Car accidents caused by distracted drivers in Orange County, Florida, happen far more often than you might realize. In fact, according to a recent traffic safety study conducted by ValuePenguin, Orange County is ranked in the top 5 worst counties in Florida for car accidents caused by distracted drivers.
Specifically, Orange County had the second-most car accidents per capita caused by distracted drivers in Florida. For every 1,000 residents in Orange County, there were 5.35 distracted driving accidents. According to ValuePenguin, those accidents resulted in 26 fatalities in 2018, the most of any county in Florida that year.
The ValuePenguin study notes only Bay County, FL, had more distracted driving accidents per capita than Orange County. Another Florida county that made the list was Osceola County, located directly south of Orange County.
Orange County includes Orlando, which also serves as the county seat. The same county also has many famous theme parks, including Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando, meaning there is much more traffic in Orange County on average compared to other counties in the state.
Distracted driving is on the rise.
Orange County isn’t the only place where distracted driving is a serious problem. Nationwide, car accidents caused by distracted drivers have been on an upward trend.
In 2020, distracted driving accidents resulted in 3,142 deaths and more than 920,000 car accidents, according to accident data collected by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). By contrast, there were 2,628 distracted driving deaths just a few years earlier in 2018.
Who pays for car accidents in Florida?
Florida has a no-fault car insurance system, meaning injured drivers and passengers can recover financial compensation from their own insurance company, regardless of who was at fault for the accident.
This system might sound straightforward. But in reality, Florida’s system can be tough to navigate in the aftermath of a serious car accident. This is especially true if damages exceed insurance policy limits, which can easily happen in a serious car accident.
As a result, depending on the circumstances of your crash, you may be able to obtain compensation from the other driver’s insurance company or other sources. The best way to know is to talk to an experienced car accident lawyer who understands Florida’s system and can advocate for the compensation you’re entitled to under the law.
Did a distracted driver hit you? Talk to an Orlando car accident attorney today.
If you were injured in an accident caused by a reckless driver, you have the right to seek compensation for your losses. However, if you want to maximize the value of your claim, you must understand your legal rights and options.
At the Cerasa Law Firm, we can help you every step of the way. We understand how the legal system works in Florida and can ensure your injury claim or lawsuit receives the attention to detail it rightfully deserves. To learn more, contact us today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Orlando car accident lawyer.