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An Auto Accident Lawyer in Miami Helping Victims of Distracted Drivers Recover

In 2020, Florida lost 308 people to distracted driving accidents while throughout all of America, over 2,800 died. In addition, more than 2,750 people were seriously injured in Florida and 400,000 throughout the nation because of these accidents. Of these, 48,537 occurred in Florida alone. Keep in mind that these numbers are likely lower than they would have been if it weren’t for the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, such as fewer daily commuters and fewer tourists. 

As of June 2021, 121 individuals had already succumbed to life-threatening injuries incurred in distracted driving crashes in Florida. Distracted drivers can potentially injure anyone they share the road with, not just other motorists and their passengers. Nationwide, approximately 20 percent of the people who died in crashes involving a distracted driver in 2018 were not in vehicles―they were walking, riding their bikes, or otherwise outside a vehicle. This should be a wake-up call to those who don’t keep their attention on the road.

Floridians led busy lives. Between work, children, leisure, vacation, and everything in between, time never slows down. It’s no wonder people want to make the most of the time they are in their cars by catching up on voicemails, sending texts, grabbing a bite to eat on the way to work, or even taking care of personal hygiene tasks like applying makeup. While society knows why this behavior occurs, it doesn’t make it any more tolerable or acceptable. Texting a client that your going to be late to your meeting or pouring your coffee into a different cup is no excuse for causing someone life-threatening injuries.

Types of Distracted Driving

A distraction is anything that takes your attention away from the act of driving. You might be surprised to learn that there are multiple types of distractions. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there are three different types of distractions that drivers can experience behind the wheel.

These include:

  • Visual: Not focusing your eyes on the road
  • Manual: Removing your hands from the steering wheel or stick shift
  • Cognitive: Thinking about something other than operating the vehicle safely in traffic

Some distractions can involve two or three of these types. For example, if a driver returns a text to someone, they aren’t looking at the road, they don’t have both their hands on the wheel, and they aren’t 100 percent focused on driving. 

Distracted driving can take on other forms as well, such as:

  • Eating or drinking
  • Adjusting music or audio inside the vehicle
  • Programming a GPS or access a map
  • Attending to pets or passengers within the vehicle
  • Reaching for something in the vehicle
  • Dialing or talking on the phone

If you were injured in an accident, your Miami distracted driving car accident lawyer will be examining the circumstances leading up to the crash to determine what happened. If distracted driving is a factor, you could be owed compensation for your injuries.

Distracted Driving and Florida Law

Distracted driving causes such serious problems that it’s addressed within Florida statutes. Suppose a law enforcement officer notices that a driver is texting and driving. In that case, they can stop them and issue a citation. Under Florida laws, drivers aren’t permitted to operate a vehicle while manually entering multiple letters, numbers, or symbols into a device used for wireless communications. This includes writing text messages, emails, or instant messages.

Drivers are also not permitted to use wireless communications devices in a handheld way while driving in school or work zone. It’s illegal for the driver of a motor vehicle to use a wireless communications device in a handheld manner in a designated school crossing, school zone, or active work zone area. An active work zone is defined as one in which construction personnel are present or operating equipment on the road or next to the work zone area.

Anyone who causes an accident because they are distracted can face civil and legal penalties. They can be cited for their misconduct and have to go to court or pay a fine. If they cause serious or deadly injuries, they may face additional legal charges and their resulting penalties. While they should face these types of charges and penalties, it does little to help you recover. However, you do have options.

At the same time, others whom the distracted driver injured can hire a skilled Miami distracted driving car accident attorney to help them understand and exercise their rights. They can help you file a claim and pursue the full and fair compensation you deserve.

Florida’s Injury Accident Statute of Limitations

Anyone who has been injured by a negligent person or party, including victims who were injured by distracted drivers, needs to know that they don’t have the rest of their lives to seek payment for things such as their medical bills or pain and suffering. The clock begins ticking on the day of the accident and only runs for four years. If they haven’t filed a legal injury claim after four years from the date of the accident, they no longer have the right to. This makes contacting a well-versed Miami distracted driving car accident lawyer as soon as possible after an accident imperative. 

Contacting a Miami distracted driving car accident attorney sooner rather than later after an accident can also:

  • Help protect your rights
  • Prevent you from having to speak with the insurance adjuster alone
  • Ensure valuable evidence in your claim is collected and preserved
  • Help you understand your claim and the claims process

Contact a Skilled Miami Distracted Driving Car Accident Lawyer at Iscoe Law Firm Today

Being injured by a distracted driver can significantly change your life, either temporarily or permanently. If you or your loved one is in this predicament, don’t hesitate to reach out to an experienced Miami distracted driving car accident lawyer today. You deserve a fierce advocate on your side and will find one at the Iscoe Law Firm. Reach out today to schedule your no-obligation distracted driver case review. Contact us at 800-800-6500 or online.

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