LEE COUNTY TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS

Most people involved in a minor car accident do not need to hire an attorney. In fact, most insurance companies will not require you to have an attorney to settle your claim. So, why would you need a lawyer? Here are four reasons you might want to consider hiring one:

1. The other driver was clearly at fault and is denying it.
2. The other driver does not have insurance or enough insurance to cover your damages.
3. You were seriously injured and have expensive medical bills as a result.
4. The accident has caused you to miss time from work and/or has left you with permanent physical or emotional scars.

If any of these situations apply to you, then you should at least consult with an attorney to find out what your legal options are. Most Lee County traffic accident attorneys will offer a free consultation, so you have nothing to lose by meeting with one. And if the attorney does decide to take your case, they will usually work on a contingency basis, which means they only get paid if they recover money for you.

In recent years, Lee County has seen a sharp increase in the number of traffic accidents. While many factors can contribute to an accident, some seem to be more prevalent than others. Below, we'll take a closer look at three of the most common causes of traffic accidents in Lee County.

Distracted Driving:

Distracted driving is one of the most common—and dangerous—causes of traffic accidents. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), distracted driving is defined as anything that takes a person's attention away from driving. This can include anything from talking on the phone to eating to adjusting the radio. Texting is perhaps the most dangerous form of distracted driving, as it requires drivers to take their eyes off the road, their hands off the wheel, and their minds off the task of driving.

In 2017 alone, 3,166 people were killed in distracted driving-related accidents in the United States. That same year, Lee County saw 201 distracted driving-related accidents, which is a 23% increase from 2016. Distracted driving is a serious problem that all drivers need to be aware of. If you must do something that takes your attention away from driving, pull over to a safe location first.

Speeding:

Speeding is another major cause of traffic accidents in Lee County—and across the country. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), speeding was a factor in 26% of all fatal crashes in 2017. That same year, there were 10 speeding-related fatalities in Lee County.

Not only is speeding dangerous, it's also against the law. The posted speed limit is the maximum speed you should be traveling under ideal conditions. If weather or road conditions are less than ideal, you should slow down even further. Speeding not only puts your life at risk, but it also puts the lives of other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians at risk as well. Drive within the posted speed limit and always use caution when traveling at high speeds.

DUI:

Driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol is against the law in every state—and for good reason. DUI is one of the leading causes of traffic fatalities nationwide. In 2017, 10,874 people were killed in alcohol-impaired crashes in the United States—that's nearly 30% of all traffic fatalities for that year.

In Lee County over the past 5 years, alcohol has been a factor in 29% of all traffic fatalities. If you plan on drinking alcohol, always have a designated driver or call a taxi or ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft to get home safely. Never get behind the wheel if you're impaired by drugs or alcohol—it's simply not worth it.

If you are involved in a traffic accident, it is important to stay calm and take the following steps:

• Pull over to the side of the road as soon as it is safe to do so.
• Check on the welfare of all individuals involved in the accident.
• Call 911 if there are any injuries or if the accident requires police or emergency services.
• Exchange information with the other driver(s), including name, contact information, insurance information, and driver's license number.
• Obtain witness contact information
• Take pictures of the accident scene and damage to all vehicles involved.
• Do not leave the scene of the accident until you have spoken to the police and/or emergency services.

If you’ve been in a traffic accident, it’s normal to wonder how you will get compensated for your injuries. The first thing you should do is seek medical attention, even if you don’t think you’ve been injured. Once you’ve seen a doctor, follow these steps to get the compensation you deserve.

1. Gather evidence from the scene of the accident. This includes photos of the damage to your vehicle, the other driver’s license plate number, and the contact information for any witnesses.

2. Exchange insurance information with the other driver. Be sure to get their name, policy number, and the name of their insurance company.

3. Call your own insurance company to report the accident. They will likely have forms for you to fill out and may send an adjuster to inspect the damage to your vehicle.

4. Keep track of all your medical expenses related to the accident. This includes doctor’s visits, prescription medications, and any physical therapy or rehabilitation costs. You will need this documentation when filing a claim with either your own insurance company or the other driver’s insurance company.

5. Document lost income. If you’ve missed time from work because of your injuries, keep track of your lost wages as well. This documentation will also be needed when filing a claim.

6. File a claim. Once you have all of this documentation, you can file a claim with either your own insurance company or the other driver’s insurance company. Be sure to include all medical expenses, lost wages, and any other costs related to the accident.

7. Speak with a lawyer. If the other driver’s insurance company denies your claim or offers an inadequate settlement, you can hire a personal injury lawyer to help you get the compensation you deserve. An experienced lawyer will know how to negotiate with insurance companies and get you the maximum possible settlement for your case. If an agreement can’t be reached, your attorney can help you file a personal injury lawsuit.

In 2019, there were a total of 6,632 car accidents in Lee County, Florida. This was a slight increase from the 6,576 accidents that occurred in 2018. The majority of these accidents occurred on weekdays during daylight hours.

In terms of demographics, the majority of accidents involved drivers between the ages of 25 and 34. Unsurprisingly, most accidents occurred on weekdays during peak hours (between 4 and 6 pm).

When broken down by type of accident, the most common were rear-end collisions, followed by sideswipe accidents, and then head-on collisions.

Compared to other counties in Florida, Lee County falls about average in terms of the number of accidents. However, it is important to note that even a single car accident can have devastating consequences. If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident, please do not hesitate to reach out to an experienced personal injury lawyer who can help you navigate the legal process and get the compensation you deserve.

In Lee County, Florida, you must file any personal injury lawsuit for a traffic accident within two years from the date of the accident. In some cases, the timeline might be shorter or longer, depending on the unique circumstances in your situation. Because you don’t want to miss this deadline, you should always contact a lawyer right away. If you don’t file your claim on time, you won’t be able to recover any financial compensation to help cover the costs of your medical bills, property damage, or lost wages.

If you or someone you know has been involved in a car accident in Lee County, it is important to seek legal counsel as soon as possible. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the complex legal process and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. The attorneys at Morgan & Morgan have been handling these types of claims for decades, and we have recovered billions of dollars for our clients. If we can’t settle your case out of court, we will fight alongside you in the courtroom to ensure that you receive what you deserve. Contact Morgan & Morgan today to schedule a free consultation.