Tallahassee Distracted Driving Accident Attorneys

Fighting For Distracted Driving Accident Victims in Florida

In 2017, there were more than 40,000 car accident related deaths.  Over the years, cars have become safer with air bags, seat belts, and other improved safety technology. However, traffic deaths from car accidents remain a public health crisis.  One of the major reasons for traffic deaths and car accidents is distracted driving. If you have been injured in a distracted driving accident, consider speaking with our Tallahassee car accident attorneys about your situation.

One major contributor to distracted driving is when a driver uses a cell phone, smartphone or other electronic device while operating a motor vehicle. Distracted driving caused approximately 25% of all car accident crashes in 2018. Distracted driving is an even bigger problem in car crashes involving teens.  These car accidents, deaths, and serious personal injuries are completely preventable if drivers would not use their electronic devices while driving.

Personal injury litigation often involves electronically stored information (“ESI”) from cell phones or other mobile devices present during a Tallahassee car accident. Milles Law hires experts to perform a digital forensic analysis of the device to potentially extract proof that the at fault driver was using their smart phone immediately before or during the car crash.

A car accident lawyer should know how to use technology against the at fault driver. He or she will attempt to preserve evidence before the at fault driver is able to delete data from his or her device.  If the at fault party deletes evidences when it should have been preserved, then the other party may be able to receive an inference of guilt from the other driver. 

Contact Milles Law today to schedule a consultation with our distracted driving accident lawyer in Tallahassee.

What Is Considered Distracted Driving in Florida?

In the state of Florida, any behavior that distracts drivers from operating a vehicle safely is considered distracted driving. This includes talking or texting on a cellphone while driving, looking at a GPS device, eating or drinking while driving, grooming oneself while behind the wheel, and having conversations with passengers.

Common Injuries in Distracted Driving Accidents

Common injuries include:

• Whiplash: One of the most common injuries in car accidents, whiplash occurs when the neck is suddenly jolted forward and backward, causing strain to the neck muscles and ligaments.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Distracted driving accidents can cause the head to hit an object or be violently shaken, leading to traumatic brain injuries.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: The impact from a distracted driving accident can cause significant damage to the spinal cord, possibly resulting in partial or full paralysis.
• Broken Bones: Fractures and broken bones are very common in high-impact collisions. Victims may suffer from broken arms, legs, ribs, or other bones, leading to substantial medical treatment and recovery time.
• Internal Injuries: Internal injuries, like organ damage or internal bleeding, can occur in severe accidents.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Soft tissue injuries, which includes sprains, strains, and contusions, are common in distracted driving accidents.

How Can An Attorney Help Prove Distracted Driving Caused an Accident?

An experienced personal injury attorney can use an array of methods to prove that distracted driving caused an accident. They may utilize witness testimony, surveillance footage, photographs taken at the scene of the crash, expert medical opinions, and other evidence to build a strong case. Additionally, if it is possible for cell phone or GPS records to be recovered from the at-fault party, this can be used to further demonstrate that distracted driving was a factor in the accident. Finally, an attorney may use argued theories of negligence or carelessness to support your claim for compensation and damages. 

It is important to note that if you believe another party was at fault for your accident due to distracted driving, it is essential for you to retain legal representation as soon as possible. An experienced attorney will be able to investigate the details of your crash and determine who is liable for damages. They will also ensure that all evidence is properly collected and documented to strengthen your claim, so you can receive full compensation for your losses.

What Damages Could Be Recovered in a Distracted Driving Accident Claim?

Potential damages may include:

• Medical Expenses: Compensation for medical expenses includes costs for emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any ongoing medical treatment related to the accident.
• Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you could be qualified to compensation for lost earnings. This includes income lost during your recovery period and any future earnings you may be unable to earn due to long-term or permanent disability.
• Property Damage: Economic damages also cover the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the accident.
• Rehabilitation Costs: Rehabilitation and physical therapy costs are also included in economic damages. These treatments are often necessary for full recovery and can be expensive over time.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for pain and suffering addresses the physical pain and emotional misery you have endured as a result of the accident. This includes chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and loss of enjoyment of life.
• Emotional Distress: Emotional distress damages are awarded for the psychological impact of the accident, such as anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health problems that result from the traumatic experience.
• Loss of Consortium: If the accident has adversely impacted your relationship with your spouse or family members, you may be entitled to compensation for loss of consortium.
• Punitive Damages: In cases where the distracted driver’s behavior was particularly egregious or reckless, punitive damages may be granted. These damages are intended to penalize the at-fault party and prevent similar conduct in the future.

Contact Our Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer in Tallahassee Today

Anything that takes your attention away from the road can be considered distracted driving.  Thousands of personal injuries in Tallahassee and Florida are caused by drivers taking their eyes of the road to use navigation systems or even to eat.

In an effort to confront the problem of distracted driving, Florida and Georgia have both outlawed cell phone usage in cars. However, you can still use a hands-free device in both states. Personal injuries including broken arms and broken legs resulting in surgery and hospitalization will continue to be a problem as long as drivers continue to use smartphones and text while driving. Consult with your Tallahassee car accident attorneys to ensure that your distracted driving car accident claim is correctly filed in Tallahassee, Florida. Your Injury. Your Rights. Your Lawyer.

Contact Milles Law today to get started with our Tallahassee distracted driving accident attorneys.