Tampa Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer
When you are behind the wheel of a vehicle, you need to be at full attention. You should not be engaging in activities that distract you from driving. When you do, this is called distracted driving. When people think of distracted driving, they tend to think of texting or using their cell phone. While this is a common form of distracted driving, it’s not the only one. However, texting is the most dangerous one because it involves all three types of distracted driving: visual, manual, and cognitive.
If you have been injured by a distracted driver, seek legal help from the Tampa distracted driving accident lawyers at Anderson & Anderson. We can help you get compensation for your damages.
Types of Distracted Driving
There are three main types of distracted driving:
- Visual. This refers to taking your eyes off the road. This is what most people think of when they think of distracted driving. Besides texting, visual distractions may include changing the radio station, looking at a GPS navigation system, and looking at objects on the side of the road. Visual distractions are particularly dangerous because they keep a driver from assessing their surroundings for potential hazards, which can cause them to get into an accident.
- Manual. Manual distractions take one or both hands off the steering wheel. These distractions include eating, drinking, helping a child, or dealing with a pet. These distractions make the driver unable to steer their vehicle, which can cause them to crash into a vehicle or other object.
- Cognitive. These distractions take your mind off the task of driving. They are dangerous because they can cause you to lose mental focus and make you unable to fully process hazards that could occur. Cognitive distractions may include talking on the phone (even when using a hands-free calling device), daydreaming, thinking about something you need to do, listening to the radio, and talking to passengers.
What is the Wireless Communications While Driving Law?
Florida has two distracted driving laws in place:
- Florida Statutes Section 316.305: This law allows law enforcement officials to issue citations to motorists who are texting and driving. Under the law, a person may not operate a motor vehicle while emailing, texting, or instant messaging.
- Florida Statutes Section 316.306: Under this law, wireless communications devices are prohibited in a school or active work zone. An active work zone is one in which construction personnel are present or operating equipment in the area.
Suing a Distracted Driver for a Florida Car Accident
When another driver is careless, they may not have suffered for it like you did. Maybe they were happily texting away on their phones when they struck you, hitting your side of the car and paralyzing you. Worse, they may try to claim they didn’t cause your devastating car accident.
Suing a distracted driver for a Florida car accident may not be easy, but you do have a chance. Reach out to the lawyers at Anderson & Anderson to get answers.
Who’s Liable for a Distracted Driving Accident?
After a Tampa distracted driver harms you, it can be tough to recover compensation. You may be unsure where to turn for compensation, for example. Typically, the at-fault party is the person who caused the accident. In your case, the at-fault driver may have been texting and driving, and your car accident wouldn’t have happened if they had been more careful.
But your claim isn’t always simple. For example, you may have been struck by a delivery driver or a taxi driver. If they injured you while on the clock, their employer may be responsible for their careless actions. They made the choice to hire them, and so they’re responsible for them while they’re at work.
Compensation Due for Distracted Driving Accidents
Unfortunately, many Florida car accident victims have a hard time getting fairly compensated for their losses caused by the accident, also called damages. For example, you may know you’re due compensation for your car. But what about the intangible losses you’ve suffered because of your injuries, like physical pain?
Here’s the good news—your Tampa car accident lawyer has the right tools to get you compensated. Talk to a car accident lawyer if a distracted driver caused any of the following damages for you:
- Pain and suffering
- Medical bills
- Emotional distress
- Lost wages
- Property damage
Contact Our Tampa Distracted Driving Accident Lawyers Today
Distracted driving is a serious issue that can lead to fatal car accidents. Drivers need to keep their hands on the wheel, their eyes on the road, and their mind on the task of driving.
Thousands of people are killed by distracted driving every year. Many more are injured. If you or your loved one was a victim, seek legal help from the Tampa distracted driving accident lawyers at Anderson & Anderson. We can help you seek justice and compensation for your injuries. To schedule a free consultation, call 813-251-0072 or fill out the online form.
