Living in Lakeland, Florida
Lakeland gets its name from the nearly 40 lakes in and around the city. This beautiful Polk County community between Tampa and Orlando has more than 120,000 people. Not only is Lakeland filled with scenic areas, but it’s also a hub of shops, pubs, restaurants and more amenities. Lakeland is also home to Florida Southern College, Southeastern University, Florida Polytechnic University and a campus of Polk State College.
Unfortunately, Lakeland isn’t immune to car accidents, nor is the rest of Polk County. There were more than 13,000 vehicle accidents in the county in 2022. These accidents led to 9,524 injuries and, tragically, 131 deaths.
Historically, there have been certain traffic hotspots in Lakeland that were prone to accidents. For instance, the intersection of U.S. 98 North and Griffin Road is hazardous. There were 79 traffic accidents at the intersection in 2015. Other hazardous intersections include Massachusetts Ave. and Memorial Blvd. (45 crashes that year) and South Florida Ave. and West Edgewood Extension (41 collisions).
Common Causes of Lakeland Car Accidents
Car accidents in Lakeland can occur for various reasons, including:
- Distracted driving is a significant cause of car accidents, including texting, talking on the phone, or eating while driving.
- Speeding is another common cause of car accidents, particularly on highways and interstates.
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a severe offense and can have devastating results.
- Aggressive driving, racing, or illegal passing can also result in car accidents that lead to severe injuries and fatalities.
- Car accidents can also result from mechanical failures, such as faulty brakes or tires.
Types of Injuries Associated with Car Accidents
Vehicle collisions can also result in many injuries. These range from minor bruises and cuts to severe injuries requiring ongoing medical treatment. Some of the most common injuries associated with car accidents include:
- Whiplash, a common injury resulting from car accidents, can cause neck pain and stiffness.
- Head injuries include concussions, skull fractures, and traumatic brain injuries.
- Broken bones, such as arms, legs, and ribs.
- Spinal cord injuries can cause partial or complete paralysis.
- Internal injuries include organ damage, internal bleeding, or punctured lungs.
Who’s Liable for My Damages?
Determining liability for a car accident is critical to obtaining compensation for your damages. In most cases, the driver who caused the accident is liable for the damages resulting from the accident. However, other parties may also be liable, such as:
Vehicle Manufacturers
If a mechanical failure caused the accident, the vehicle manufacturer may be liable for damages.
Employers
If the driver who caused the accident was working at the time, their employer could face liability.
Negligent Drivers
When motorists are distracted or impaired and cause a wreck, injury victims can file personal injury lawsuits against those negligent drivers.
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