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What is Considered “Defensive Driving” in Florida?

Defensive driving utilizes safe strategies to avoid potential hazards and predict dangerous situations. These strategies go beyond traffic laws and procedures and help you make good decisions while driving in the moment. Some defensive driving techniques are proactive and others are reactive, but they all work to help you avoid a car crash.

If you are involved in a car wreck, despite your best efforts to avoid it, contact David I. Fuchs, Injury & Accident Lawyer, P.A. He frequently handles cases where the other driver was negligent and the victim is now injured and needs help. Contact us using our online contact form.

1. Stay Alert and Look At Your Surroundings

While driving, you should scan the horizon and always look for upcoming hazards that might cause a crash. That might be another car veering into your lane or construction up ahead. By remaining aware, you can give yourself time to think and maneuver away from danger.

2. Look for Reckless Drivers

Keep an eye out for other drivers on the road who appear to be driving recklessly. That may be indicated by them maneuvering erratically or failing to follow motor vehicle laws. Stay away from drivers who appear to be reckless by following at a greater distance or changing lanes, when possible.

3. Anticipate the Moves of Other Drivers

You should keep an eye on other drivers and anticipate where they will be maneuvering next. If a car fails to use a turn signal to change lanes, anticipate the same in the future. Think ahead to determine how you will handle the situation if they speed up, suddenly stop, or turn in front of you. Be prepared to make a sudden maneuver to avoid their negligent driving.

4. Check Your Blind Spot Frequently

Every motor vehicle has a blind spot. You should use your mirrors to look all the way around your car when backing and changing lanes. To fully check your blind spot, you may need to review your outside camera, if you have one on your vehicle, or turn your head to look out the vehicle’s windows. Do not maneuver into another lane or back up without fully checking to see if anyone is around you.

5. Stay Out of the Blind Spots of Other Drivers

Blind spots are usually at the back corners of vehicles, or even directly behind for large commercial trucks. Avoid driving in those areas to prevent a crash. You cannot rely on other drivers to use appropriate defensive driving techniques and check their own blind spots.

6. Always Use Your Turn Signal

When changing lanes, backing out across lanes, turning your car, or otherwise maneuvering your vehicle, always use turn signals. This tells other drivers where you are going and allows them to stay out of the way. Of course, other negligent drivers do not always acknowledge your warning. If they cause a crash, you should immediately call a personal injury attorney who can handle the situation and help you win money to cover your losses.

7. Yield to Other Drivers Who Look Like They Will Not

Although the rules of the road are clear about right of way, other drivers may not give it to you when it is legally yours. In those situations, avoid a crash by yielding to the other driver even though they are not following traffic laws.

8. Maintain a Safe Distance Between Yourself and Other Drivers

Following behind a vehicle too closely can result in a crash if you don’t have enough time to stop when the vehicle in front of you stops suddenly. You should give yourself at least two seconds between your vehicle and the one in front of you in good weather. In bad weather, such as ice or rain, you should increase that amount of time. Measure the time by finding a fixed object alongside the road and count the seconds between when the rear bumper of the car in front of you passes the object and when your front bumper comes even with it.

9. Don’t Drive While Distracted

Distracted driving is common today with cell phones, radios, passengers, and more causing a distraction for drivers. You should avoid all distractions by focusing on the road at all times and putting everything else on a back burner until you reach your destination. If you need to use your phone, pull over to talk or navigate. Never eat or read in the car, and avoid heated discussions with passengers that can be distracting.

10. Don’t Drink and Drive

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is illegal in Florida, and it should be avoided at all costs. Drunk driving is a primary cause of serious car accidents in Florida. When you drink, you have a delayed reaction time and fail to adhere to the other key defensive driving strategies. Either have a sober driver or call an Uber.

If You’re In a Wreck, Call Attorney David I. Fuchs

When you have an accident, you need to be able to prove that the other driver was negligent and that you deserve compensation. Attorney David I. Fuchs can help you do that with an investigation and by working against the insurance companies that will try to give you little or nothing at all. Use our online contact form today.

Client Testimonials

“…the settlement I received was much higher than anticipated”

Fuchs was my car accident attorney and was very responsive from the first call. I had medical care the next day and the whole process was smooth. They handled everything with the insurance companies and coordinated all of the necessary medical information. It was a long process and in the end the settlement I received was much higher than anticipated I am more than happy and grateful for the outcome.

Sean O.
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“Not only did I get the medical attention I needed but I was compensated handsomely.”

It’s been a long bumpy road to recovery but with David and his office’s help, we finally got it done! Through a great network of professionals, David Fuchs makes a good experience out of what could’ve been quite a headache. Not only did I get the medical attention I needed but I was compensated handsomely. Thank you!

Giovanni G.
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“…they didn’t settle for anything and my boyfriend and I got what we deserved.”

