Texting/cell phone driving
What You Need To Know
Proving someone was a texting or using a cell phone while driving is not easy, so its essential to contact the police right away, and hire an experienced texting/cell phone driving attorney. During the day, about 481,000 drivers use their cell phones, causing over 3,700 people to lose their lives. We understand that you are in pain from this preventable accident. You are not alone. We are here to help you through this.
Right after an accident with a texting/cell phone driver, if you are able, take photos of the area, or anything you think may have caused a distraction. Sometimes a driver may spill a drink, or was in the process of applying makeup. A cell phone open on the seat next to them may have been a cause as well.
Let the police officer on the scene know what happened, and what you suspect.
Our experienced attorneys will immediately begin investigating the details of your case. We work hard for you, but we also understand how difficult this time of your life can be. A texting or cell phone driving case needs special attention to detail, and with our courtroom experience, we know exactly how to help you and your family recover from your tragic losses.
Let’s be clear, a texting and cell phone distracted driving case is not easy. But it helps to understand how the law in Florida looks at these cases.
What is “texting and cell phone driving”?
Anything that takes your attention from driving is a distraction. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says “Sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for 5 seconds. At 55 mph, that’s like driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed.” Those 5 seconds might mean your family has been put in harm’s way. Let us help you recover from your loss.
In Florida, we are still working to bring harder consequences for texting/cell phone drivers. According to the Florida DMV, in 2015 319,000 people suffered injuries in the US as a result of distracted driving, usually while texting or using a cell phone.
Texting while driving is illegal in Florida, but using a cell phone is not. But using a cell phone while driving reduces reaction time by 40%!
Texting or using a cell phone while driving is a preventable accident, which is why you need to have a very experienced texting/cell phone driving lawyer helping you.
What should you do as a texting/cell phone driving victim?
Once the police arrive, they will have questions about your accident. Tell the officer why you think the other driver was distracted. Be honest. It is okay to say you don’t know something! It is much better to go back and give more information later than to give incorrect information to start with.
Start a notebook. Write down dates, events, and anything that happens to you. You will thank yourself later!
Contact us as soon as you can. Our talented team of attorneys will want to start working on your case immediately. If your insurance company calls you, please do not give them a statement until you have spoken to our team. We are here to help YOU!
Proving Your Case
You might worry about how you will prove a texting/cell phone driving event to your insurance company. Florida now has a law saying a person who was involved in an accident that resulted in personal injury or death can have their billing records used in court. But for cases like this, you should contact a Florida texting/cell phone driving attorney like us at Pardy and Rodriguez. We have multiple offices across the state and will work with you and your schedule. We understand that you’re worried about your future and we will do everything we can to get you back on track.
Bonus Fact:
Drivers in their 20s make up 24 percent of drivers in all fatal crashes and 33 percent of the distracted drivers using cell phones in fatal crashes. If you or a loved one is going through a crash or has suffered the loss of a loved one, we will fight for you.
Another great resource/support group is https://www.enddd.org/.