5 Hidden Causes of FL Car Accidents You Might Not Expect
When most people think about car accidents, they picture speeding, drunk driving, or texting behind the wheel. While those are certainly major causes, there are other, less obvious factors that can lead to dangerous collisions, especially in Florida, where weather, tourism, and aging infrastructure play a unique role in roadway safety.
If you’ve been involved in a crash, understanding the hidden causes could help you, and your Port St. Lucie Personal Injury Lawyer, build a strong case.
#1 Poor Road Maintenance
Cracked pavement, faded lane markings, potholes, and malfunctioning traffic lights can all contribute to accidents. In some cases, local or state agencies responsible for road upkeep may be partially at fault. Florida’s rapid growth and high traffic volumes can cause infrastructure to wear down quickly, and if maintenance falls behind, drivers can pay the price.
#2 Tourist Confusion
Florida is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the country. Tourists unfamiliar with local roads and traffic patterns can make sudden stops, miss exits, or drive the wrong way down one-way streets. Many of these out-of-state drivers rely heavily on GPS systems, which can cause erratic lane changes or last-minute decisions that lead to collisions. If you’ve been hit by a confused or distracted tourist, you’re not alone, it’s a frequent problem in high-traffic areas like Boca Raton and other parts of South Florida.
#3 Prescription Medication Side Effects
We often talk about drunk driving or illegal drug use, but prescription medications can also impair a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. Medications for anxiety, allergies, pain, or blood pressure may cause drowsiness, blurred vision, or delayed reaction times. In some cases, drivers may not realize how a new medication is affecting them until it’s too late. If a driver causes an accident due to medication side effects, they can still be held liable.
#4 Sun Glare
Florida is known for its sunshine, but that light can become a hazard, especially during sunrise and sunset. Intense glare can temporarily blind a driver or make it difficult to see brake lights, pedestrians, or stop signs. Accidents caused by sun glare are more common than many people realize, particularly during early morning or late afternoon hours.
#5 Vehicle Maintenance Neglect
A blown tire, worn-out brakes, or burned-out tail lights can turn a routine drive into a disaster. Some drivers neglect basic car maintenance, and others may be unaware their vehicle is in poor condition. When mechanical failure contributes to a crash, a vehicle repair shop or manufacturer may be held responsible.
Being aware of hidden collision causes is essential when investigating what really led to a crash. A skilled Port St. Lucie Personal Injury Lawyer can uncover the full story, determine liability, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Are you recovering from a Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce, Stuart, or Vero Beach injury? If you’ve been injured in a Florida car accident, don’t assume it’s a simple case. Talk to the attorneys at Leifer & Ramirez. Call 561-660-9421 to hold all responsible parties accountable.
