Staying Safe on Treasure Coast Roads—And What to Do If You’re Hurt
If you’ve lived on the Treasure Coast for a while, you’ve probably noticed it: our roads are busier than ever. With more people moving in, more traffic, and more distracted drivers, it’s no surprise that accident rates are climbing across Martin, St. Lucie, and Indian River counties.
As a personal injury lawyer who’s handled hundreds of car accident cases, I’ve seen firsthand how one wrong moment on the road can change everything. That’s why I want to share two things in this blog:
How to stay safer while driving here on the Treasure Coast
What to do if you or someone you love gets hurt in a crash
Part 1: How to Stay Safe on the Treasure Coast’s Roads
You can’t control what other drivers do—but you can stack the odds in your favor. Here are some road safety reminders I share with my own family:
Put the phone down.
Texting while driving is one of the top causes of crashes I see. Even a glance at your screen can cost you seconds you don’t have.
Watch out at intersections.
T-bone and rear-end accidents are incredibly common at busy local intersections like US-1 and Prima Vista or Indian Street and Kanner Highway. Don’t rush the yellow. Look both ways, even on a green.
Drive defensively—especially near I-95.
Merging traffic, high speeds, and distracted drivers make I-95 one of the most dangerous roads in Florida. Give space, check blind spots, and keep calm.
Be mindful in school zones and neighborhoods.
With kids walking and biking, local neighborhoods require extra attention. Slow down and avoid distractions.
Keep your car in good condition.
Bald tires, broken taillights, or bad brakes? They’re more than just an inconvenience—they’re a safety risk.
Part 2: What to Do If You’re Hurt in a Car Accident
Even if you do everything right, accidents still happen. If you or someone you love is injured in a crash, here’s what to do next:
Call 911 and get medical help.
Safety first. Make sure everyone is okay and get medical attention—even if the injuries seem “minor.” Some symptoms don’t show up right away.
Document everything.
Take photos of the vehicles, the scene, your injuries, and anything that might help tell the story later. Get the names of witnesses if you can.
Don’t give a statement to insurance companies without legal advice.
This is a big one. Insurance adjusters may seem friendly, but they’re trained to protect the company—not you. Before you say anything, talk to an attorney.
Call a personal injury lawyer—sooner than later.
The earlier I get involved, the better I can protect your rights, your health, and your financial future. I’ll walk you through every step, take on the legal work, and help make sure you don’t get taken advantage of.
Final Thoughts
Driving around the Treasure Coast should feel safe. Unfortunately, accidents happen—and when they do, you need more than advice. You need someone who knows the system and cares enough to walk through it with you.
If you’ve been hurt in a car crash, call me. I’ll listen, answer your questions, and help you move forward—with zero pressure and no upfront cost.
Call Chatenka Injury Law today for a free consultation.
Your recovery is personal to me. Let’s talk.
