Peak Travel Hours and Injury Risks
Traveling during high traffic can make you late for appointments, and beyond this inconvenience these high-volume periods also pose a significant risk of accidents and injuries. In Florida, where tourism and local commuting contribute to crowded roadways, peak-hour travel can increase the likelihood of serious collisions.
Whether you want to hold a reckless driver responsible criminally or are interested in accessing financial relief for accident-related expenses, an experienced Clearwater criminal lawyer can advocate for your rights and help you recover from the aftermath of a peak-hour accident.
The Danger of Peak-Hour Travel
Peak travel hours in Florida typically fall between 7:00am-9:00am and 4:00pm-7:00pm, timeframes that align with traditional commute schedules. Additionally, weekends and holiday seasons, particularly in tourist-heavy areas, see a surge in traffic that can lead to dangerous roadway conditions.
- According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, there are over 400,000 traffic crashes statewide per year, with congestion contributing to many of these incidents.
- Studies show that rear-end collisions, sideswipes, and intersection accidents are more common during rush hour due to frequent stop-and-go movement and driver impatience.
- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that the odds of a crash increase significantly when drivers are distracted or fatigued, factors that often coincide with heavy traffic times.
It’s important to recognize that when a driver violates traffic laws during peak travel hours and causes an accident, they can be held legally accountable.
Some of the most common violations that contribute to rush-hour collisions include aggressive driving and running stop signs. This is because impatient drivers may travel at high speeds and rushed drivers may ignore traffic signals, behaviors that put others at risk. Additionally, drivers who are so used to their commutes that they feel they can use a phone, eat, or adjust in-car systems while navigating heavy traffic are interacting with an array of dangerous distractions.
Criminal and Civil Consequences
Traffic violations can result in criminal penalties, including fines, license suspension, and even jail time, depending on the severity of the offense. This could be the case if a person was driving recklessly or operating a vehicle under the influence, especially if the intoxicated driver causes harm.
Beyond criminal charges, an injured victim can pursue financial compensation through a personal injury claim. This could be an attractive path if an injured party is juggling medical expenses and lost wages due to time away from work. Pain and suffering compensation for physical and emotional distress could be in reach in some circumstances as well.
When another driver fails to drive responsibly during busy times of day, taking action quickly is crucial. Seeking medical attention, documenting the accident, and consulting with a Clearwater criminal lawyer is key to protecting your rights.
Will the recovery amount you’ve been offered be enough to cover all of the accident-related expenses you’ve incurred? When a driver’s negligence leads to injury, victims have both criminal and civil options to seek justice. Talk to the legal team at King Law Group to learn more. Schedule your confidential consultation today.
