Did you know that Florida has entered the top ten rankings in the list of the worst states for distracted driving this year? Moneygeek conducted a study on distracted driving deaths in 2023. They ranked the cases in Florida based on the number of deaths and the rate of fatalities per billion miles driven.
Currently, Florida mandates hands-free phone usage in school and work zones. However, stricter driving regulations seem necessary as drivers engage in activities like FaceTime, video streaming, and GPS use all the time. In the case of being involved in one of the many distracted driving accidents in the city, you'll need the help of a Miami Lakes distracted driving accident attorney, and we'll tell you why.
Distracted driving is an alarmingly growing issue in Florida. With the return of traffic volume to pre-pandemic levels, the rise of distracted driving behaviors such as texting, scrolling on social media, and even answering emails while behind the wheel has significantly increased, leading to alarming consequences.
The Dangers of Distracted Driving
One sad example of the increasing cases of distracted driving accidents, in June 2023, in Tampa, Florida, a tragic incident took the life of a 9-year-old boy. The driver who rear-ended the car he was in came at a staggering 86 miles per hour. The driver has been sentenced to 30 years. According to the evidence, the man downloaded spreadsheets, paid credit card bills, and drove distractedly.
Florida's distracted driving fatality rate is 1.34 deaths per billion miles, with 569 reported distracted causing deaths between 2020 and 2021.
Given these statistics, distracted driving is a practice that many consider harmless but could have fatal consequences. It is terrible to suffer property damage or human losses due to a traffic accident of this type and to have to deal with cumbersome procedures at a time of pain.
Distracted driving accident attorneys know how to deal with these cases and give their clients all the benefits they require in a time of difficulty, using their experience to ensure that distracted driving accident victims are compensated. Suppose you have ever been involved in a car accident in Miami Lakes. In that case, contacting an experienced distracted driving accident lawyer who can guide you through the American judicial system is best.
What is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving is any activity that diverts your attention from driving safely. Drivers must always be focused on the road and alert for other cars on their way. This type of driving includes various actions like talking or texting on your phone, eating and drinking, talking with passengers, adjusting the stereo or entertainment system, and even interacting with navigation devices.
Essentially, anything that draws your focus away from driving is a distraction.
Distracted driving can cause your hands to let go of the steering wheel for a second or your eyes diverted from the road. If your mind is preoccupied with something or you are upset, you also can't focus on driving. Engaging in such behavior is highly risky and jeopardizes the safety of all road users.
Among all distractions, texting while driving is the most concerning, especially in Florida, where new laws have had to be introduced in the last few years to ban texting and driving for good, unfortunately with little or no success. Sending or reading a text message takes your eyes off the road, and if you're traveling fast, the risk of a crash is imminent.
Unexperienced drivers are particularly vulnerable to the risks of distracted driving due to their lack of experience on the road. Moreover, the prevalent use of technology among teens and adults increases the use of smartphones and other devices while behind the wheel. These factors make teen drivers the most at-risk group for distracted driving incidents.
Most Common Driving Distractions
Concerning distractions are those that affect our mind, body, and field of vision. Everyone should be careful not to fall into these errors, which may have terrible consequences. There are many kinds of distractions; these are the most relevant and familiar.
Visual Distraction
Anything that takes your eyes off the road, even briefly, is considered a visual distraction. It's straightforward to get carried away by possible road distractions, such as staring at your cell phone screen trying to answer a text message or looking up and staring at a billboard for a long time.
A driver's gaze must always be focused on the road. If needing to accommodate something in the vehicle or check something on the phone, it is necessary to find a rest area where the car can be stopped without bothering the other people with whom the road is shared.
Cognitive Distraction
Thinking about something other than driving can cause distracted driving accidents. Experienced drivers keep their ideas and problems from affecting their driving ability.
When discussing this type of distraction, we're not saying you should block all your thoughts. However, being too deep in an internal monologue or a negative emotional state can cause significant driving distractions with severe consequences.
Manual Distraction
This is one of the worst types of distraction, as it involves letting go of the wheel for a few moments. The steering wheel allows the driver to stay on the road, and not having a grasp on it at all times while driving can cause distracted driving accidents.
Putting on makeup, combing your hair, trying to answer an email, and looking for something under the seat, among other activities, can distract a driver. In the face of any situation inside the vehicle, finding a safe place to stop and check it is advisable.
