Importance of Defensive Driving

Drivers should always be vigilant to potential dangers while behind the wheel. Defensive driving practices allow motorists to respond to hazardous conditions and dangerous maneuvers by other drivers encountered on the road. However, sometimes, even despite a driver’s best efforts, another person’s lack of care can lead to serious accidents and related injuries on South Florida highways and other roads. When defensive driving practices are not enough to protect a motorist from another person’s careless actions, the Miami car accidents at the Law Offices of Robert Dixon help victims pursue the legal action necessary to cope with their resulting injuries. Representing residents of Miami, West Palm Beach, and other cities in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties, The team understand the importance of defensive driving. We are dedicated to making sure that people responsible for devastating car accidents are held accountable under the law.

We assist clients both in dealing with insurance companies and claims as well as in personal injury lawsuits against negligent drivers so that victims receive the financial support needed to cover the costs of their recovery. If you or a loved one has been injured in a serious motor vehicle collision, contact our office today to set up a free consultation to see how we can help.

Drivers who take the time to learn and use defensive driving skills reduce their likelihood of being involved in a collision. Additionally, people who take courses to improve their defensive driving abilities are given incentives, such as reduced points on their licenses following a traffic citation. However, the most important reason to learn to drive defensively is maintaining your own safety and the safety of those around you while on the road. Some central defensive driving practices include the following:

• Leaving space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you.
• Paying attention to the road and your surroundings, without being distracted by a phone or another attention-grabbing activity.
• Using turn signals to indicate future maneuvers.
• Looking forward in expectation of any unexpected dangers.
• Maintaining safe speeds, especially in inclement weather.

Unfortunately, not all drivers implement these types of behaviors when operating their vehicles, creating unsafe conditions on the road. When a driver irresponsibly causes a car accident or injures a pedestrian or bicyclist, they can be held liable for those actions in a personal injury case.

Victims who have been hurt by another driver can file personal injury claims, usually based on negligence. Negligence exists when one party, the defendant, breaches their owed duty to another party, the plaintiff, by acting unreasonably. For example, an aggressive driver who is swerving in and out of lanes through traffic at high speeds and strikes another vehicle would be viewed as unreasonable. A victim must also show that the driver’s actions caused their injuries, and damages were incurred as a result. If liability is assigned, victims usually can recover compensation for past and future medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, diminished earning capacity, and pain and suffering damages. When someone’s negligence causes a fatality, the victim’s family members can pursue a wrongful death claim against the responsible party to be compensated for burial or funeral costs, loss of consortium, and other damages associated with such a devastating loss.

Drivers should always stay alert and aware, practicing safe defensive driving maneuvers to prevent harm to themselves and others. However, when collisions are unavoidable due to another motorist’s lack of care, the proper parties should be held accountable. The Miami attorneys at the Law Offices of Robert Dixon recognize the importance of defensive driving. We help car accident victims pursue justice against others responsible for causing their injuries or the death of a loved one. If you need legal assistance following a crash, call 877.499.4878 or contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation with a motor vehicle collision.