are new to Florida roads and may not be aware of their next turn. Keeping a good distance behind cars on the road will give you time and space in case a car has to make a sudden turn or stop while figuring out directions.
Hand Over Your Keys if You Can’t Drive.
Driving under the influence causes nearly 1 in 3 traffic-related deaths each year. You can also be issued large fines and even jail time if you are caught driving under the influence. If you feel the effects of alcohol before driving and even briefly question your abilities to safely operate your vehicle, give your keys to someone else. Even if you need to call a cab, the inconvenience and costs are minuscule compared to the consequences of getting yourself in an accident or taking another person’s life. On vacations, choose a designated driver who will refrain from alcohol for the night. Fatigue can be just as dangerous as intoxication. Struggling to keep yourself awake and alert can be just as distracting as a cell phone or electronics. If you are too tired to drive, hand over your keys to a more awake driver or pull over where it is possible so you can get some rest.
Filing a Claim
Filing a car accident claim shortly after your accident is critical for getting the compensation you deserve. However, you need to make sure you’re not making some common mistakes that would prevent you from getting an acceptable amount for the injuries and damages incurred. Consulting with a car accident attorney can increase your chances of having your claim approved the first time, and prevent you from making some costly mistakes.
5 mistakes to avoid when filing a car accident claim. Safe driving tips:
1. Admitting liability or claiming the accident wasn’t your fault.
Say as little as possible until you have the guidance of a Miami personal injury lawyer. You are obligated to report your accident within a short period but the insurance company will try to use any excuse to pay as little as possible (that is their job, your own insurance company is not your friend). Don’t report anything but the basic facts of the accident where, when, and (if appropriate) that you are feeling pain and intend on seeking medical attention if you haven’t done so already). Afterward, your Miami personal injury lawyer should be your mouthpiece.
2. Accepting the settlement amount right away.
Remember you don’t have to accept the settlement amount the insurance company offers. In some cases, the insurance company isn’t compensating you fairly for your losses and you’ll need the help of a car accident lawyer to dispute the offer. Wait until you have a professional opinion on whether you’re being adequately compensated for all losses. This is a common tactic used by some auto insurance companies some will even come to the scene of an accident with a pre-printed check hoping you will take a small amount of money. Remember, immediately after an accident, your body is in a state of shock. It can take days or weeks for the pain to manifest itself (some pains will get better, and some new ones may arise) after acute inflammation from the recent trauma has diminished.
3. Signing a waiver.
Car insurance companies may pressure you to sign a waiver that simply states you you’re willing to accept a check for a given amount and don’t want to take the issue to court. Make sure you’re aware of what this step means and don’t be afraid to talk to a personal injury attorney for help. If you sign something, it will be incredibly difficult for any Miami personal injury lawyer to unring that bell.
4. Filing out the claim form inaccurately.
Filing out your claim form inaccurately could mean a holdup in the processing of your claim and even denial. Take the time to fill out your insurance claim as accurately as possible and provide very specific details about the accident scene and the incident itself. Remember that the insurance company will be matching this up to the official police report at a later date and will investigate everything you include in this form. It is better to do this in the presence of your Miami personal injury lawyer.
5. Filing too late.
Every insurance company has a different time limit for filing a claim after an accident. If you don’t take the lead on filing a claim shortly after the accident, you could end up forfeiting all rights to receive your PIP benefits. This is why I always say: if you are in pain, seek medical attention first (on the same day if possible, but always within two weeks) and then the advice of a Miami personal injury attorney. I’ll throw in a 6th mistake to avoid after a car accident: do not post about it on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, Pinterest, etc what you say on a social media site is easy to find by an insurance investigator. Remember they will always try to use your words against you. Even with careful preparation and focused driving skills, you can’t always prepare for what other drivers are going to do.
Ready for Peace of Mind on the Road? Contact Neufeld Law Firm
For personalized advice and expert legal representation tailored to your needs in Florida, don’t hesitate to contact Neufeld Law Firm. Our dedicated team is here to help you navigate the complexities of any road incident you might face. Reach out to Neufeld Law Firm today for a free consultation, and let us ensure your journey on Florida roads is not only safe but also protected.
