Bernstein & Maryanoff

Florida Car Accident Lawyers
and Driving Too Fast for the Conditions

Florida is a state where the roads and the overall driving conditions can change drastically in a matter of seconds.  Anyone who has spent any time here understands this reality, and unfortunately many Floridians or those visiting our state have suffered because someone was driving too fast for the conditions and caused an accident.  If this has happened to you or someone you love, contact experienced Florida car accident lawyers as soon as possible.  In the meantime, below is a brief introduction to this driving hazard.

Driving Too Fast for the Conditions Does Not Mean Speeding

Many people wrongly assume that driving too fast for the conditions is the same as exceeding the speed limit.  This is simply not the case, as there is no set standard for what constitutes driving too fast for the conditions facing motorists at any given time.  Many times, someone could be driving too fast for the conditions present even though he or she is moving at a slower rate than the speed limit but still too fast for the situation.  Generally, this violation is one that’s decided by the police based on their subjective judgment and experience.

When Driving Too Fast for the Conditions is Possible

There are many situations where driving too fast for the conditions in Florida is possible.  The most common example involves the common and heavy rainstorms that tend to intrude upon our lives here on a regular basis.  When heavy rain falls, roads can become instantly slippery, cars can face the risk of hydroplaning and visibility is diminished significantly.  Other situations where caution and a slower speed is expected includes situations where traffic is heavy, where pedestrians are present or when an accident has already occurred.

Driving Too Fast for the Conditions is Negligence

Florida’s law of negligence basically uses a reasonable person standard.  This means that if a negligence case is put to a jury, the jury must decide if the defendant acted in a similar manner as a reasonable person would have under similar circumstances.  When someone is driving too fast for the conditions and a reasonable person would have moved at a slower rate, the defendant can be found to be negligent based on that analysis.

If you or someone you love has been harmed in a collision where the driver was moving at a speed that was too high for the conditions, you need to seek the help of Florida car accident lawyers who have been holding negligent motorists accountable for the harm they’ve caused for many years.  Contact Bernstein & Maryanoff today to schedule a free initial consultation.