Tampa Texting & Driving Accident Lawyer
Smartphones are so intertwined with daily life that many of us just view them as natural extensions of our bodies. We think nothing of texting non-stop with our family and friends throughout the day. This includes while we are driving.
It is therefore no surprise that texting while driving is now a significant causal factor in car accidents throughout Central Florida. Even a few seconds of distraction to send or read a text can lead a driver to hit another vehicle or pedestrian. If you are the unfortunate victim of such a collision, the Tampa texting and driving accident lawyer at Anderson & Anderson is here to help. We represent car accident victims seeking compensation from insurance companies and negligent drivers. And we have a 35-year track record of proven results for our clients.
Florida Laws Surrounding Texting and Driving Are Complicated
It is against the law in Florida for a driver to manually type or read any text messages while operating a moving vehicle. This includes texting while stopped at a traffic light or stop sign. Florida law also forbids other “hands-on” use of smartphones and other wireless communications devices, such as using Internet applications. It is, however, legal to talk to someone on your smartphone as long as the device is in a “hands-free” mode.
Texting while driving without more is a non-moving traffic violation for a first offense, which usually carries a fine of around $30 and no driver’s license points. Subsequent offenses are treated as a moving traffic violation and carry a base fine of $60 plus driver’s license points.
In terms of civil liability, texting while driving can be cited as proof of a driver’s negligence. Indeed, any form of “distracted driving” is negligent. While Florida’s “no-fault” insurance system generally requires a car accident victim to seek compensation through their own policy, where the crash resulted in serious injury or death, the victim or their family can file a personal injury lawsuit against the negligent driver. This means that evidence of texting while driving may be introduced to establish a driver’s legal responsibility for the accident, even if the driver was never cited by the police for a traffic violation.
Unlike a no-fault insurance claim, a personal injury lawsuit may recover the full amount of the victim’s losses arising from the crash, which may include:
- past and future medical bills;
- physical therapy and rehabilitation expenses;
- lost income and diminished future earning capacity;
- the costs of repairing or replacing the victim’s car; and
- non-economic damages to account for the victim’s pain and suffering.
Contact Anderson & Anderson Today
Some drivers refuse to learn their lesson about texting and driving until after they have already caused an accident. By then, it is already too late for the victims. So if you suffered a loss due to a distracted driver’s thoughtless actions, you should speak with a dedicated Tampa texting and driving accident lawyer today. Call Anderson & Anderson today at 813-251-0072 or contact us online to schedule an initial consultation.