What Consequences Could Distract Driving Have?
Distracted driving accidents can happen anytime; the driver's concentration must be total since some carelessness can bring unfortunate consequences such as property losses, injuries, and fatalities. An accident like this can lead to severe injuries, significant financial expenses, and enormous material losses. The guidance of a distracted driving attorney is vital to coping with everything that is involved in a traffic accident.
Distracted driving accidents can cause personal injuries, so seeking medical attention after a car crash is essential. Medical consultations, laboratory tests, hospital stays, x-rays, and other medical services can add up to significant hospital expenses for victims of distracted driving accidents in Miami Lakes, costs that sometimes even private insurance does not fully cover.
In addition, distracted driving accidents always result in material losses, whether the damage to the vehicle is slight or severe. Despite having car insurance, paying a premium before using the service is often necessary. A distracted driving attorney will ensure you receive the compensation you deserve after a traffic accident of this kind.
The consequences of distracted driving accidents are many since being involved in a car accident can have not only physical products but also mental and emotional ones, and in the worst cases, even death. If the victims of distracted driving accidents are fatal, the anguish and expenses increase.
Traffic accidents can cause physical harm and require a long time to recover. This can lead to economic losses for victims who can't work and support their families. If you've been in a distracted driving accident, a lawyer specializing in this can help you. They know how to ensure you can still live a good life after a severe accident.
Wireless Communications While Driving Laws in Florida
Florida implemented a law on July 1, 2019, to address the increase in accidents caused by distracted driving. The law aims to discourage the use of wireless devices, including mobile phones, tablets, and laptops, for texting, emailing, and instant messaging while operating a motor vehicle.
Florida law (Section 316.305) bans drivers from manually typing on a phone or device to text, email, or message while driving. This law allows law enforcement officers to stop vehicles and issue citations to individuals found texting and driving.
The state later made texting and driving a primary offense. This allowed officers to stop and give tickets to people who use their phones while driving.
Although a law prohibits the use of wireless devices, certain individuals are permitted to use them. These individuals include emergency personnel and law enforcement officers. You can also use the machine to navigate, report emergencies or suspicious activity, get safety information, and listen to the radio.
However, many drivers abuse these exceptions. Road safety advocates want stricter driving rules to make the whole state hands-free. They say distracted driving is not just about texting but also includes watching videos, making FaceTime calls, and using social media. Citizens want more vital legislation and enforcement to prevent further tragedies and create safer roads.
What To Do After A Distracted Driving Accident
If you have a car crash in Miami Lakes, stay calm and get medical help. Even if you think you're not seriously hurt, seeing a doctor after a car accident is essential. Some joint injuries may not show up immediately and can be detected later by a specialist. A crash victim may have internal damages that are not visible.
It would be best to inform the local authorities about any traffic accidents so they can investigate them. Get the name, contact details, and insurance information of the person who hit you.
Contacting a distracted driving attorney is recommended if you are in a car accident. This attorney should have experience dealing with similar cases and be able to assist you with their expertise.
Having someone reliable to handle the paperwork and legal matters that arise after a car accident is beneficial. Having someone who can take care of these tasks efficiently and effectively is essential. This person can help navigate the necessary paperwork and ensure that all legal matters are appropriately addressed. This support can alleviate stress and allow the individuals involved in the accident to focus on their recovery.
Contact a Miami Lakes Distracted Driving Accident Attorney
Contacting a distracted driving accident attorney is crucial if you've been involved in an accident caused by a distracted driver. A Miami Lakes lawyer who specializes in distracted driving accidents can handle the legal complexities of this type of case. They assist with evidence, liability assessment, insurance negotiation, and fighting for fair compensation for injuries and damages.
Having a distracted driving accident attorney ensures peace of mind. They work hard to protect your interests and hold the responsible party accountable.
If you need the guidance of an excellent Miami Lakes distracted driving accident attorney, The Ward Law Group is here for you. We have professional attorneys who specialize in handling vehicular accident cases. Our attorneys have an impeccable sense of justice, and you can trust them during this challenging time.
We care for everything so our clients feel at ease, knowing they will always be treated kindly and attentively. We want our clients to feel supported and represented by someone who will protect their rights in legal matters. Call us at 855-DOLOR-55 and receive the best legal advice from car accident attorneys who listen to and respect their clients.