The dangers of distracted driving are widely publicized. Reading an incoming text message takes under five seconds, which is the equivalent of traveling the length of a football field at 55 mph.
Distracted driving is a leading cause of car accidents in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Despite these well-known dangers, drivers continue to engage in distracted driving activities. 88% of survey respondents acknowledged that distracted driving is dangerous. However, 57% of them reported using their cell phones while driving.
If you were injured in an accident, you have a right to seek compensation for the injuries you’ve suffered. The Palm Beach Gardens distracted driving accident lawyers at Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Stuart can help explain your rights and explore your options. Contact our law firm today for a free case review at (561) 944-4000.
How Can a Palm Beach Gardens Distracted Driving Accident Attorney Assist Me?
The Palm Beach Gardens distracted driving accident attorneys at Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Stuart have over 40 years of combined legal experience. Our team includes a former insurance defense lawyer and board-certified attorney, which is a distinction reserved for only 2.5% of lawyers in the state. His previous insurance work gives him unique insight into how the other side works.
When you hire our legal team after a collision in Palm Beach Gardens, FL, you can expect us to:
- Investigate the accident, gather evidence, and prove fault against the at-fault parties
- Provide a personalized legal analysis of your accident claim
- Identify all applicable insurance policies and file appropriate insurance claims
- Answer your legal questions and address your concerns
- Negotiate for fair compensation on your behalf
We can aggressively advocate for your best interests every step of the way. Contact our Palm Beach Gardens law office today for your free consultation.
How Common Are Distracted Driving Accidents in Palm Beach Gardens in Florida?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 3,142 people died in car accidents involving distracted driving in 2020. Over 400,000 people were injured in the same year in distracted driving crashes.
Here in the Sunshine State, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reports that more than 56,000 distracted driving accidents occurred in 2021. These crashes resulted in 333 traffic fatalities.
What Is Distracted Driving?
To put it simply, distracted driving is anything that takes your focus away from driving. Distractions can include things that involve the use of your hands or eyes, or they can involve things that distract your mind.
Some forms of distracted driving include doing any of the following while operating a motor vehicle:
- Texting
- Typing a text message or email
- Reading a text message or email
- Applying makeup or grooming
- Eating or drinking
- Adjusting vehicle controls
- Inputting information into GPS controls
- Using phone apps
- Reading literature, a map, or a screen
- Taking selfies or other pictures
- Talking to passengers
- Reaching for fallen objects
- Tending to children or pets
- Daydreaming or fantasizing
Engaging in any other activity while driving can significantly increase the likelihood of causing an accident.
What Is Florida’s Distracted Driving Law?
Florida’s distracted driving law prohibits drivers from manually typing or entering multiple letters, numbers, or symbols into a wireless communication device to text, email, or instant message while operating a motor vehicle. Doing so is considered a primary offense and gives law enforcement the right to stop the driver if they see such action.
What Types of Injuries Do Distracted Driving Accidents Cause?
Distracted driving often causes rear-end accidents. The distracted driver may not be paying attention to the traffic in front of them and may collide with the back of the vehicle in front of them.
Distracted driving accidents may sometimes involve higher speeds because the driver does not notice a potential hazard until immediately before the collision, so they have less time to brake.
For these reasons, common injuries associated with distracted driving accidents include:
- Neck injuries
- Whiplash
- Back injuries
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Head injuries
- Chest injuries
Not all injuries have obvious symptoms. Therefore, it’s important to seek prompt medical attention to ensure your injuries are properly diagnosed.
How Can You Prove That the Other Driver Was Distracted?
You cannot expect the other driver to admit they were texting or otherwise distracted.
Your distracted driving accident lawyer in Palm Beach Gardens can try to obtain evidence, such as:
- Cell phone records
- Witness statements
- Accident reports
- Traffic camera footage
- Receipts near the time of the accident
After proving that the distracted driver was responsible for the accident, we can demand compensation for the damages you suffered.
What Compensation Is Available After a Distracted Driving Accident in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida?
Through a personal injury claim, you may be able to recover compensation for:
- Your medical bills
- Costs of physical therapy
- Property damage
- Loss of wages and employment benefits
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of quality of life
Your lawyer can help you document the full extent of your damages and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Palm Beach Gardens Car Crash Lawyer
If you were injured by a distracted driver, the Palm Beach Gardens distracted driving accident lawyers at Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Stuart want to help. Contact us today for your free consultation.