I got in an accident in December 2021 when everyone was short staffed and insurance companies was not responsive. My boyfriend reached out to David F. and what a life changing experience. We had the pleasure of having all our worries handed to professional help. They worked diligently on our case, answered questions when asked and kept us updated on changes. More importantly they didn’t settle for anything and my boyfriend and I got what we deserved. I have dealt with others in the past but David got me the most according to the facts presented and never backed down when the insurance companies tried to make us settle for less. Thank you David, Jessica and the team for all your effort and hard work. I will recommend them to family and friends. [They’re] the best in town!

Sheila N.
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“Best lawyer in Broward County”
Evans P.
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“Mr. Fuchs and his staff were very helpful.”

I highly recommend Law offices of David Fuchs. Mr. Fuchs and his staff were very helpful. The case was handled in a timely manner and I was always informed if there were any changes or updates with my case.

Velouse G.
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“Mr. Fuchs is one of the hardest working attorneys that I know.”

Mr. Fuchs is one of the hardest working attorneys that I know. He is really good at what he does and puts 110% in you case. I have been using him for 19 years now and refer all my friends to him. I can leave him alone with my case and not call him all the time. I know he is working hard in my case. When he has any information he calls me and we go from there. There are not a lot of attorneys I can do that with! If you have any Personal Injuries please do call him. You won’t be disappointed!!

Libby E.
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“I would definitely refer to this firm as the go-to Florida personal injury gurus.”

At first I was afraid…I was petrified! I truly was! But the extensive knowledge, patience and professionalism I received brought me not only such peace and assurance that I was in good hands, but we got through my case like shining stars! David made sure I understood exactly what, when, where, why and [answered] whatever question I had. I would definitely refer to this firm as the go-to Florida personal injury gurus.

Donna M.
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“They have a wonderful team.”

…took care of my well-being [and were] very informative about my situation. [T]hey were on the ball when it came down to settling…I highly recommend David.

Nicholas G.
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“My experience with David Fuchs was awesome.”

I got a really good return… thank you David Fuchs and staff for being so helpful and working so hard to help us, you are appreciated.

Yvette W.
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“This is a great law office.”

The David I Fuchs law office is a group of excellent people that helped to their fullest potential. They treated me with respect and I really appreciate that. This is a great law office.

Jonathan Z.
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“Never did I imagine myself getting into an accident.”

It has been an unexpected journey since stepping foot in Florida. Never did I imagine myself getting into an accident. I just want to thank the staff and all the support. The Therapy the doctors; you guys were awesome and made me feel better in my situation. This the first time I ever experience such a thing but I’m blessed , thankful and behind it all DAVID FUCHS who made it happen for me.

Sade P.
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“They helped tremendously!”

I would totally recommend David to everyone. They’re extremely professional and work in a timely manner. They helped tremendously!

A Boone
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“I highly recommend this man.”

A good man knows, his law 35 years experience. Will get the job done and help you and your family get compensated for you pain and damages. I highly recommend this man. I want to revisit my review and say that Mr. Fuchs always picks up his phone and answer any questions that may pertain to my case. Thank you, David.

N. Hit
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“He was able to settle my case with little to no trouble and did so in a very professional manner.”

David Fuchs was my car accident attorney. He was able to settle my case with little to no trouble and did so in a very professional manner. I would highly recommend him to others.

Samantha D.
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“…all went good and successful. thank you so much for all your help.”

I got into an accident for the first time and I didn’t know what do or how things works, but I was lucky to find a professional and helpful people to guide through this experience.
They did take care of my case all went good and successful thank you so much for all your help.

Karen G.
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“Very professional. Had no problems with communication”
Zuberi L.
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“He was there every time I called and got me a great settlement.”

I was in a car accident and looking for a professional, caring attorney.I was fortunate to find Mr. Fuchs, who helped me through the whole process. He was there every time I called and got me a great settlement.

Joan K.
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“My settlement was fast, fair and professionally handled.”

Had a car accident and needed an advocate to communicate my concerns through my insurance provider. The law office of David Fuchs, was efficient and thorough. My settlement was fast, fair and professionally handled. Would highly recommend giving this office a call if you need legal assistance.

Willie M.
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“A+++++ recommended.”

I want to thank the office of David Fuch’s. A+++++ recommended.

J. Hernandez
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“I could not have asked for a better team by my side.”

They were very helpful. I could not have asked for a better team by my side.

S. Rodriguez
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“They got me my settlement pretty quickly and worked hard on my case for me.”

I was in an accident mid last year and Mr. Fuchs handled my case and his case manager[s] Yessi and Jessica were very informative as to the process. They got me my settlement pretty quickly and worked hard on my case for me. Mr. Fuchs was extremely knowledgeable and informed me of everything that would happen in my case. I will recommend this firm to my family and friends and i will be using their services in future if need be.

Pastor D.
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