Palm Beach Gardens Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer
All drivers know about the dangers of distracted driving. Even though looking at your phone just to read a text message takes fewer than five seconds, your vehicle can travel the length of a football field if you are driving at 55 miles per hour. Distracted driving is one of the main causes of car accidents throughout the entire country. Below, our Palm Beach Gardens distracted driving accident lawyer explains the main distractions drivers face, as well as what the law in Florida says about it.
What Constitutes Distracted Driving?
When most people think of distracted driving, they often think of a person texting, emailing, or talking on their phone. These are some of the main types of distractions drivers face but there are others, as well. These include:
- Applying makeup, brushing hair, or otherwise grooming
- Drinking and eating
- Adjusting the controls within the vehicle
- Inputting information into a GPS device
- Reading a screen, map, or literature
- Taking pictures or selfies
- Reaching for objects that have fallen in the vehicle
- Tending to pets or children
- Rowdy passengers
- Loud music
- Daydreaming
Anything that takes a motorist’s eyes or focus from the wheel, or their hands from the wheel, is considered a distraction.
The Law on Distracted Driving in Florida
Like most states, Florida law makes it illegal to manually type or enter multiple numbers, letters, or symbols into a wireless communication device while operating a motor vehicle. When law enforcement sees a driver using a mobile device in such a manner, it is a primary offense and the motorist can be pulled over and issued a ticket for the action. Drivers face fines and points against their driver’s license if they are convicted of the offense.
How to Prove Distracted Driving
If your injuries are severe and exceed the value of your own PIP benefits, you can file a personal injury claim against the distracted driver. Unfortunately, you cannot count on the liable driver to admit that they were distracted at the time of the crash. You must collect strong evidence that can prove your case and this can include:
- Cell phone records, usually obtained through a subpoena
- Accident reports filed by law enforcement
- Witness statements
- Footage from traffic cameras and video surveillance from nearby businesses
It is not easy to obtain this evidence, particularly at a time when you are trying to recover from serious injuries. A distracted driving lawyer will know how to gather the strongest evidence to prove your case and help you obtain the full and fair compensation you deserve.
Call Our Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer in Palm Beach Gardens Now
If you have been hurt in a crash, do not hesitate to call our Palm Beach Gardens car accident lawyers at Smith, Ball, Baez & Prather today. We can prove your case and make sure your rights are upheld so you can obtain the maximum compensation that is justly yours. Call or text us now at 561-500-HELP or reach out to us online to schedule a free review of your case and to learn more.
