Fort Myers Distracted Driving Lawyer

Fort Myers Distracted Driving Lawyer Fighting for Compensation

Distracted driving has become one of the leading causes of collisions in Florida, despite laws limiting the use of wireless communication devices while driving. Many kinds of distracting behaviors can contribute to collisions, and drivers who cause accidents by not paying attention can be held accountable. Randall L. Spivey helps victims of distracted driving crashes pursue claims against the at-fault drivers. If you or someone you love was hurt by a distracted driver, call Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. today at (888) 477-4839. We will work diligently to ensure you recover the compensation you deserve. 

Distracted Driving Accident Statistics and Roadway Safety Laws

When it comes to distracted driving accidents, most people think of collisions caused by cell phone use. Talking, texting and emailing on phones are all common behaviors. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 660,000 drivers are either using a phone or manipulating some type of electronic device at any given daylight hour on our nation’s roads. 

Florida law prohibits texting and driving under Florida Statute section 316.305, but not every driver obeys the rules. Even if a driver is not texting but is talking on a handheld or hands-free phone, that driver faces an elevated accident risk. 

Phones are not the only source of distraction. Other common causes of distracted driving-related accidents include: 

• In-vehicle infotainment systems
• Talking with passengers
• Grooming or applying makeup
• Using a GPS or reading a map
• Manipulating the radio or other controls 

Victims can pursue a claim against distracted drivers if the victim can prove that his or her losses were caused by a driver’s failure to pay attention to the road. 

Our Distracted Driving Attorneys Hold Drivers Accountable 

To recover compensation, victims of distracted driving accidents must prove that the motorist was not paying attention to the road. In some cases, a victim can show a driver violated a law, like Florida's ban on texting. Breaking a law creates a presumption that the driver was negligent. Under Florida law, if a driver's negligence causes an accident with serious or fatal injuries, that driver is liable for loss. This means a victim who proves a safety regulation was violated should be able to make a successful claim. 

Sometimes, a victim must establish negligence in other ways, especially if the driver was distracted by something other than a cell phone. At Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., firm founder Randall L. Spivey can help victims of distracted driving accidents in Fort Myers to devise a legal strategy to show they are entitled to compensation so they can fully recover for their damages. 

Distracted drivers are not acting safely or respecting the rights of other motorists with whom they share the road. Our legal team works hard to help victims prove they should be compensated by drivers who take unnecessary risks. 

Distracted Driving Accident Statistics and Roadway Safety Laws

When it comes to distracted driving accidents, most people think of collisions caused by cell phone use. Talking, texting and emailing on phones are all common behaviors. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 660,000 drivers are either using a phone or manipulating some type of electronic device at any given daylight hour on our nation’s roads. 

Florida law prohibits texting and driving under Florida Statute section 316.305, but not every driver obeys the rules. Even if a driver is not texting but is talking on a handheld or hands-free phone, that driver faces an elevated accident risk. A distracted driver who causes an accident while talking, texting, or emailing on a cellular device is responsible for the injuries they cause.

Our Fort Myers Distracted Driving Lawyer Shares Common Causes for Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is caused by any activity that takes your eyes off the road, even for just a few seconds. The top ten distractions while driving that we see include: 

1. Eating
2. Drinking
3. Smoking
4. Cell phones 
5. Grooming 
6. Using a GPS navigation system
7. Adjusting the radio, temperature or any other settings while driving
8. Other occupants in the vehicle 
9. Outside person or event 
10. Daydreaming, being lost in thought

Each of these actions are distractions that can result in a catastrophic car accident on Florida roadways. If you were involved in an accident and think the driver might have been distracted, contact a Fort Myers distracted driving lawyer at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.

Fort Myers Distracted Driving Lawyer Shares Solutions for Distracted Driving

We encourage everyone to follow these tips and avoid worst-case scenarios by driving distraction-free.

• Use Your Cell Phone for Emergency Situations Only. Your cell phone should be used for emergency purposes only. Still, your best option is to pull over safely to the right shoulder to make a call. Even hands-free devices can cause you to miss important visual and audio cues needed to drive safely.  
• When You Become Drowsy, Pull Off the Road. Drowsiness significantly increases the risk of an accident. If you feel tired, get off the road -- don't try to reach your destination faster or fix the problem with a cup of coffee.
• Focus Only on the Task at Hand: Driving Safely. The point of driving is to reach your destination safely. The potential damage caused by distracted driving accidents is too great of a risk that is not worth taking.
• Limit the Number of Passengers and the Amount of Activity Inside the Car. Driving with friends who are having a good time and enjoying the ride can create a dangerous driving environment. All too often, drivers tend to focus on their passengers rather than the road.
• Avoid Eating While Driving. Eating, along with various other activities, is distracting and therefore makes driving that much more dangerous. Eating while driving means you are less attentive to the vehicles around you. Food spills are a particularly dangerous cause of distraction.
• Do Not Multitask While Driving – Focus on Driving Only. We know that many of us spend quite a bit of time driving, and it may seem like a good time to get all of the little things on our to-do list done. Calling friends or family, searching the internet for a good recipe, entering addresses into your navigation system, and other activities should be avoided. Focus on the road and the drivers around you. Get everything settled before you start driving or after you’ve reached your destination. If it can’t wait, pull over.
• Secure Your Cargo. Secure children and loose objects, as well as things that could roll around in the car so you do not feel tempted to reach for them on the floor, seat, or down between the seats.

Injured by a Distracted Motorist? Consult Our Fort Myers Auto Accident Lawyer for Help Obtaining Compensation

If a distracted motorist was responsible for your injuries or the wrongful death of a loved one, an experienced attorney who can help you pursue justice. Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. has a long track record of successfully representing victims, including those caused by distraction. To find out how our legal team can help you to put together a case and fight for compensation, contact us today.   

More Helpful Information

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Every day, drivers are seen using their cell phones while driving. This is a very dangerous situation that can be rectified to prevent traffic accidents. 

What Will Convince Drivers to Put Down Their Cell Phones While Driving?

Cell phone use while driving has become addictive for some drivers. Here are 8 tips for putting down cell phones while driving. 

Spotlight on Florida Distracted Driving Accidents Increases During April’s Distracted Driving Month

April is Distracted Driving Accident Month. Florida saw a significant increase in the number of distracted drivers who were caught texting and driving in 2021. 2022 is projected to show an increase from 2021. 

Act Today – Drive Distraction Free

The NSC reports that more than 700 people are injured in distracted driving accidents. Fort Myers distracted driving attorney urges drivers to drive undistracted. 

Fort Myers Distracted Driving Lawyer Answers the Question Why is Distracted Driving Still a Problem?

An alarming number of traffic accidents are reportedly linked to driving while distracted, including cell phone use while driving, which results in injuries and tragic deaths. Florida is the second-worst state for distracted driving, ranking only behind Louisiana in the first place.  

5 Tips to Avoid Distracted Driving

Distracted drivers are everywhere. You can see them on their cell phones, eating, applying make-up, shaving, changing radio stations, checking GPS, or even texting. All of these activities do not belong on our roads.

2021 National Distracted Driving Awareness Month 

Every day more than 700 people are injured in distracted driving accidents. It is tragic that in the U.S., we took cars off the roads and didn’t reap any safety benefits. 

Technology Causing Distracted Driving Accidents

Technology has become a part of our lives. It seems to be unavoidable. Much of the technology is intended to prevent accidents, but some of the technology has contributed to injuries and deaths.