The Risks of Driving With Poor Visibility
Besides heralding the beginning of the holiday season, the end of Daylight Saving Time also means that our days are growing shorter and shorter. As a result, many of us find ourselves driving much more often in the dark than we do in the summer months. Unfortunately, motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists are much more at risk of sustaining a motor vehicle accident-related injury in these conditions, as the lack of light makes it much more difficult to avoid hazards on the road.
Although Florida is a no-fault insurance state, it is possible to recover damages for serious injuries, so if you were recently hurt in a car accident that took place at night or in the early hours of the morning, it is important to speak with an experienced Fort Lauderdale auto accident lawyer who can walk you through your legal options.
How Often Do Car Accidents Occur at Night?
Although we all know that driving at night tends to be more difficult than driving during the daylight hours, few realize how much of a role poor visibility plays in many car accidents. In fact, experts estimate that the fatality rate per mile for those who travel at night in the U.S. is three times higher than during the day. This is due to a number of different factors, including the fact that motorists who drive at night are more likely to be fatigued or intoxicated. However, the higher risk of collision can also be attributed to the dangers of a lack of visibility, which can make it difficult to:
- Identify roadway obstacles and hazards;
- React to other drivers; and
- Perceive and judge distance.
Although headlights may make it easier to see at night, they do not eliminate the dangers of driving in the dark, as visibility is limited to around 500 feet when driving with high beams and only 250 feet when driving with normal headlights.
Recovering for Your Injuries
Car accidents that take place at night tend to have especially devastating consequences for those involved, as they often occur at high speeds and so result in particularly severe injuries. Fortunately, those who are injured in accidents through no fault of their own could be entitled to damages to compensate them for their losses as long as the injured parties can prove that those injuries qualify as serious. Damages awards could include everything from compensation for medical bills and vehicle damage to pain and suffering and lost wages, so if you were injured in a collision with a negligent driver, it is critical to retain an experienced attorney who will give you the best possible chance of filing a successful claim.
Call Our Office for Help with Your Case
If you were injured in an accident that took place at night, please contact Boone & Davis online or call us at 954-566-9919 to have your case reviewed by a dedicated car accident lawyer. There is no charge for initial consultations, so please don’t hesitate to call or contact us online to set up a meeting at your earliest convenience.
Resource:
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2564438/
https://www.booneanddavislaw.com/the-implications-of-floridas-new-autonomous-car-law/
