Despite many education campaigns, a large number of drivers continue to text and drive and continue to use hand-held devices on the road. This can lead to devastating accidents and injuries.
If you’ve been injured by a distracted driver anywhere in South Florida, call Flaxman Law Group at 866-352-9626 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with a Hollywood distracted driving claims attorney.
How Common Is Distracted Driving?
According to NCSL, at any given moment during the daytime, over 800,000 motorists are driving and using a hand-held device at the same time. And the AAA reports that 35% of teens admit to texting and driving.
These statistics are troubling because studies have shown that texting and driving can impact your reaction times and can take your eyes off the road. You’re simply not fully focused on driving. In fact, the effect of texting and driving is similar to driving after having four beers within an hour. When you glance down at your phone while driving, your car travels the length of a football field if you’re driving 55 mph. Taking your eyes off the road for this long is more than enough to cause an accident.
And there is evidence that even texting hands-free can be trouble. While it may be slightly safer because you can use speech instead of looking at your device, your mind is still distracted. You may even unconsciously glance down at the words on the screen, so you may still be taking your eyes off the road.
What Can I Do If I’m Hit By a Distracted Driver?
Unfortunately, it can be hard to tell whether distraction contributed to your car crash and injuries. Few motorists will admit to doing something reckless just before a crash.
If you have any suspicion that the at-fault driver in your collision was driving recklessly—maybe they were weaving before the crash, for example—it can be useful to speak with a Florida car accident attorney. Your lawyer can work with investigators and car accident reconstruction experts as well as other professionals. It may be possible to secure cell phone data or to get other evidence of distracted driving. Your attorney can thoroughly investigate the crash to get you the answers you need.
An experienced Florida car accident claims lawyer can be an advantage if you’re injured. For example, the team at Flaxman Law Group can take care of all the details, including securing a rental car for you, finding a doctor for you, and getting your car fixed. Best of all, we make sure you don’t have to speak to insurers while we pursue maximum compensation for you. We negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, secure PIP coverage, and pursue a claim, if you’re eligible. We free up your time so you can focus on healing, and we keep you updated about your case. Of course, you stay in the driver’s seat and ultimately the decision to pursue a claim is up to you. Our role is to support you as you pursue financial recovery. If you’re injured, contact us today for a consultation with an experienced and compassionate attorney who can answer your questions.