In a world that seems to require people to multitask during every second of the day, it is no wonder that drivers are often engaged in activities other than driving. Whether they are using cell phones or engaged in other activities, distracted drivers likely have a higher risk of causing accidents than those who are paying attention. The services of a St. Petersburg distracted driving accident lawyer may be useful to you if you suffer injuries in a crash that a distracted driver has caused.
Ben Crump Law, PLLC takes personal injury cases, including those that stem from distracted driving accidents on a contingency fee basis. As a result, you will not have to worry about paying any money upfront for us to pursue your claim. You only pay our fees when you receive your settlement or damages award. Call our offices at (844) 730-0233 for more information about the legal assistance that we can offer you.
Distracted Driving Causes Accidents
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 2,800 people lost their lives in fatal accidents involving distracted driving nationwide in 2018. In Florida alone in 2019, Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) reported over 271 fatal crashes, almost 3,000 crashes resulting in serious bodily injuries, and over 56,000 total crashes, all attributable to distracted driving.
Distracted driving can take multiple forms. While the increased frequency of cell phone usage among drivers has highlighted the risks of texting while driving, distracted driving can occur whenever drivers are not primarily focused on driving. In other words, they are engaged in and focused on activities other than driving.
For instance, drivers do not just use cell phones to send and receive text messages. Talking on a handheld phone, using its GPS function, searching for a website, or posting on social media platforms all can lead to driver distraction, as well. Drivers also may use cell phones to watch videos and movies, create and post videos of themselves, and to take pictures while driving. All these activities can lead to distracted driving.
In some cases, the distraction of drivers has nothing to do with cell phone usage. Drivers may be distracted by noise or conversation with others riding in the vehicle, eating and drinking, or fixing hair and makeup. Any of these activities can cause sufficient distraction for drivers to take their eyes from the road, experience delayed reaction times, and cause accidents that harm others.
For a free legal consultation with a distracted driving accidents lawyer serving St.Petersburg, call (844) 730-0233
Texting and Driving is Illegal in Florida
In recognition of the fact that texting and driving leads to a heightened risk of accidents, Florida has enacted a newly updated ban on texting and driving. Florida Statutes § 316.305 prohibits drivers from using wireless communication devices for all types of nonverbal interpersonal communications, including texting, emailing, and instant messaging.
Drivers of commercial vehicles such as buses and trucks are subject to fines for texting while driving, as well as possibly losing their commercial drivers’ licenses. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has strict rules on the use of handheld devices while driving commercial motor vehicles.
Although a driver receiving a traffic citation or a fine for texting and driving does not instantly make that person liable in a civil suit, it can provide evidence that the driver was distracted at the time of the accident. Other evidence, including driver cell phone records, can be instrumental in proving liability in a claim stemming from a distracted driving accident. A St. Petersburg distracted driving accident lawyer can assist you in gathering evidence to support your personal injury claim.
St.Petersburg Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer Near Me (844) 730-0233
Compensation in Distracted Driving Claims
The types and amounts of compensation available in a distracted driving claim can vary considerably from case to case. Compensation depends to a large degree on the nature and extent of your injuries and other losses that you have suffered.
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Medical Expenses
Any medical expenses related to the injuries that you suffered in the accident are eligible for compensation in a resulting legal claim. These bills can include everything from ambulance expenses to surgical bills to the costs of rehabilitation.
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Lost Wages
If you are unable to work for some period due to your injuries, you might be eligible to seek damages for your lost wages. Furthermore, if your injuries cause you a permanent disability or make you unable to return to work, you also may qualify to seek compensation related to your loss of future income and earning capacity.
Noneconomic Damages
Some forms of compensation are noneconomic, which can make them difficult to value. These damages include compensation for pain and suffering and emotional trauma from being involved in a severe accident.
Deadlines for Pursuing Distracted Driving Accident Claims
All legal claims and lawsuits are subject to deadlines or statutes of limitations, which differ by state law. Injury victims who want to pursue claims that arise from distracted driving accidents must file their claims within this statutory period. Under Florida Statutes § 95.11, injured parties generally have four years from the date of their accidents to file their claims.
Contact Our Office Now for More Information About Your Legal Rights
When you or a loved one suffers injuries in a car accident that a distracted driver caused, you may be unsure of your rights. You may be eligible to file a claim for compensation against the responsible parties. You may be able to recoup some of your losses that have arisen from your accident, including medical expenses, lost wages, and more. You have the option to pursue fair compensation with the assistance of a St. Petersburg distracted driving accident lawyer.
Ben Crump Law, PLLC offers legal assistance for victims of distracted driving accidents in seeking compensation from the responsible parties. Call (844) 730-0233 to get more information about your legal rights to compensation.
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