Distracted Driving Car Accidents
Distracted driving is one of the most dangerous – and most common – driving mistakes someone can make. These days when every driver has a smartphone loaded with social media, news and entertainment apps, distracted driving has climbed to the top of the list of car accident causes, along with speeding, drinking and driving, following too close, and unsafe lane changes. Victims of distracted driving car accidents are often seriously injured, requiring intensive and long-term medical care and a high level of compensation to deal with the many ways the injury has impacted their lives.
Proving that another driver caused an accident through distracted driving can be difficult, and legal assistance is needed to build a strong case that serves as the basis for negotiating an adequate settlement or going to court if needed. The law firm of Chadwick & Chadwick provides decades of experience resolving personal injury claims in and out of court combined with a commitment to giving each client personal attention and a high level of service. If you or a family member has been hurt in a crash with a distracted driver in Florida, call our office for a free consultation. Based in Tampa, we help people statewide who have been injured by the negligence of another get the care and compensation they need and deserve.
Distracted Driving Comes in Many Forms
Many different types of behaviors fall under the heading of distracted driving. Safety researchers generally classify these behaviors by the type of distraction involved. The three main types of driving distractions are visual, manual, and cognitive distractions.
Visual distractions occur when drivers take their eyes off the road. Examples include:
- Looking at a GPS device or map
- Observing an event outside the car, such as an accident
- Reading a text or watching a video on the phone, even just for a few seconds
These distractions can lead to a lack of awareness of road conditions, traffic signals, and the behavior of other vehicles, increasing the risk of accidents.
Manual distractions involve the driver taking one or both hands off the wheel. Common instances are:
- Eating or drinking
- Adjusting the car’s controls, like the air conditioning or radio
- Handling a mobile phone or other devices
- Going through papers on the passenger seat
Such distractions can significantly reduce the driver’s control over the vehicle, making it difficult to maneuver or respond quickly to sudden road changes.
Cognitive distractions refer to when a driver’s mind is not focused on driving. They include:
- Engaging in conversations with passengers or through a hands-free device
- Daydreaming
- Stress or preoccupation with personal issues
These distractions might not seem as apparent but can dangerously impair decision-making and reaction times.
Many of the examples described above and others can involve not just one type of distraction but two or all three at once. These behaviors are the most dangerously distracting and lead to the most serious accidents.
Florida’s Distracted Driving Laws
The Florida legislature has recognized the dangers of distracted driving and enacted specific statutes to address it. Breaking Florida’s distracted driving laws might only lead to a small fine, but when a driver causes a wreck because they were distracted, the fact that they were violating a safety law enacted specifically to prevent such accidents can serve as strong evidence of their liability in an insurance claim or court case.
Florida’s main distracted driving laws are sections 316.305 and 316.306.
The Florida Ban on Texting While Driving Law, found in Florida Statutes 316.305, prohibits the use of wireless communications devices for texting while driving. This law makes texting while driving a primary offense, meaning officers can stop drivers solely for this infraction. Drivers are prohibited from manually typing or entering multiple letters, numbers, symbols, or other text in the device while driving. The law does include some exceptions, such as allowing drivers to use their phones for navigation, to report emergencies or criminal or suspicious activities, or to receive safety alerts.
Florida Statutes 316.306 specifically targets wireless communications in designated school and work zones. In these zones, drivers must use hands-free communication methods. The law is stringently enforced in these areas to protect the safety of children and workers.
Legal Support for Distracted Driving Victims in Tampa and Florida Statewide
At Chadwick & Chadwick, we understand the devastating impact distracted driving accidents can have on individuals and families. If you or a loved one has been affected by such an incident in Tampa or anywhere in Florida, our experienced personal injury attorneys are here to help. We offer personalized legal guidance, aiming to secure the compensation you deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Call 813-264-1500 for a no-cost case evaluation and immediate assistance to get the help you need with the service and support you deserve.
