The ability to drive a car has become a necessity for nearly everyone in society today, so unsurprising car accidents in Florida are a common occurrence. We often assume that it is a driver driving recklessly, which causes an accident; however, the biggest cause of all vehicle accidents is simply a driver momentarily diverting their attention from the road. This can be called distracted driving.
Distracted driving quite simply means anything, which makes driving itself a secondary task. As cars and technology become more advanced, the number of things that can distract a driver also increases, which consequently results in a rise in vehicle accidents caused by distracted driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found an 8.8% increase in distracted driving accidents in 2015, up from 2014.
If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident caused by a distracted driver, you may be eligible to claim compensation. The Law Place law has skilled Sarasota personal injury lawyers to help you. Our team of attorneys has accumulated a wealth of knowledge in dealing with cases just like yours, so you know that you will be in the most capable hands in Florida. Phone or contact us today on (941) 444-4444 to schedule a free consultation. We can help you win the compensation in which you deserve.
What Is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving occurs when a driver diverts their attention away from their main task of driving. Some of the most common examples of distracted driving include:
- Texting while driving.
- Eating or drinking.
- Using a cell phone.
- Reading, such as a map.
- Talking to fellow passengers in the vehicle.
- Using a GPS or other navigation systems.
Accidents caused by drivers failing to pay enough attention to the road are definitely not a new phenomenon, but it is one that is growing dramatically. Distracted drivers are paying more and more attention to new technological devices. Cell phones are continually being incredibly problematic as the use of a cell phone is the most dangerous form of driver distraction. This is because texting while driving, for example, demands the manual, physical, and cognitive attention of a driver all at the same time, making them much more susceptible to a driving accident.
You or someone you know may have been the innocent victim of a distracted driving accident, leaving you with serious injuries that may be incredibly detrimental to your everyday lives. This is unsurprising considering that the NHTSA published the statistics to suggest that distracted drivers using a cell phone are likely to create the risk of causing an accident 23 times worse than another driver who is not distracted. You should not have to suffer because another driver was not paying their full attention to the road. Phone a Sarasota car accident lawyer at The Law Place in Florida today to schedule a free case evaluation in a step to receive the justice that you deserve.
Florida’s New Texting While Driving Law
In 2020, texting on cell phones while driving was made a primary offense in Florida, according to Florida International University (FIU). Up until this point, a person charged with using their phone while driving was classified as a secondary offense. This meant that it was very difficult for Florida law enforcement to take adequate action on distracted drivers in the past.
However, as the state of Florida has now made texting on a cell phone while driving a primary offense, it is in the power of officers to issue a fine to any distracted they driver they may come across.
Under the new Florida law, it is important to notice that it still allows a driver to use their cell phone to read urgent messages and make calls, with an exception being by schools and in construction zones. Nevertheless, this new law on distracted driving can help you if you have been the victim of an accident caused by a driver failing to pay attention as it has been made easier to prove a driver’s negligence. Our law firm in Sarasota, FL. has a personal injury lawyer for you to guide you through the legal process and help you make a claim for compensation. You can call us today for a free consultation.
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How to Avoid a Distracted Driving Accident
The most unsettling thing about distracted driving accidents is just how preventable they could have been. It is commonly assumed that we can cope with distractions while driving, but the statistics show otherwise. Approximately 18% of people injured in car accidents were injured as a result of a driver distraction crash, and in 2014, 16% of all car crashes were reported by police to be caused by a distracted driver, according to the NHTSA. These crashes can easily be preventable, some of the ways you can prevent being involved in an accident are:
- Make sure you have eaten or drunk something before you get behind the wheel, or if you feel the need to do so while driving, make sure to pull over somewhere safe and pull the car to a stop. This comes down to being organized and prepared.
- Set up your GPS and anything else you will require in the car before you start driving. For example, turn on the AC and set the radio before you begin.
- The best thing to do about your cellphone is to just not use it all while driving. It is even better to put it on silent or turn it off. If you are in such a need to use it, try and pull over and stop the vehicle somewhere safe.
The most important thing to remember is that if you feel yourself getting distracted, to pull over safely and stop the vehicle. By doing this, you are ensuring the safety of all your passengers and other road users. Too many lives are lost, and injuries caused by accidents as a result of drivers not paying enough attention. This is not fair, and in Sarasota, we are here for you.
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Talk to a Sarasota Lawyer
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries as a result of an accident caused by a driver not paying attention, you may have been faced with an immense amount of losses and require representation. These losses include medical bills, loss of wages, future medical expenses, and loss of future employment.
With over 75 years of combined experience, you can trust that a car accident lawyer at The Law Place in Sarasota will help you through the legal process and win you the compensation you need to help cancel these losses. You do not have to suffer alone through this. No amount of money will ever take away the pain or suffering felt but being able to hold a party liable for your injuries can earn you the justice you need.
Our attorneys in Sarasota are happy to answer any inquiries you may have in a free case consultation. Our practice areas include Sarasota and the rest of Florida. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week in Sarasota. Contact us today for a free consultation on (941) 444-4444.
