In addition, even though more than 50,000 accidents occurred in 2017 that were attributed to driver inattention, the recent failure of proposed legislation in the Florida Senate that would have made texting a primary offense for which police officers could pull over and ticket drivers will mean this trend will not show any signs of slowing.
2017: The Worst Year on Record for Distracted Driving in Florida
A recent FHP compilation of car accident statistics in Florida totaled all instance of distracted driving in the Sunshine State in 2017 and found that more than 50,000 accidents resulted from drivers who were not focused on the road while behind the wheel. The FHP statistics further reflected that distracted driving crashes have increased 25 percent since 2013. The FHP statistics also showed that the age group most likely to have caused an accident due to distracted driving were those between the ages of 20 and 29.
FHP officials attributed this to the fact that these drivers were more likely to have grown up with much of the technology that consumes their daily lives, and thus more likely to use a mobile phone to text, send an email or for another purpose when behind the wheel. This despite that the consequences of doing so can be injuries or even death to other motorists.
The Attempted Legislative Fix during the 2018 Florida Legislative Session
The 2018 Florida Legislature featured an effort by Florida legislators in both the state House and Senate to partially resolve the distracted driving crisis in Florida by giving police officers the increased ability to pull someone over and ticket them for texting while driving. Under current Florida law, texting while driving is a secondary offense, meaning a person cannot be pulled over simply because a police officer spots the person texting.
Instead, a police officer can only pull the person over for another offense, such as speeding, and then ticket the motorist for both speeding as well as texting while driving. The proposed bill passed the Florida House, but stalled in committee in the Senate, so it never made it to Governor Rick Scott’s desk for his signature.
Contact The Experienced Personal Injury Attorneys at Lytal Reiter if You or a Loved One Have Been Injured or Killed in a Motor Vehicle Accident Involving a Distracted Driver
As the FHP’s 2017 statistics for distracted driving accidents in Florida clearly demonstrate, distracted driving is only likely to become a more, rather than less, common occurrence in the years to come despite the efforts of some Florida legislators to reverse this trend. Such accidents can have devastating consequences, as a driver who is not paying attention behind the wheel can cause serious injuries or even death to other motorists on the road. At Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath, P.A., our experienced personal injury attorneys have represented thousands of individuals who have been injured or whose loved one has been killed in an auto accident or a pedestrian accident since our firm was founded in 1985. Call our office at (561) 655-1990 or (561) 655-1990 to schedule a free consultation today.
Distracted Driving Automobile Accident Attorneys in West Palm Beach
About Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath
Conveniently located in West Palm Beach for 27 years, Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath, LLP concentrates in Personal Injury, Wrongful death, Medical Malpractice, Product Liability and Auto accidents. At Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath, we specialize in helping victims and their families get fair compensation for injuries caused by the negligence or recklessness of others. Our main areas of practice include personal injury, wrongful death, auto accidents, product liability, medical malpractice, and premise liability. We provide each client with the highest quality representation from a top Florida accident and injury lawyer. Call us at 561-655-1990 or Visit us at.
Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath
515 N Flagler Dr, 10th Floor
West Palm Beach
Florida, FL 33401
(561) 655-1990
www.foryourrights.com
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Frequently Asked Questions
What’s my car accident case worth?
Insurers may calculate damages arising car accidents in many different ways. An experienced attorney can help you estimate your losses arising from medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
What if my car is hit by an uninsured driver?
If you have purchased uninsured motorist coverage from your insurance carrier, you can usually file a claim for medical expenses and property damage arising from an accident with an uninsured driver.
What evidence do you need to pursue a car accident lawsuit?
Many sources of information can become valuable evidence following a car accident. Photographs of the damage, statements from eyewitnesses, and police or DMV reports can all be relevant to your case.
What if an insurance company unreasonably refuses to settle a claim?
Though state laws vary, insurers must generally act in good faith toward those making claims on a policy. Signs of bad faith include delayed responses to claims, and denying claims without explanation.
Do I need a car accident lawyer?
Following a collision, an experienced car accident attorney can help you gather evidence, assemble documentation of your losses, and negotiate with insurers and adverse parties to protect your rights.
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Popular Topics
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is an increasingly common cause of car accidents, particularly with smartphone use on the rise. Distracted drivers may be liable under the theories of negligence or negligence per se.
Reporting a Car Accident
Depending on your state and the severity of the crash, you may or may not need to report a car accident to law enforcement. However, you must usually report the collision to your insurance company.
Who to Sue After a Car Accident
When you have been injured in a car accident, legally responsible parties can include not just other drivers, but vehicle owners, employers, car manufacturers, property owners, and government entities.
Common Injuries After Car Accidents
Car accidents can result in a variety of injuries, many of which may seem insignificant at first. Cuts, broken bones, soft tissue injuries, whiplash, and head injuries can all result in substantial damages.
Drunk and Impaired Driving
In addition to facing criminal charges, drunk drivers can be held liable in civil court for injuries they cause, and plaintiffs suing them civilly are subject to a lower standard of proof than in criminal cases.
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Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath
515 N Flagler Dr, 10th floor
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
1850 SW Fountainview Blvd STE 207
Port St. Lucie, FL 34986
150 E Palmetto Park Road Suite 840
Boca Raton, FL 33432
110 SE 6th St Ste 1410
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
2200 Broadway, Space 301 Fort Myers, FL 33901
Phone: (561) 655-1990
Fax: (561) 832-2932
Español: (561) 833-1964
