Many car accidents are just that – an error in judgment that causes two or more vehicles to collide. However, other so-called “accidents” are entirely preventable if people simply choose to put their phones down or avoid other distractions that take their focus off the roadway. Accident victims may have the right to recover compensation after being injured in distracted driving accidents in St. Petersburg, Florida. Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers is here to help you demand it.
For years, our St. Petersburg distracted driving accident lawyers have been zealously championing our clients’ rights. While technology has drastically changed since our founding, our unwavering commitment to our clients hasn’t. We have recovered over $200 million for our deserving clients. Call our St. Petersburg, FL, law office today at (727) 787-2500 for a free consultation to discuss your legal rights and options with a St. Petersburg distracted driving accident attorney.
How Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Distracted Driving Accident in St. Petersburg
The St. Petersburg car accident lawyers at Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers have over 60 years of combined experience. Our founding attorney, Mark Roman, is Board-Certified in Civil Trial Law, demonstrating experience and in-depth knowledge in this realm.
Our St. Petersburg personal injury lawyers have also been recognized as:
- Members of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum
- Tampa Bay’s Top Trial Lawyers
- Super Lawyers
- Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Rating
- 10.0 Avvo Rating
When you hire our St. Petersburg car accident attorneys, we’ll do the following for your case:
- Conduct a thorough investigation
- Gather evidence
- Communicate with insurance adjusters
- Negotiate for a fair settlement
- Represent you at trial
When you hire our award-winning law firm to help with your case, we can guide you through the complex legal system with confidence and compassion. Call us today for a free case review.
What Is Distracted Driving?
While many people equate distracted driving with texting while driving, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that distracted driving is any non-driving activity a driver engages in that takes their focus off the primary task of driving.
Still, texting and electronic use are common forms of distracted driving. Florida’s distracted driving law specifically prohibits motorists from texting while driving, which includes manually typing or entering multiple letters, numbers, or symbols into a wireless communications device. Additionally, motorists are not allowed to use a handheld phone while driving in a school or work zone.
Statistics Regarding Distracted Driving
The statistics regarding distracted driving are alarming. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 3,308 people died in distracted driving accidents in the United States in 2022. Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles report that 275 people died in distracted driving accidents in the Sunshine State in 2022. 2,656 people suffered incapacitating injuries, 13,590 suffered non-incapacitating injuries, and another 30,820 people suffered possible injuries in distracted driving crashes in Florida in 2022.
Types of Distracted Driving
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are three different types of distracted driving.
Visual distractions take a driver’s eyes off the roadway. Examples of visual distractions include:
- Looking out the window at the scenery
- Looking down at a cell phone to read a text message
- Looking at passengers or pets in the car
- Rubbernecking at a crash site
- Looking up directions
Manual distractions remove the driver’s hands from the steering wheel, such as when they are:
- Typing a text message, social media post, or email
- Reaching for a fallen object
- Eating or drinking
- Tending to children or pets in the vehicle
- Adjusting controls in the vehicle
Cognitive distractions involve taking your mind off the task of driving, such as when you are:
- Daydreaming
- Thinking about work
- Talking to passengers or on the phone
Understanding what causes distracted driving can help prevent it.
Dangers of Distracted Driving
The CDC provides the following insight into the dangers associated with distracted driving:
- Approximately 13% of all motor vehicle traffic accidents in the United States involve distraction.
- At any given time, approximately 2.8% of drivers are visibly using a handheld device.
- Distraction is present during 52% of normal driving.
- Drivers who use cell phones fail to see up to 50% of the information in their driving environment.
Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles states that a driver traveling 50 mph will travel nearly the length of a football field before coming to a complete stop. When drivers are distracted, their stopping distance increases, making it less likely that they will avoid a collision.
How to Prove Distracted Driving
In some car accident cases, the distracted driver is cited by law enforcement. They may not contest this contributed to the accident, and this information could be included in the police report. In many others, they deny it, making it difficult for you to prove they were distracted.
While cell phone records may help prove distracted driving, you will find it difficult to obtain this information without a fight. An experienced attorney can issue subpoenas and use discovery requests during the litigation process to secure this information.
Contact Our St. Petersburg Distracted Driving Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers wants you to stay safe on the road. If a driver’s dangerous decision to text or otherwise drive in a distracted state has injured you, call us today for immediate legal assistance. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation with a St. Petersburg distracted driving accident lawyer to discuss your situation. Call today to get started.
