Winters in Fort Myers are notoriously mild. Car accidents caused by winter road and weather conditions can still happen, so drivers should use extra caution during inclement weather. Common reasons accidents happen at this time of year include crowded roads due to tourist traffic and seasonal instances of severe weather and storms.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a wintertime car accident, hiring aFort Myers car accident lawyer could be a benefit when processing your claim. A lawyer can define the top causes of winter car accidents in Fort Myers. They can also identify the precise cause of your accident and prove the negligence that entitles you to financial compensation.
Tourist Attractions Increase Foot and Road Traffic in Fort Myers, Florida
Even in a warm climate like Florida, you could face significant driving hazards during the winter months. Fort Myers is home to tourist attractions like the beach, museums, outlet malls, theaters, and historic sites.
The state’s mild winters attract lots of visitors from colder climates. The corresponding increase in drivers and pedestrians means an increased risk of accidents. Tourist traffic, though, is only one cause of winter car accidents.
In addition, visiting drivers may be unfamiliar with local traffic patterns, intersections, or signage. Their reliance on GPS apps can lead to sudden stops, erratic lane changes, or missed turns, all of which raise the likelihood of a crash.
Seasonal residents may also operate unfamiliar rental vehicles, which adds another layer of unpredictability on Fort Myers roads.
Winter Weather Can Negatively Impact Road Conditions
Winters in Florida can include sudden storms, torrential downpours, and, in rare cases, hurricanes. A mix of rainy weather and slick roads can compromise drivability in more than one way. It can keep tires from gripping the road, decrease visibility, and cause a loss of control of your vehicle.
These weather conditions also reduce the effectiveness of vehicle safety systems such as anti-lock brakes and lane departure warnings. Pooled water on roadways, fallen branches, and power outages affecting traffic lights further contribute to hazardous driving conditions.
Although Florida doesn’t experience snow or black ice, hydroplaning remains a frequent hazard during the winter months. This is especially true in areas prone to poor drainage or sudden flooding after heavy rainfall.
Driver Error Can Increase the Likelihood of Winter Car Crashes
Driver negligence can contribute to car crashes in the winter, including instances of speeding and reckless driving. Fog, smog, and bright sunlight can decrease visibility and increase the number of collisions.
A Fort Myers car accident lawyer can build a case file that proves the elements of negligence—duty, breach, causation, and damages—that open the door to a personal injury insurance claim or lawsuit.
Increased stress from holiday-related travel can also contribute to driver impatience and aggression, resulting in unsafe lane changes, tailgating, or distracted driving. Additionally, impaired driving spikes during the holiday season, leading to a higher number of alcohol-related collisions.
Fatigued driving is another significant risk, particularly when individuals travel long distances to visit family or return from events late at night. Studies show that drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence.
Vehicle Maintenance Neglect in Colder Months
Another overlooked cause of winter accidents is poor vehicle maintenance. Tourists and locals alike may neglect tire replacement, brake checks, or windshield wiper upkeep before seasonal travel. Poorly maintained vehicles are more likely to malfunction in sudden weather changes, especially in traffic-heavy areas like US-41 or Colonial Boulevard.
Foggy mornings and early sunsets during winter months also highlight the importance of functioning headlights and taillights. Burned-out bulbs can limit visibility and increase the risk of rear-end or intersection collisions.
Battery performance can also drop in colder conditions, making it harder to start your car or increasing the risk of electrical issues while driving. Regular checks can prevent breakdowns that may lead to dangerous situations on busy roads.
How Fort Myers Personal Injury Lawyers Handle a Winter Car Accident Claim
When you have alawyer (versus representing yourself), they can handle all the details of your claim, including paperwork, correspondence, and evidence requests. While you focus on getting better, your lawyer can deal with the insurance company and negotiate the best possible settlement on your behalf.
A Lawyer Can Interpret the Statute of Limitations
Your attorney can accurately interpret and comply with the statute of limitations defined inFlorida Statutes § 95.11. They can also accurately assess your recoverable damages.
Missing this legal deadline could prevent you from pursuing the compensation you deserve. That is why early legal consultation is critical.
Common Injuries in Winter Car Accidents
Due to the nature of wet roads and lower visibility, rear-end collisions and side-impact crashes are frequent during Florida’s winter months. These types of crashes often lead to injuries such as:
- Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
- Fractured or broken bones
- Concussions or traumatic brain injuries
- Cuts, bruises, and lacerations
- Spinal injuries and herniated discs
Prompt medical evaluation is essential, even if symptoms appear mild initially. Some injuries, like internal bleeding or brain trauma, can go unnoticed for hours or days.
Economic and Non-Economic Damages You May Recover
Victims of winter crashes may be entitled to compensation for more than just medical bills. Potential damages include:
- Lost wages and loss of earning potential
- Future medical care or rehabilitation
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress or mental anguish
Calculating these damages accurately requires the insight of a seasoned injury attorney who can consult financial experts and medical professionals.
Choose a Legal Team That Delivers Proven Results
At the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato, we understand how challenging wintertime accidents can be, primarily when caused by someone else’s negligence. With more than 20 years of experience, we have secured numerous multimillion-dollar settlements for injury victims in South Florida.
Proven results include:
- $3.85 million truck accident settlement
- $5.25 million rollover accident settlement
- $2 million pedestrian accident recovery
We thoroughly investigate every case, challenge liability issues, and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we secure a win.
Get a No-Cost, No-Obligation Review of Your Winter Car Accident
When you or a loved one pursues damages for an accident, our car accident lawyers will advocate for your financial recovery. Contact our consultation team at the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato about your options for compensation after an accident caused by one of the top causes of winter car accidents in Fort Myers.Call 844-643-7200 today to schedule your free consultation. To reach one of our client-focused team members today.