Distracted Driving Accidents

No one wakes up in the morning and thinks, “Today is the day someone’s negligence will change my life,” yet it happens every day. Fort Lauderdale’s busy environment lends itself to risky situations, and distracted driving is one of the most dangerous.

Every day, someone sends a text, tunes the radio, or programs the GPS while driving and hurts or even kills another driver on the road. 

That person’s life changes forever. The effects of a distracted driving accident are lasting and profound. Victims often feel desperate and lose hope, mired in pain, medical bills, and an uncertain future.

Fortunately, legal options can set your life back on the right track. The experienced Fort Lauderdale distracted driving accident lawyers at the Blakeley Law Firm can fight for your rights and help you get the settlement you deserve.

Why Us?

Our well-earned reputation as fierce champions for justice testifies to our commitment. With an exceptionally talented legal team at the helm, our primary focus lies in navigating vehicle accident cases and tirelessly advocating for survivors’ rights to secure rightful compensation. 

Our dedication extends beyond these boundaries. We also offer:

Solid experience: You need legal help to protect your rights and deal with medical and car insurance complications after an accident.

Our lawyers are here to assist you with many different problems. Whether dealing with damage to your property, sorting out issues with your health insurance, or handling cases involving injuries caused by someone’s carelessness or unsafe conditions, we have the knowledge and experience to thoroughly investigate and fight for your rights.

Se habla Español: We are delighted to provide our services in English and Spanish to show our commitment to our diverse communities. We want you to feel at ease working with Blakeley Law Firm.

Accessible locations: Blakeley Law Firm has offices right here in Fort Lauderdale. 

We highly prioritize accessibility in our firm. We recognize the importance of meeting deadlines, preserving evidence, and building a strong case right in your own neighborhood.

Our Fort Lauderdale office is easy to find—next to the CBS Sports Center on West Cypress Creek Road.

What Is Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving is operating a vehicle while engaging in activities that divert attention away from the task of driving, like applying makeup, texting, or eating.

Distracted driving is a critical issue. Texting while driving is particularly dangerous, combining visual, manual, and cognitive distractions.

Statistics show the grim consequences of distracted driving. In just one year, it caused 3,142 deaths in the United States, resulting in medical expenses, insurance claims, and legal proceedings.

Distracted driving falls into three categories:

Visual distractions: Taking eyes off the road, e.g., texting or using GPS, impairs awareness of traffic conditions.

Manual distractions: Removing hands from the steering wheel, like eating or adjusting the radio, reduces reaction time.

Cognitive distractions: Mental preoccupations, like daydreaming or deep conversations, divert attention from driving.

Some of the most common distracted driving actions are:

  • Using a GPS device
  • Scrolling social media
  • Watching videos 
  • Reading or writing emails
  • Talking with passengers
  • Dealing with passengers in the backseat
  • Eating and drinking
  • Personal grooming
  • Daydreaming

How Do You Know if Another Driver Was Distracted?

You need to prove the other driver’s carelessness to win a distracted driving personal injury case.

Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyers have ways to do this. They can check phone records to see if the driver used their phone.

They can talk to witnesses who saw the driver not paying attention, work with professionals who can explain why the other driver was likely distracted, or use indirect evidence to show that distraction was the most reasonable explanation, like when a driver rear-ends a stopped car at a red light.

If a preoccupied driver injures you, our distracted driving accident lawyers in Fort Lauderdale know how to prove the other driver’s negligence.

Our approach to securing the compensation you deserve entails thorough fact-finding, collecting supporting evidence, and initiating a claim with the opposing party’s insurance provider.

The evidence we collect depends on the type of distraction and can include:

  • The police report details the accident’s time and location and provides data on the drivers. Additionally, it may contain photographic evidence of distractions, like an open social media app or scattered food wrappers in their vehicle.
  • Statements from witnesses can also play a pivotal role. These statements may include critical details, such as witnessing the other driver using a cell phone just moments before the collision. It’s important to gather contact information from eyewitnesses at the accident scene to secure their statements if needed.
  • Cell phone records serve as valuable evidence, revealing various aspects of cell phone usage leading up to the accident, such as call logs, text messages, or photos.
  • Videos from dashboard cameras, cell phones, or nearby surveillance cameras can offer visual proof of the other driver engaging in distracted behavior shortly before or during the accident.
  • Knowledgeable testimony may involve a crash specialist providing their professional opinion on the other driver’s actions, potentially highlighting their failure to exercise proper care and drive responsibly without distractions.
  • Crash reconstruction services use evidence from the scene, such as tire marks and physical evidence, to comprehensively understand what transpired and the timeline of events.
  • An admission of guilt by the other driver can make a big difference. We may find it in their statements to the attending police officer or witnesses, typically in official reports.

Our Fort Lauderdale distracted driver accident attorneys dedicate themselves to getting you the desired result, so we’ll sift through all the evidence to build a robust case against the driver who caused you damage, injury, or distress.

Does Fort Lauderdale Have Laws Against Distracted Driving?

