Distracted Driving Awareness: Stay Safe on Florida Roads
April’s Distracted Driving Awareness Month reminds all Florida drivers to stay focused behind the wheel. Distracted driving awareness is crucial because distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents, often resulting in serious injuries. If a distracted driver has harmed you or a loved one, Schwed Law can help you seek the compensation you deserve.
Understanding Distracted Driving in Florida
Distracted driving includes any activity that takes your attention away from driving. This can range from texting and talking on the phone to eating, adjusting your GPS, or even talking to passengers. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) reported over 56,000 distracted driving crashes in Florida in 2021, which led to 333 deaths and thousands of injuries.
Any Florida driver can attest to seeing other drivers using their phones behind the wheel. Despite this, Florida law prohibits texting while driving, classifying it as a primary offense. Law enforcement officers can stop and cite drivers solely for texting behind the wheel. Additionally, using a handheld device in a designated school or work zone is illegal. Understanding these laws helps drivers stay compliant and reduces the risk of preventable accidents.
How Distracted Driving Impacts Victims
Accidents caused by distracted drivers can lead to severe injuries, including broken bones, spinal cord damage, and traumatic brain injuries. Victims may face costly medical bills, lost wages, and ongoing pain and suffering. Proving that another driver’s distraction caused the accident is crucial when seeking compensation for your damages. Suffering an injury in a distracted driving accident means gathering evidence like phone records, witness statements, or traffic camera footage can strengthen your claim. An experienced attorney can help you build a solid case.
Contact Schwed, Adams & McGinley
With over 200 years of combined experience, Schwed, Adams & McGinley, P.A. has successfully represented countless clients injured by distracted drivers. Our skilled team understands Florida’s personal injury laws and is dedicated to fighting for the compensation you deserve. We handle cases involving car accidents, motorcycle accidents, and other injury claims. If you or a loved one has been injured by a distracted driver, contact Schwed Law at 877-694-6079 or email us at contact@schwedlawfirm.com for a free consultation.