Car Accident Law in Pasco County, Florida

Car accidents are an unfortunate reality. Despite our best efforts to stay safe on the roads, accidents can and do happen. When they do, it’s important to understand your legal rights and options. If you’ve been in a car accident in Pasco County, Florida, call The Law Offices of Matthew J. Jowanna, P.A. for help. Our experienced attorneys specialize in car accident law and can guide you through the process of seeking compensation for your injuries.

Why are There so Many Car Accidents in Pasco County, Florida?

According to data from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, there were a total of 13,207 car accidents in Pasco County in 2020. Of those, 6,511 resulted in injuries and 117 resulted in fatalities. This represents a 4.4% increase in total accidents from the previous year.

One major factor contributing to the high number of car accidents in Pasco County is its population growth. In the past decade, the population of Pasco County has increased by nearly 13%, from 464,697 in 2010 to 525,643 in 2020. With more people comes more cars on the road, leading to a higher likelihood of accidents.

Another factor is the county’s geography. Pasco County covers a large area, with many rural and suburban areas. However, it is also home to several major highways, including Interstate 75, Interstate 275 and the Suncoast Parkway. These highways see heavy traffic volumes and are often the sites of high-speed accidents.

Distracted driving is also a significant contributor to car accidents in Pasco County. This can include anything from texting while driving to eating or drinking behind the wheel. Florida law prohibits texting while driving, but it can be difficult to enforce – and many drivers continue to engage in this dangerous behavior.

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is also a major problem in Pasco County. In 2020, there were 373 DUI-related accidents in the county, resulting in 239 injuries and 11 fatalities. While law enforcement agencies are working to combat this problem through increased enforcement and education efforts, it remains a significant concern.

Types of Car Accidents

Car accidents can happen in a variety of ways, and the type of accident you’re involved in can impact how we pursue your claim. Some common types of car accidents include:

• Rear-end collisions: When one car collides with the back of another car. These accidents are often caused by distracted driving, tailgating or sudden stops.
• Head-on collisions: When two cars collide head-on. These accidents are often caused by drivers who are under the influence, or who are driving on the wrong side of the road.
• Side-impact collisions: When one car hits the side of another car. These accidents are often caused by drivers who run red lights or stop signs.
• Multi-vehicle accidents: When three or more cars are involved in an accident. These accidents are often caused by chain reactions, where one accident leads to another.
• Rollover accidents: When a car rolls over onto its side or roof. These accidents are often caused by speeding, sharp turns or collisions with other objects.

Causes of Car Accidents

Car accidents can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Distracted driving: When drivers are not paying attention to the road, whether they’re texting, eating or simply not focused on driving.
• Speeding: When drivers exceed the speed limit, they have less time to react to changing road conditions.
• Driving under the influence: When drivers are impaired by drugs or alcohol, their judgment and reaction times are impaired – increasing the likelihood of an accident.
• Reckless driving: When drivers engage in aggressive behaviors such as weaving in and out of traffic or cutting off other drivers.

What to do if You are Involved in a Car Accident

If you are in a car accident, it is important to take the following steps. First, try to remain calm and check yourself and others for injuries. Call 911 to report the accident and seek medical assistance as needed. Document the scene of the accident by taking photos of all vehicles involved and exchange insurance information with any drivers involved. Make sure to also get contact information from any witnesses who may have seen the accident. Finally, contact The Law Offices of Matthew J. Jowanna, P.A. so we can help protect your rights and ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries.

Liability in Car Accidents

Determining liability in a car accident is crucial. In Florida, car accident liability is based on the concept of comparative negligence. This means that fault for an accident can be divided among multiple parties, and damages can be reduced based on each party’s degree of fault.

Florida is also a no-fault state, which means that drivers are required to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance. PIP insurance provides coverage for medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who was at fault for the accident. However, if the injuries are serious or meet certain criteria, the injured party can still file a claim and lawsuit against the at-fault driver.

Compensation for Car Accidents

If you’ve been in a car accident in Pasco County, Florida, you may be entitled to compensation for a variety of losses, including:

• Medical expenses: This includes the cost of any medical treatment related to the accident, such as doctor’s visits, hospital stays and prescription medication.
• Lost wages: If you’re unable to work due to your injuries, you may be able to recover lost wages.
• Property damage: If your car was damaged.
• Pain and suffering.

If you’ve been in a car accident, call The Law Offices of Matthew J. Jowanna, P.A. We are here to help.