How to Deal with a Fatal Car Crash

Car crashes can be incredibly traumatic events for everyone involved, and unfortunately, they are also very common. The third most common cause of preventable injury-related deaths is motor vehicle accidents. In 2017, there were 402,385 crashes in Miami—3,116 of them fatal.

Therefore, it is now of paramount importance to remain cautious while on the road. Safety is of utmost importance and you certainly don’t want to end up being a statistic.

Although a car crash is something we never wish to experience, it doesn’t hurt to remain prepared. Read on to know how to avoid and deal with this situation from a personal and legal perspective.

Most Common Causes of Fatal Car Crash in Miami

Car crashes are prevalent in Miami, which is understandable given the volume of traffic on the road. Collisions can cause mild to severe physical injuries and they can be physically, emotionally, and financially taxing for anyone.

Below are some of the most common causes of fatal car accidents. To keep your loved ones and yourself safe, read on to know how to avoid such scenarios.

Impaired Driving or Driving Under the Influence

Impaired driving involves the influence of certain substances, such as alcohol or drugs, that affect the driver’s mindset. These substances can impair the driver’s judgment and physical abilities.

An alarming figure is that twenty-eight people die every day in motor vehicle crashes because of a driver impaired by alcohol. In 2019, over ten thousand people died as a result of drunk driving.

Reckless and Aggressive Driving

Substances aren’t the only things that affect a person’s driving. Sometimes, it can be our emotions. Intense emotions, such as anger, which leads to road rage, can blind a person’s judgment and cause one to become reckless.

When you drive without caring about the consequences, it can be easy to forget about safety. Not only will this be unsafe for you as the driver, but it can endanger everyone around you as well. Driving mindfully can help you avoid causing an accident.

Distracted Driving

To keep everyone safe, you can’t be distracted while driving, as it can be incredibly deadly. In 2019, distracted driving, which is any activity that detracts the driver’s attention from the road, such as texting, talking on the phone, or eating, claimed 3,142 lives. Not only is it dangerous for the people in the car, but it’s equally dangerous to pedestrians as well.

Weather Conditions

Fighting Mother Nature is not easy. When you’re faced with poor weather conditions, it can be very challenging to drive. If you’re not careful, you might find yourself in a car accident.

Heavy rain and snow are some of the most common examples of weather that can affect your driving. They can cause slippery roads and lead to poor visibility, which can be dangerous.

Fog is another driving hazard, as not being able to see the road ahead can lead to vehicular accidents.

Speeding

Speeding, which is a reckless practice that endangers everyone on the road, is perhaps the most common cause of accidents, and in 2019, it claimed 9,478 lives.

Roads have speed limits to ensure the safety of everyone who uses them. While trying to arrive timely to work or an appointment is important, the safety of others on the road, including you, is even more important.

Failure to Obey

Similar to speed limits, traffic lights and other signs exist to ensure everyone’s safety. Therefore, not following such signs can not only inconvenience others on the road, but it can lead to deadly consequences as well.

Dealing with Fatal Car Crashes

A fatal car crash can be an extremely traumatic event for everyone involved, whereby emotional and mental health is adversely affected. Here are some common-sense steps to help you manage this ordeal.

Stop. Do not leave the scene.
Check if anyone is hurt. If you’re not alone in the vehicle, check on your companions. Check for injuries or extreme emotional distress.
Get to safety. If possible, get your car to the side of the road. Turn your hazard, or four-way lights, on and set up reflective gear around the scene to alert other drivers.
Contact the police. It’s important to report the incident to authorities, even if there were no injuries. Your insurance company might also require a police report.
Document the scene and record important information. If you have a camera with you, take pictures and videos of the scene when it’s safe to do so. You can also note the details of the accident. These include names of the people involved, date, time, location, license plates, etc.
Exchange contact information. If the police don’t come to the scene, make sure you and the other party in the accident (if any) exchange contact details. It also helps to ask for their insurance details. If there are witnesses, get their contact information, as it may be required for supporting evidence.
Call your insurance company. Filing a claim can help you receive the compensation you need. A fatal car accident involves a lot of damage, and you need all the help you can get.
Seek medical attention. Fatal accidents, if they don’t result in immediate death, are often accompanied by severe injuries and might cause mental health issues. Make sure to call emergency services or go to a hospital as soon as possible. Getting immediate medical care will aid your recovery process.
Know your rights. Talk to a lawyer immediately after the accident, especially if it was serious. A fatal car accident might open up a lawsuit, so it is best to prepare yourself. Whether you suffered or caused the fatality, consulting a lawyer will help your case.

Preventing a Fatal Car Accident in Miami

Car accidents pose a significant danger to everyone on the road. Motor vehicle crashes can cause serious injuries, mental distress, and even death. It’s challenging to deal with the aftermath of a collision, so it’s best to prevent them altogether.

Take Safety Precautions

Ensure your car is roadworthy before you start driving. A vehicle malfunction can prove disastrous when left unchecked.
Everyone must also wear seatbelts to protect passengers during collisions or abrupt stops.
Focus on the road and keep distractions away. Take your hands off your phone and avoid fiddling with anything else, but the steering wheel. Even a simple distraction can be dangerous.
Make sure you and your vehicle have enough insurance coverage. It will protect you if disaster strikes.

Avoid Abrupt Movements

Don’t make any abrupt accelerations or lane changes. This might take other drivers by surprise and cause accidents.
If you need to adjust your driving, do so gradually.
Wait a few seconds after the light turns green in an intersection, then drive off. You might encounter some red-light runners.

Follow Traffic Laws

Follow the prescribed speed limit in every area. Be especially careful around parks and schools.
Drive defensively and prepare to encounter irresponsible drivers. You do not want to be at fault in an accident.
Do not follow any cars too closely.
Respect other drivers on the road.

Risk Factors of Fatal Car Crash for Teens
Inexperience	Teens are more likely to underestimate dangerous circumstances or make errors in judgment. More experience behind the wheel can equip them with these sensibilities.
Distracted Driving	Distractions negatively affect all drivers but can be more dangerous for inexperienced teens.
Alcohol/Substance Use	Too much alcohol and illegal drugs can impair a driver’s judgment and sensibilities. Driving under the influence of these substances is not only dangerous for teenagers but even for adults.

Dealing with the legal process should not stress you when you’re involved in a fatal car crash. Contact Diamond and Diamond Miami and schedule a free consultation today.

Pro Tip

“Always wear your seatbelt when driving.”

– Diamond and Diamond Miami

Schedule a Free Consultation Today with Diamond and Diamond Attorneys

Finding yourself in a fatal car accident can be a scarring experience. Aside from personal injuries, it can lead to long-term health effects such as chronic pain and emotional injuries.

The aftermath of such an event can be tough. No matter which party you belong to, a lawyer can be of great help.
For decades now, Diamond And Diamond Lawyers have provided expert services for their clients. You can contact our experienced team of lawyers for a free case evaluation today.