Florida Distracted Driving Accident Attorneys

Getting in the car and heading to work, going to your local grocery store, the Town Center in Weston, or   Pembroke Gardens in Pembroke Pines, is something thousands of South Florida residents do automatically every day. Unfortunately, many of these drivers are distracted, making the road a more dangerous place to be. The distracted driving attorneys at Cecere Santana have the skills and experience to ensure you get the settlement you deserve if another driver’s negligence caused your car accident injuries.

What is Distracted Driving?

Although texting while driving has received media spotlight as a significant cause of distracted driving, several other behaviors also fall under this category. Distracted driving encompasses any activities that take a driver’s attention away from the road. There are three primary types of distracted driving.

• • Cognitive – Taking your mind off driving
  • Manual – Taking your hands off the wheel
  • Visual – Taking your eyes off the road

Texting encompasses all three types of distraction. Other behaviors that cause dangerous distractions when behind the wheel include:

• • Eating
  • Interacting with passengers in the car
  • Watching an event outside the vehicle
  • Putting on makeup/personal grooming
  • Adjusting the radio, climate controls, or navigation system
  • Unsecured pets
  • Daydreaming

The Implications of Distracted Driving Accidents

There were nearly 2,900 fatalities and over 400,000 injuries due to distracted driving in 2018. The severity of distracted driving accidents increases with travel speed. Driver perception distance is the distance a car travels from when a driver sees the hazard until the brain recognizes it. Reaction distance is the space a vehicle will travel from when the threat is noticed until the driver hits the brakes.

For example, the perception distance for a car traveling 50 mph is 55 feet. The reaction distance is 55 feet, and the braking distance, which is the amount of space needed for the vehicle to come to a complete stop, is 158 feet. As a result, the total length required for a car to stop when the driver is focused on the road is 268 feet. That distance increases when the driver’s focus has wandered from the road.

How to Prove Distracted Driving Caused a Crash

If you were injured in a Florida car accident, you might suspect the other driver was distracted. However, for a successful claim, you must prove this is the case. Fortunately, there are several signs that indicate you were hit as a result of a distracted driver.

Look for indications of distracted driving at the scene of the crash, if you can. Take note of whether the driver’s cell phone is active; there are open food containers, makeup, or any sign that they were engaged in activities other than driving.

Why Work With a Distracted Driving Accident Attorney?

A distracted driving car accident lawyer from Cecere Santana works with experts to thoroughly examine the crash site and the moments leading up to the accident. The investigation may include:

• • A subpoena for cell phone records
  • Digging into social media activity
  • Reviewing email messaging, web browsing, and other electronic trails
  • Getting a copy of the police report
  • Engaging an accident reconstructionist

Witness testimony can be an invaluable part of the investigation. Your passengers, occupants of other vehicles, pedestrians, and passersby may see something that can help pinpoint the cause of your auto accident.

Car Accident Attorneys Who Can Help You Win Your Case

If a negligent driver caused a crash that caused injuries to you or a loved one, an experienced, distracted driving lawyer at Cecere Santana in Florida can help you receive fair compensation from the responsible parties. Our attorneys in Fort Lauderdale and Coral Gables understand that your life has been upended. We have the skills and experience to obtain a settlement that can help recover medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and suffering, and additional costs related to your accident. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. We can meet with you at the hospital, home, or work.

Visit Our Law Offices In:

• Plantation, FL
  Serving the Fort Lauderdale area and the surrounding communities in Broward County.
• Coral Gables, FL
  Providing all of Miami-Dade county with comprehensive legal services.

Featured Image: Shutterstock / Jinga

South Florida Injury Attorneys Blog – Automobile Accident