Naples Auto Accident Lawyer
On average, there are more than 400,000 auto accidents in Florida each year, according to official state figures. This means that on a typical day there are roughly 1,100 crashes involving one or more motor vehicles. And while many of these accidents thankfully do not result in reported injuries, the reality is that thousands of people each year are still seriously hurt or killed in these collisions.
A qualified Naples auto accident lawyer can advise you if you, or someone that you love, has been injured in a preventable crash. At the Pendas Law Firm, we can assist you in identifying the responsible parties and holding them accountable through appropriate legal action. We understand that auto accidents are often the result of negligent acts, and we will not hesitate to pursue an aggressive legal strategy designed to ensure you receive the maximum available compensation under the law for your injuries.
How Negligence Leads to Auto Accidents in Florida
In the context of an auto accident, negligence means that someone–usually a driver–violated a duty of care owed to the victim under the law. This can be something as simple as failing to obey basic traffic rules. For example, if a driver ignores a red light and collides with another vehicle that was lawfully in the intersection, that driver violated a duty of care owed to the people in that other car.
Auto accident negligence can take many forms. Some of the more common scenarios that we have seen with our clients include:
- Distracted driving. We live in a world where people are constantly tethered to their smartphones and other personal electronic devices. This means that far too many drivers are looking at their screens when they should be looking at the road. This and other forms of distracted driving are among the leading causes of preventable auto accidents in Florida.
- Drunk driving. Anytime that a person operates a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they are breaking the law–and placing everyone else on the road in danger. Indeed, drunk driving often leads to horrific and deadly accidents.
- Failure to follow the rules of the road. As previously noted, a driver is negligent simply by failing to follow the basic rules that every driver must know. This can include anything from making an improper lane change to not maintaining a safe stopping distance.
It is also important to note that an auto accident may be the result of something besides driver negligence. For instance, if the vehicle itself was defectively designed, manufactured, or repaired, third parties may be held legally responsible for any resulting accident. Or if an accident is the result of poor road conditions, the State of Florida or a local government may be liable.
Contact The Pendas Law Firm Today
Florida law requires all drivers to carry a minimum amount of personal injury protection (PIP) as part of their standard auto insurance policy. This is meant to provide “no-fault” benefits in the event of an accident. But there are cases where an accident victim may step outside of the no-fault system and take direct legal action against a negligent driver or third party and seek compensation for more serious injuries.
Our Naples auto accident lawyer can advise you of your rights. So if you have been injured in a car accident and need to speak with an attorney, contact the Pendas Law Firm today to schedule a consultation.