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Distracted drivers are a significant threat on the roads of Lakeland, Florida in Polk County. Taking your eyes off the road for even a moment can dramatically increase the chances of an accident. Motorists who text while driving are especially likely to cause a collision. Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) has partnered with law enforcement to avoid this dangerous practice in Put It Down: Focus on Driving campaign.
If a distracted driver injured you, now is the time to speak to a car accident attorney at Kogan & DiSalvo. Call now to learn how we can help you move forward.
What is Distracted Driving?
Different kinds of distractions can impact motorists in Lakeland. A clear understanding of them is helpful for anyone considering legal action. There are three categories, and they are as follows:
- Visual distractions. Visual distractions pull focus from the road. The most common example involves looking at a mobile device to read a text message. This behavior is dangerous, as road conditions can change in an instant.
- Physical distractions. Physical distractions include any action when a motorist takes their hands off the wheel, e.g., eating or grooming.
- Mental distractions. A driver could cause a wreck when their attention is drawn from the task of driving, including conversations with a passenger or attending to children in the backseat.
Understanding distracted driving laws
The Wireless Communications While Driving Law, Florida Statutes, took effect on July 1, 2019. It requires drivers to put their phones down and focus on driving. It also allows law enforcement to stop motor vehicles and issue citations to people who are texting and driving.
However, the state does not go as far as other jurisdictions enforcing this. The law allows motorists to use their devices other than texting—like answering a phone call—except when in school or work zones. It is worth noting that the police can treat texting while driving as a primary offense.
Compensation in a distracted driving accident
If your distracted driving lawyer in Lakeland can show that a negligent party caused your accident, you could be entitled to a financial award. Distracted driving is a form of negligence, and proof of texting while behind the wheel is substantial and compelling evidence.
If your case is successful, you could recover the following:
- Lost wages
- Past and future medical costs
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
- Pain and suffering
- Diminished future earning power
In addition, you could receive compensation for modifications to your living space needed to facilitate your limitations due to injuries.
Contact Kogan & DiSalvo for a Free Consultation
As noted above, if you have been injured in a crash with a distracted driver, you could be entitled to recover for your damages and losses. Holding those drivers accountable can be challenging without help. The good news is that a distracted driving attorney in Lakeland could help you fight for fair and reasonable compensation.
Our team at Kogan & DiSalvo is ready to advocate on your behalf. To discuss your options with our team, call today for your free consultation. Since we work on a contingency fee basis, you will not pay attorney’s fees unless we win compensation for your injuries.