In 2019, Florida took a significant step in curbing distracted driving incidents by enacting the Wireless Communications While Driving Law

Initially, this law made distracted driving a secondary offense. A pivotal shift occurred in 2020 when legislators elevated texting while driving to a primary offense. It makes using cell phones in work or school zones a worse offense, showing a strong commitment to keeping the roads safe.

What Kind of Injuries Can Occur in a Distracted Driving Accident?

Distracted driving car accidents can result in a range of injuries, depending on the severity, the speed of the vehicles, and other factors.

Possible injuries may include:

  • Whiplash: Sudden jolts or impacts can cause a neck injury, resulting in pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion.
  • Concussion: A blow to the head, even a mild one, can lead to a concussion, which may cause symptoms like headache, dizziness, confusion, and memory problems.
  • Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI):  Head injuries can lead to traumatic brain injuries, which range from mild concussions to life-changing brain damage.
  • Broken bones: High-impact collisions can result in fractures or broken bones in various body parts, including the arms, legs, ribs, and spine.
  • Back and spinal cord injuries: Back or spinal cord injuries can lead to long-term disabilities, including paralysis.
  • Internal injuries: Blunt force trauma can cause internal injuries to organs and internal bleeding.
  • Soft tissue injuries: Damage to muscles, tendons, and ligaments can lead to pain, swelling, and limited mobility.
  • Burns: If the accident involves a fire or explosion, burns can occur, ranging from minor to severe.
  • Cuts and lacerations: Broken glass, sharp objects, or debris can cause cuts and lacerations, which may require stitches or medical attention.
  • Psychological injuries: The emotional trauma of a car accident, especially if it results in injuries or fatalities, can lead to psychological conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or anxiety.

Even seemingly minor accidents can result in injuries that aren’t obvious immediately. Anyone involved in a car accident, whether a driver, a passenger, or a pedestrian, should seek medical attention promptly. 

The next step is to call a personal injury lawyer who understands the complexities of Fort Lauderdale distracted driving laws.

Why Do I Need a Personal Injury Lawyer for a Distracted Driving Claim?

You don’t need a lawyer if the other driver was obviously distracted, right? Very wrong.

A personal injury claim is complex, confusing, and nearly impossible to navigate without a law degree.

Here are just a few things a personal injury attorney typically does in a distracted driving claim:

  • Case evaluation: The attorney will assess the case, including the circumstances of the accident, the extent of injuries, and the available evidence. They will determine whether the injured party has a viable compensation claim and how much they deserve to recover.
  • Legal consultation: The attorney will provide legal advice and guidance to the injured party, explaining their rights, legal options, and the process of pursuing a claim.
  • Investigation: Personal injury attorneys conduct thorough investigations to gather evidence supporting the claim, including obtaining the police report, speaking to witnesses, collecting medical records, and preserving physical evidence from the accident scene.
  • Establishing liability: The attorney will work to prove that the distracted driver was negligent and at fault for the accident, which involves demonstrating that the driver’s distraction directly caused the collision.
  • Communicating with insurance companies: Personal injury attorneys handle communications with insurance companies on behalf of their clients. They negotiate with the at-fault driver’s insurance company to seek compensation for established losses.
  • Gathering authoritative testimony: In some cases, attorneys may work with accident reconstruction or medical professionals to provide skillful testimony in court, helping to establish liability and the extent of damages.
  • Calculating damages: Attorneys assess their client’s damages and use the information to determine the appropriate amount of compensation.
  • Filing legal documents: Attorneys handle all necessary paperwork and filings, ensuring you meet all deadlines and the case progresses smoothly through the legal system.
  • Negotiation: Attorneys resolve most personal injury claims through negotiations with the insurance company. They use their negotiation skills to reach a fair settlement that adequately compensates their clients for their losses.
  • Trial representation: If the parties cannot reach a fair settlement through negotiations, the attorney will prepare the case for trial and represent their client in court. They will present evidence, question witnesses, and argue the case on behalf of their client.
  • Legal guidance: Throughout the process, the attorney provides ongoing support, guidance, and updates to the injured party, ensuring that they understand their rights and the status of their claim.

A personal injury attorney advocates for their client’s best interests, seeks fair compensation for their injuries and losses, and navigates the legal complexities of a distracted driving claim on their behalf. That’s what you find at Blakeley Law Firm.

We Will Stand by Your Side and Fight for Your Rights

If you’ve experienced a serious personal injury in Florida, don’t hesitate to contact our practiced personal injury attorneys at Blakeley Law Firm, P.A.

Our clients’ testimonials highlight our unwavering commitment to professionalism, genuine care for their well-being, and effective communication.

Our clients consistently express feeling fully supported and capably guided throughout their legal journey, creating a warm, family-like atmosphere. They also appreciate our accessibility, regular case updates, and the knowledgeable assistance they receive.

We proudly serve clients in various areas across the state, including Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach Counties, and we offer free consultations. 

It’s important to know that insurance adjusters and others may employ various tactics to prevent you from receiving a fair settlement. 

Rest assured, we are here to advocate for your best interests, not those of the insurance companies. Please get in touch with our office at (954) 253-9445 to discuss how we can assist you.