What are the Most Dangerous Roads in Sarasota for Drivers?
Sarasota is known for its dangerous roads, putting motorists at risk for catastrophic injuries. In 2023, Sarasota experienced 6,821 crashes, resulting in 2,821 injury collisions and 56 fatal collisions.
The five most dangerous roads in Sarasota are as follows:
- Fruitville Road
- Beneva Road
- South Tamiami Trail
- Bahia Vista Street
- North Washington Boulevard
In an effort to keep you and your family safe, our Sarasota car accident lawyers discuss the main causes of car accidents in Sarasota and how to prove liability in the event of a crash.
Common Causes of Car Crashes in Sarasota
It is estimated that 43,000 fatal crash crashes occur in the United States annually. With such a popular tourist scene, Sarasota has seen a profound increase in car crashes in recent years.
The main reasons for Sarasota car crashes usually involve a vehicle operator’s negligence, such as:
Driving Under the Influence
Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs has been shown to impair a motorist’s judgment, coordination, and reflexes. In Florida, it is illegal to operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol level (BAC) of 0.08 percent, with drivers under 21 years of age being prohibited from driving with a BAC of 0.02 percent or greater.
Distracted Driving
Each year, 3,300-3,500 people die due to distracted driving. Distracted or inattentive driving comes in many forms, but it may involve a driver changing the radio dial, talking to passengers, or applying make-up. If your vehicle is in motion, your hands should be on the wheel, your eyes should be on the road, and your mind should be on traffic.
Speeding
Everyone is in a hurry to reach their destination, and motorists are no exception. When you speed, your vehicle will take more time to come to a complete stop, giving you less time to react when a split-second decision is required. The data does not lie: It is estimated that speeding contributes to 18.5 percent of fatal crashes, resulting in over 12,000 deaths per year.
Establishing Negligence
Recovering compensation for a car accident requires that you prove that another driver behaved with a lack of care while behind the wheel. This is known as negligence, and it is the cornerstone of most personal injury cases.
To establish negligence, you will need to prove the following:
- Duty of care: Motorists have a duty to follow traffic laws and regulations.
- Breach of duty: You must prove that another driver did not follow traffic regulations (speeding, running a red light, failing to yield right-of-way, etc.).
- Causation: You must show the direct link between the driver’s behavior and your injuries.
- Damages: As a result of the driver’s carelessness, you suffered measurable losses (such as lost income, medical expenses, mental anguish, etc.)
To ensure that you recover the compensation you deserve, you will want an experienced Sarasota car accident lawyer to assist you with your claim.
Speak with our Sarasota Car Accident Lawyers Today
A car accident can impact your future, leaving you unable to meet financial and personal goals. If you have sustained injuries in a motor vehicle collision, our Sarasota car accident lawyers are ready to assist you. To learn more or to schedule your free consultation, contact us by calling (813) 530-1000 or by filling out our online contact form.