Unfortunately, Florida leads the nation in car accident drowning deaths
If you are ever involved in a vehicle accident that exposes you to water, you should remain calm and try to exit your automobile as quickly as possible. Having an object in your vehicle that can break a window as it is taking on water may be a good idea.
Additionally, in some cases, people have been able to roll down their windows electronically, as electrical systems continued to function.
According to the Orlando Sentinel, Florida’s car crash drowning rate is higher than any other state in the country by a wide margin. The paper reported that from 2008 to 2012, 49 people drowned inside vehicles in Florida. The next closest state was Texas with 18 deaths, followed by Indiana with 14 and Louisiana and Arizona with 10 each.
However, as the Sentinel noted, the numbers may be much higher. A study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration from 2004 to 2007 found that car accident drowning deaths in Florida averaged about 57 per year.
The NHTSA study reviewed death certificate records and uncovered hundreds of vehicle drowning cases that law enforcement agencies did not consider, according to the Sentinel.
The paper reported that Palm Beach County had more vehicle drowning cases than any other county, followed by Broward and Miami-Dade counties.
Experts said the drowning cases might be attributed to the number of roadways that feature water frontage, as well as the number of roadside canals in the state.
What Should I Do If My Loved One Drowns Following a Car Accident?
Remember, negligent drivers cause many vehicle accidents. Recently, a University of Central Florida student died inside his car after he was struck by a drunk driver and crashed into a canal.
If your loved one is killed in a car accident involving a reckless driver, you can hold him or her liable via a wrongful death lawsuit. Through a lawsuit, you can obtain damages for pain and suffering, as well as lost income.
Contact our office today for more information.
Source: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-cars-crash-into-lakes-20141108-story.html#page=1