Car accidents in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, are terrifying experiences. They can happen to anyone at any time and often result in physical harm, emotional trauma, and financial stress. When you’re navigating the aftermath of a car accident in the area, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and uncertain about the future.
This is where hiring a Fort Walton Beach intersection crash attorney can make all the difference. With more than 60 years of combined experience, we can help ensure you get the compensation you’re entitled to.
Contact Brannon & Brannon Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation if you’re ready to get started. Call our law offices in Fort Walton Beach, Florida at (850) 863-5297 or contact us online.
How Brannon & Brannon Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After an Intersection Accident in Fort Walton Beach, FL
A personal injury lawyer can provide crucial assistance to a car accident victim in Fort Walton Beach, FL. Here are some specific steps our trusted Fort Walton Beach car accident lawyers can take to help you with your case:
- Investigate the Accident: A thorough investigation is key. Our approach involves collecting evidence to help prove your case, which may include police reports, witness testimonies, photographs documenting vehicle damage and injuries, and available video footage.
- Calculating Damages: In order to know how much compensation to seek, you must know what your damages are. Our team can help you calculate all your losses to ensure you get what you’re entitled to.
- Negotiating a Settlement: We can speak with insurance companies on your behalf to try to negotiate an appropriate settlement offer. We’re familiar with their tactics and know how to respond to their attempts to avoid paying out reasonable settlements.
If the at-fault party refuses to negotiate in good faith, we won’t hesitate to file a lawsuit against them and take your case to court. Call our legal team today for more information about how we can help with your case. Your initial consultation is free of charge, with no strings attached.
How Common Are Car Crashes in the State of Florida?
Car accidents are a serious issue across the country, and Florida is no exception. Consider the following accident statistics for the area;
- In 2022, Florida had more than 395,000 car crashes, causing 3,516 fatalities and 251,504 injuries.
- In Okaloosa County, which is where Fort Walton Beach, FL, is located, there were 3,632 car accidents in 2022, resulting in 20 fatalities and nearly 1,500 injuries.
- Intersections account for roughly one-quarter of traffic fatalities and about half of all traffic injuries in the United States each year.
Car accidents lead to a significant number of injuries and deaths each year. Understanding why they happen can help you stay safe.
Overview of Intersection Crashes
Intersection crashes, as the name suggests, are accidents that take place at crossroads. Intersections mark locations where two roadways meet and are controlled by traffic signals, stop signs, or yield signs.
How Do Intersection Crashes in Fort Walton Beach Happen?
These types of accidents occur in different ways. Two of the most common ways these accidents occur include the following:
- Failing to Yield: A common scenario involves a driver failing to yield right-of-way at an intersection. They might ignore a red light or stop sign which then results in their vehicle colliding with another vehicle that was proceeding legally through the intersection.
- Dangerous Left Turns: Dangerous left turns are another primary way that these accidents happen. When a driver tries to turn left across oncoming traffic and does not time it properly, they could cause a serious accident by crashing into one of the oncoming vehicles.
- Distracted Driving: Distracted driving, such as using cell phones, talking to passengers, or even eating while driving, can lead to accidents at intersections. When a driver isn’t paying close enough attention, they’re likely to not leave enough space between them and oncoming traffic, leading to accidents.
- Speeding: Speeding poses another huge risk, often leading to intersection crashes. Whether it’s a driver turning or someone in an oncoming vehicle, speeding makes it so drivers don’t have enough time to react appropriately to other cars or pedestrians. This can easily lead to intersection accidents.
- Driving Under The Influence: Driving after drinking or using drugs can cause crashes at intersections. This happens because being under the influence makes you slow to react, impairs your judgment, and even affects your vision.
Understanding the causes of intersection collisions is necessary for improving safety and preventing future accidents.
Common Injuries That Occur From Intersection Crashes in Fort Walton Beach, Florida
Intersection crashes can lead to a variety of injuries depending on the specifics of the accident. Some common types include:
- Whiplash
- Concussions or Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs}
- Fractures and Broken Bones
- Soft Tissue Injuries
- Internal injuries
- Spinal Cord and Back Injuries
- Nerve Damage
Remember to always seek medical care as soon as possible after an accident, regardless of how you feel. The initial adrenaline from an accident can mask symptoms, so it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Medical evidence may also play a critical role in the success of your claim.
Liability in Intersection Crashes
In intersection crashes, multiple parties could be held liable depending on the circumstances, including the following:
- Another Driver: Often, another driver may be at fault for the accident due to reasons like negligent driving or ignoring traffic rules.
- Employer of a Driver: If an intersection crash involves a commercial vehicle like a delivery truck, the employer of that driver could potentially bear some liability if it can be proven that the responsible party was working at the time of the accident.
- Car or Part Manufacturer: Sometimes, the cause of an accident can be directly attributed to a defective vehicle component, like faulty brakes. In these cases, the manufacturer can be held responsible.
- The Injured Party: In some cases, you may share some of the blame in the accident. In most cases, this won’t preclude you from being able to obtain compensation.
Determining liability often requires legal help, so it’s important to speak with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Fort Walton Beach, FL Intersection Crash Lawyers
As a victim of an intersection crash in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, you have rights and legal remedies. From understanding your injury claim to selecting an experienced intersection crashes lawyer, each step plays a pivotal role in the outcome of your case. Don’t feel pressured to accept a quick settlement; you deserve fair and just compensation.
Let us help you get it. Contact Brannon & Brannon Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Fort Walton Beach intersection crash lawyer.
