Latest Blogs

The Fort Myers Police Department responded to a vehicle crash at the intersection of Michigan Avenue and Seaboard Street near downtown Fort Myers in early December 2021. Police reported that the accident was caused by a distracted driver who was arguing on her cell phone. Because of the distraction, she failed to stop at a red light that subsequently forced another car to flip in the air. “It was a serious traffic crash,” said Fort Myers Police Traffic Homicide Investigator Daniel Aguilera.

Wireless devices are very popular and have some unintended, and sometimes deadly, consequences. An alarming number of traffic accidents that result in injuries and tragic deaths are reportedly linked to driving while distracted, including cell phone use while driving. Study data from the EverDrive app reports that Florida is the second-worst state for distracted driving, ranking only behind Louisiana that is in first place.

Research groups, such as the National Safety Council, say that cell phone use directly causes over 1.6 million vehicle crashes every year. Virtually 1 out of every 4 car accidents happen when drivers are texting while driving. Approximately 400,000 injuries are directly related to these car accidents.

Any distraction that takes a motorist’s attention off driving can make a driver miss critical events, objects, and cues or cause him or her to abandon control of a vehicle, all potentially leading to a crash. Distracted drivers not only put themselves at risk, but everyone else using the road, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA).

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA’s) National Occupant Protection Use Survey shows handheld cell phone use tends to be highest among 16- to 24-year-old drivers.

Distracted driving is not only the use of cell phones. The NHTSA defines distracted driving as “…any activity that diverts attention from driving, including talking or texting on your phone, eating and drinking, talking to people in your vehicle, fiddling with the stereo, entertainment or navigation system – anything that takes your attention away from the task of safe driving.”

There are specific things drivers can do to alleviate the dangers of distracted driving. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recommends the following:

• Be clear: Make sure new drivers understand that they should not use wireless devices while driving. Before new drivers get their licenses, discuss how taking their eyes off the road – even for a few seconds – could cause someone injury or even death.
• Lead by example: Set rules for new drivers, and for yourself, regarding distracted driving. Never text while driving – if you are driving and you need to text or talk on the phone, pull over to a safe place before doing so.
• Be engaged: Tell family and friends, about the importance of driving without distractions. Take the information to your kids’ schools and ask that it be shared with students and parents.

How Do You Know You May Have a Distracted Driving Accident Personal Injury Claim?

There are several different acts and/or non-acts that come into consideration when determining negligence and fault in a distracted driving accident. When you or a loved one is injured, or you have lost someone, because of someone else’s negligence in a distracted driving accident, it can be devastating. You should not try to go it alone. Our experienced Fort Myers distracted driving accident legal team at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. is ready to assist you in seeking compensation for your losses 24/7. Compensation may be for such things as past, present, and future medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages.

We represent people involved in numerous types of personal injury and wrongful death accidents throughout the state of Florida. All our clients have unique personal injury cases. Please contact Attorney Randall Spivey at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. at 239.337.7483 or toll-free at 1.888.477.4839 for personal contact and communication along with aggressive representation.