Tampa Distracted Driver Accident Lawyer
Distracted driving has become so commonplace in Florida that we almost take it for granted. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, however, an average of 9 people die in the United States each day from accidents caused by distracted drivers. Thousands more suffer serious injuries in these crashes, which would never have occurred but-for the responsible driver taking their attention off the road.
The Tampa distracted driving accident lawyer at Anderson & Anderson can represent you and your family if you have been impacted by such a crash. We are a team of dedicated Florida personal injury attorneys with over 35 years experience fighting for accident victims. We are happy to review your accident and advise you of your legal option for seeking compensation for your injuries.
Know the 3 Types of Distracted Driving
Distracted driving refers to anything that diverts a driver’s attention away from the safe operation of their vehicle. Public health officials broadly classify three common types of distractions in drivers:
- Visual Distractions: Anything that diverts the driver’s eyes off the road, such as looking at a computer screen or perhaps another traffic accident.
- Manual Distractions: Anything that takes the driver’s hands off the wheel, such as texting on their smartphone or eating and drinking.
- Cognitive Distractions: Anything that diverts the driver’s mental attention, including daydreaming, talking on the phone, or talking to other passengers in the car.
Not all distracted driving is considered a traffic violation. For example, texting while driving is not illegal in Florida unless it occurs in certain designated areas such as school zones. That said, distracted driving is negligent, and if it leads to an accident, the victims can cite evidence of the driver’s distraction to prove liability in a personal injury lawsuit.
At the same time, Florida is also a “no-fault” state when it comes to four-wheel car accidents. Victims usually need to seek compensation for their medical bills and lost income through their own personal injury protection (PIP) coverage even if a distracted driving was at-fault. A victim can step outside of the no-fault system, however, if they can show they sustained a “serious injury” as defined by Florida law. This includes injuries that resulted in someone’s death.
It is also important to note that many distracted driving accidents involve people other than those traveling in cars. Motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians are often seriously injured or killed by distracted drivers. And many of those accidents do not fall within the no-fault rules applicable to car accidents, so those victims are always free to demand compensation directly from the distracted driver and their insurance company.
Contact Anderson & Anderson Today
Even a split-second of distracted driving can change someone else’s life forever. If you have been seriously injured by a reckless motorist and need legal advice and representation from a qualified Tampa distracted driving accident lawyer, call Anderson & Anderson today at 813-251-0072 or contact us online to schedule an initial consultation.
