According to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, there were over 50,000 crashes in Florida in 2021 due to distracted driving. These accidents resulted in an estimated 333 fatalities – a staggering reminder of what a few seconds of inattention while driving can do.
Even though it is against the law to use a cell phone and engage in other distracting activities while driving, most negligent drivers are unwilling to give up these dangerous routines that endanger other motorists. These drivers can and should be held accountable for the harm they cause. This is where a Delray Beach distracted driving accident lawyer can help.
You should speak with a reputable distracted driving lawyer in Delray Beach at Steinberg Law if you were hurt in an accident caused by a driver who was not paying attention. People from all over Palm Beach County have benefited from the assistance of our Delray Beach car accident attorneys.
We know how upsetting it can be to get hurt and unexpectedly turn your life upside down. We pledge to exert every effort to ensure you receive a full, just, and complete payment. Contact our distracted driving attorneys at 877-783-4611 to schedule a free consultation and case review.
What Is Distracted Driving?
Anything that causes you to take your eyes off the road while driving falls under the umbrella term of distracted driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration defines distracted driving as anything that takes your mind off of driving.
The following are a few typical ways that drivers are distracted:
- Conversation on a cell phone
- Sending, receiving, or checking a text message
- Eating
- Drinking
- Applying makeup
- Putting on or removing jackets, coats, etc.
- Talking to passengers
- Changing the radio station
Types of Distracted Driving
Distractions are always harmful, no matter the type. Manual, visual, and cognitive distractions are the three different categories.
- A visual distraction takes your eyes off the road. Activities may include comforting a child in the back seat or glancing at your phone to check your messages.
- Manual distractions are things that take your hands off the wheel. Texting, switching the radio station, and opening a food package are a few examples.
- A cognitive distraction occurs when your thoughts stray from driving. For instance, you might be distracted if you’re thinking about a recent conversation at work.
Laws & Penalties Regarding Distracted Driving in Florida
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles is collaborating with other organizations and law enforcement on the Put It Down campaign to deter people from distracted driving.
As of July 1, 2019, it was made against the law to use a cell phone to text while driving, according to Florida Statutes Section 316.305. The law requires drivers to put down their phones and concentrate on the road.
Under the Wireless Communications While Driving Law:
- It is illegal to operate a vehicle while manually typing or entering multiple letters, numbers, or symbols into a phone to text, email, or instant message.
- It is illegal to use a phone in a handheld manner in a school or work zone.
- Using a device in a hands-free or hands-free voice-operated mode is allowed.
- Using a device or system for navigation is allowed.
- Drivers can receive messages related to navigation and safety, such as emergency, traffic, or weather alerts.
The law does not apply to drivers of official emergency vehicles performing duties performing their jobs (ex on-duty police officers, firefighters, or EMTs).
For first-time offenders, distracted driving results in a non-moving violation and a $30 fine. If a driver commits the same infraction twice in five years, it is a moving violation. The penalty is a $60 to $100 fine and three points added to your license.
The penalties start at $60 and increase if you are stopped for driving while distracted in a school or work zone. Let a Delray Beach distracted driving lawyer help you navigate these laws.
What Damages Can Victims Get From a Distracted Driving Accident Claim in Florida?
Our Delray Beach distracted driving lawyers at Steinberg Law will calculate and estimate all the damages you are entitled to. In Florida, victims may be able to recover types of three types of damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages compensate victims for tangible losses with a dollar value. They include:
- Future and current medical expenses
- Lost income
- Rehabilitation
- Property damage
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages compensate for losses that don’t have a dollar value. They include:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Disability
- Depression and anxiety
Punitive Damages
In Florida, punitive damages are awarded mainly to punish the at-fault party rather than compensate you for your losses. They are only awarded when the at-fault party was guilty of “gross negligence or intentional misconduct.”
The maximum award for punitive damages a car accident victim can obtain in Florida is usually $500,000 or three times the total compensatory damages.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim in Florida?
In Florida, you have four years to file a personal injury lawsuit after a vehicle accident caused by a negligent driver. The four-year time frame begins immediately after the crash.
Victims may also pass away due to injuries after the collision. Family members who lose a loved one in a distracted driving accident have two years from the date of death to bring a wrongful death claim against at-fault parties.
Why Do I Need a Delray Beach Distracted Driving Lawyer?
At Steinberg Law, we can help you recover the compensation you deserve if you are the victim of a distracted driving accident in Delray Beach, Florida.
Here is how we will help with your case.
- We will take care of all communications with the at-fault driver and the insurance provider.
- We will gather and examine the evidence to prove the distracted driver was at fault.
- We can collaborate with experts in accident reconstruction and other fields.
- We will gather evidence to prove your losses and costs.
- We will negotiate for a favorable settlement.
- We are ready to go to trial if needed.
Get in Touch With a Delray Beach Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer Today!
Unexpected accidents can result in severe injuries that could permanently alter your life. If you were hurt in an accident caused by a distracted driver, you should not have to shoulder the costs. A distracted driving lawyer in Delray Beach can help you get the compensation you deserve.
At Steinberg Law, we never back down when insurers try to delay paying or deflect liability. You can count on us to put in the time, effort, and resources needed to build a strong and compelling case for all our clients.
Contact our Delray Beach law firm at 877-783-4611 to schedule your free consultation. Our team will be more than happy to meet with you to discuss your case, review your legal options, and address any questions you may have.
