As the north cools down during the winter, Florida experiences a population boom as ‘snowbirds,’ the term used to describe northerners who move to warmer southern states in the winter, migrate to Florida. Due to an increase in traffic flow and the elderly generation of travelers, vehicle accidents increase from November to December more than any other time of year, according to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. While snowbirds aid the local economy, they may also increase the chances of getting into an accident.
Attorney Frank P. Marsalisi of Marsalisi Law has recovered millions in settlements and judgments for countless victims of car accidents in Florida. With dedicated representation, we fight for the monetary compensation you deserve. The aftermath of a car accident during snowbird migration can be overwhelming, especially if you suffered injuries and other losses due to driver negligence. We handle all aspects of your snowbird accident claim so you can focus on recovery.
Car Accident Prevalence During ‘Snowbird’ Migration in Florida
Snowbird season lasts from October through April, increasing the population due to people from northern states spending the winter season in Florida before returning home in the spring. Due to the lack of familiarity with the roads, their age, and the increased road congestion, snowbirds are more likely to increase car accidents.
There are many reasons why elderly drivers are more prone to accidents, including:
- Decreased reflexes: Due to their tendency to drive slower and decreased reflexes, the elderly are more likely to cause a car accident;
- Vision impairments: The elderly commonly suffer from vision issues that affect their ability to drive safely;
- Unsafe lane changes: Often, elderly drivers forget to signal before changing lanes, increasing the risk of an accident;
- Pulling out into traffic: Estimating distances accurately is imperative when pulling out into traffic. Due to the prevalence of vision issues amongst the elderly, they may pull out into traffic unsafely and cause an accident;
- Dementia: Dementia is a common condition that affects an elderly driver’s sense of direction, awareness of where they are going, or how to operate a vehicle behind the wheel;
- Failing to abide by right-of-way: Right-of-way laws are created to protect all drivers on the road. Failing to follow the right-of-way may cause an accident, especially when making left-hand turns.
With over 40% of all licensed drivers ages 55 and older involved in a car accident in 2020, it is imperative to recognize the potential dangers of suffering an accident during snowbird season. At Marsalisi Law, we conduct an extensive investigation into your car accident claim to obtain evidence of negligence that caused your accident. We fight for the present and future losses you deserve and hold the liable driver accountable for the injuries you suffered.
How to Avoid ‘Snowbird’ Migration-Related Accidents in Florida
In 2022, over 300,000 drivers suffered from a car accident, with over 200,000 drivers requiring medical attention for injuries in Florida. While sometimes accidents may be unavoidable due to someone else’s lack of duty of care, there are ways to reduce your risk of an accident during snowbird season, including the following:
- Remain calm and courteous on the road;
- Avoid tailgating or following too close;
- Follow the speed limit;
- Avoid distractions on the road;
- Obey all traffic laws.
To avoid an accident with a snowbird, it is best to take a defensive driving approach. While you may practice model driving habits, others may drive with negligence or carelessness. At Marsalisi Law, we stand by you every step of the way to fight for the monetary compensation you deserve for accident injuries and accident-related damages.
Contact an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer at Marsalisi Law
Unfortunately, car accidents increase during snowbird migration season in Florida. If you have incurred injuries and accident-related losses due to someone else’s negligence, Attorney Frank P. Marsalisi of Marsalisi Law is committed to fighting for the complete compensation you deserve.
Schedule a complimentary consultation by calling (727) 800-5052 or filling out our contact form. We are fluent in English and Spanish. Marsalisi Law is Where Law Gets Personal!
