Switch to ADA Accessible Theme Close Menu
Florida Personal Injury Lawyers
$3,830,000

Catastrophic motorcycle accident resulted in a jury verdict.

$1,748,000

Auto accident, multi-car crash

$1,200,000

Auto accident

$1,035,000

Auto accident involving defective airbag

$850,000

Auto accident

$700,000

Auto accident

$700,000

Auto accident

$600,000

Hospital turned away patient

$550,000

Auto accident involving tractor trailer

$450,000

Auto accident

$400,000

Car accident

$350,000

Golf Cart Accident

$300,000

Slip and Fall at Work

$210,000

Slip and Fall

$195,000

Auto Accident

$175,000

Accident involving pressure cooker

$106,890

Auto Accident

$100,000

Auto Accident

$100,000

Auto Accident

Call: 844-200-0000
Free Initial Consultation
Do you opt in to being contacted via SMS texting or phone call?
 
protected by reCAPTCHA Privacy - Terms

How Can You Prevent Distracted Driving?

DistractedDriving6

Distracted driving is known as one of the leading causes of auto accidents in Florida. Studies have shown that Florida is the second-worst state in American for distracted driving. Distracted driving is more like an epidemic in Florida. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, the State of Florida recorded 48,488 distracted driving crashes in 2020. 2,747 crashes resulted in severe bodily injuries, and 299 resulted in fatalities. Such numbers indicate that a lot needs to be done to prevent distracted driving in Florida.

Defining Distracted Driving

Most people think that distracted driving is all about texting while driving, but that is far from the truth.

Distracted driving occurs when you allow anything to cause you to take your mind off the road, hands off the wheel, or eyes off the road. This means that distracted driving happens when you are distracted either mentally, manually, or visually. When you are texting, you need your eyes, mind, and hands; therefore, even though texting and driving is not the only distracted driving behavior, it is one of the most dangerous.

Florida Statute 316.305

In an effort to reduce the number of accidents happening due to the distracted behavior of texting while driving, Florida introduced the “Wireless Communication While Driving Law.” According to Florida Statute 316.305, a motorist is not supposed to operate a vehicle while typing symbols, numbers, or letters or while reading or sending data on their wireless device. A law enforcer has the right to stop a motorist and issue a citation if they see them texting, instant messaging, or e-mailing while driving.

Other Distracted Driving Behaviors

Other forms of distracted driving behaviors include;

  • Eating while driving
  • Daydreaming while driving
  • Checking the GPS while driving
  • Grooming oneself while driving
  • Interacting with or tending to passengers in the back seat while driving

Preventing Distracted Driving

Prevent distracted driving by following these tips:

  • Place your device somewhere out of reach and only use it in emergencies.
  • Pullover and stop if you need to use your phone.
  • Limit the level of activity in your car. For example, avoid conversing too much with passengers in the back seat.
  • Do not eat while driving. Instead, eat before or after a trip.
  • Do not fall for the myth of multitasking. If another task demands your attention while you’re driving, pull over, and stop before handling the task.
  • As a passenger, speak up against distracted driving.
  • As a parent, educate your teen about the dangers of distracted driving.
  • Adjust seats, lights, and controls before you begin driving. If you have to make any adjustments after you’ve started driving, pull over to a safe spot and make the adjustments.

A Miami Personal Injury Attorney Can Help You

If, despite your efforts, someone else’s negligence leads to an accident that causes you severe injuries, you may be eligible for compensatory damages. Our Miami personal injury attorneys at the Pendas Law Firm can help you seek compensation from the motorist who was driving while distracted at the time of your accident. Contact us today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.

The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Jacksonville, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Ocala, West Palm Beach, Fort Myers, Tampa, Bradenton, and Daytona Beach areas.

Resources:

sun-sentinel.com/news/transportation/fl-reg-florida-second-most-distracted-20170412-story.html

flhsmv.gov/safety-center/driving-safety/distracted-driving/distracted-driving-crash-dashboard/

Read What Others Have To Say About Us

  • “I can’t express how much I appreciate this law firm. I had the honor to deal with attorney Daniel. He kept me updated on my case. I couldn’t ask for a better law firm. Daniel fought for me til the end and got me what I deserved. Thanks Daniel and your team for always being there to answer any of my questions. If I ever need a law firm again...”

    Terry Mcphillips
  • “Speedy & superb handling of clients & cases, kind & caring. Highly recommended professionals. They made everything very easy for us, were outgoing & polite. I would call them again if ever in need, rather than call the larger firms that need to advertise & brag about winnings…Pendas was a pleasant & more personal approach instead of...”

    Joseph Kestell
  • “Wow I called Pendas Law Firm the other day at their main intake line it was around 11 o’clock at night and I’ve got this wonderful representative his name was Jeffrey Alvarez. This guy was very professional and his compassion was out of this world I don’t know what I would do if I could not have got a hold of him...”

    Luis Sanchez
  • “Thank you for helping us in our time of need. This firm handled my father’s workers comp case, and helped us with every question we had, and we had a plenty. Thankful for the entire legal team!”

    Enilno Resu
  • “I just concluded a case with attorney Michael Sanchez and paralegal Camilo Lopez. I can only say they are exceptional. The customer service is unique, they have been battling alongside me since day 1. They are not only courteous and professional, but they also are amazing at their job. Thanks to them I got a great deal. I am glad I decided to use their services...”

    Israel Garcia
  • “Their attorneys are absolutely someone you want handling your car accident claim. They communicated with us promptly and thoroughly. I was very happy with our recovery. Already recommended them to others in the same circumstances, their staff speaks Spanish and you feel like in family.”

    Ian Brito
  • “Very Professional law firm. They explained to you every detail what to do according to the laws (worker’s compensation). Mr. Danilo Cruz is the best Lawyer and his team. They are very kind, friendly, responsible, I love this firm. They fight for their clients. AwesomeTeam!”

    Lau Rod