Reasons Florida Ranks As The Third Most Dangerous State
Mark A. Steinberg
Personal Injury
Even with its theme parks, sandy beaches, and warm weather, Florida ranks as the third most dangerous state in America. According to a study conducted by WalletHub, many factors were considered to determine that ranking for the state. Some of them included personal and residential safety, financial safety, road safety, workplace safety, and emergency preparedness.Why Is Florida So Dangerous?
The biggest reason the Sunshine State ranks as one of the most dangerous states is the high number of auto accidents that occur there. There are many uninsured motorists in Florida, which is also known as one of the most dangerous states for pedestrians. Over 5,000 pedestrians died in Florida between 2008 and 2017. They were hit by a vehicle either while crossing the street or walking along the side of the road.
A good portion of those fatalities occurred in Central Florida, where the tourist count is high. Tourists aren't familiar with the area, and they end up navigating roads during heavy traffic times—this is a recipe for disaster.
How To Improve
A few things need to be done in our state to reduce auto accident-related fatalities. New laws have to be implemented, roads should be repaired, and the public needs to be more properly educated when it comes to creating safer roads in Florida for motorists and pedestrians.
If you are a pedestrian, make sure to check both ways before crossing the street. Pay attention to traffic signals and walk signs, heed stoplights, and only cross at designated areas when it is safe to do so.
When walking at night, wear bright and reflective clothing to make it easier for others to see you. Be mindful of your surroundings, including vehicles that may be turning in your direction.
If you are a motorist, you have to be aware of what’s going on outside your vehicle. Also, do not drink and drive, avoid distractions, and maintain safe speeds and a safe following distance. Change lanes properly by looking over your shoulder and signaling, and don't encourage aggressive drivers that share the roadways.
Have You Been Injured?
Even with awareness and proper safety guidelines in place, accidents do still happen. If you were involved in an auto collision as a motorist or have been struck as a pedestrian, then you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and other damages.
Do not hesitate to seek immediate medical attention. The police should be contacted as well so they can file a police report. Be sure to collect as much important information as possible about the accident before calling your insurance company.
You should then contact an experienced personal injury attorney to help you navigate the claims process and get the compensation you deserve. You have up to four years from the date of the accident to file a claim in the state of Florida.
However, should the auto accident result in death, the parties involved only have two years from the person's date of death to file if the incident date is different from the person's date of death.
Your personal injury attorney can walk you through the entire process and ensure that everything is filed correctly and promptly. In the meantime, let's do what we can to make Florida a safer place to work and live for pedestrians and motorists alike.