An Overview Of Florida’s Careless Driving Statute
You have most likely heard of the term “careless driving,” and you most likely already know that if another driver causes you a severe injury due to their careless driving, you have the right to seek compensation from them. But do you really understand the meaning of the term “careless driving”? Do you know about Florida’s careless driving statute? Probably not. Many Floridians do not really understand what it means to engage in careless driving.
It is crucial for you to understand what it means to engage in careless driving for various reasons. For example, in regards to personal injury law, it is vital that you understand Florida’s careless driving statute so you can know when you get into an accident because of another motorist’s careless driving. If you do not know what the law says about careless driving, you may give up on your right to compensation after an at-fault party or their insurance company tricks you into believing that a particular act does not constitute careless driving.
Florida’s Careless Driving Statute
Careless driving is codified by Florida Statute 316.1925. According to this statute, all Florida drivers are required to operate their vehicles in a careful and prudent manner, having regard for all attendant circumstances, such as the curves, corners, and traffic, so as not to endanger other people’s lives or property. Driving in a manner that is contrary to what Florida Statute 316.1925 requires constitutes careless driving.
Generally, according to Florida law, drivers need to obey traffic rules and other regulations, including, but not limited to those related to;
- Traffic lights
- Speed limits
- School zones
- Stop signs
- Residential areas
- Highway driving
Careless driving, which can also be referred to as negligent driving, can include the following;
- A driver running a stop sign
- A driver exceeding the speed limit
- A driver making a dangerous left turn
- A driver making an illegal or unsafe U-turn
- A driver Improperly changing lanes
- A driver following another vehicle too closely (Tailgating)
The above is not an extensive list of behaviors that constitute careless driving. Therefore, if you believe the driver that caused your auto accident was driving carelessly, reach out to an attorney and allow them to assess your case. An attorney can help you determine if the driver who hit you was driving carelessly at the time of your accident.
Aggressive Careless Driving
According to Florida Statute 316.1923, aggressive careless driving is when a driver commits two or more of the following acts in succession or concurrently;
- Going above the posted speed limit
- Tailgating
- Improperly changing lanes
- Violating signal and traffic control devices
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Improperly passing
An example of aggressive careless driving is when a driver goes above the posted speed limit and improperly overtakes another vehicle.
Contact Us for Legal Help
If you believe you have been in an accident with a careless driver or aggressive careless driver, our Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm can help you. We can assist you in gathering and preserving the evidence you need to prove negligence on the defendant’s part. We can also help you handle the at-fault party and their insurance company and ensure you recover the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, Ocala, Bradenton, Daytona Beach, West Palm Beach, and Fort Myers areas.
Reource:
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0300-0399/0316/Sections/0316.1925.html
