Proving a Driver Was Distracted After an Accident
We all know that distracted driving is incredibly dangerous. However, there is probably no one on the road who hasn’t looked into another vehicle at some point and seen a driver doing something that looked like a ticking time bomb for causing an accident. Unfortunately, this kind of behavior can lead to injuries that affect others on the road.
If you get injured by a distracted driver in Florida, the good news is that you are probably entitled to recover financial compensation for your damages. However, proving distracted driving can be a challenge. Therefore, in this circumstance you should obtain the help of an experienced personal injury legal team early on.
How Serious Are the Implications of Distracted Driving?
Even what seems like a simple action can have serious consequences when it comes to distracted driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has asserted that texting in particular is the most alarming distraction. It has determined that sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for 5 seconds and that at 55 mph, that is the equivalent of driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed.
The dangers of distracted driving are also well-documented. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately nine people are killed and more than 1,000 people are injured in crashes that are reported to involve a distracted driver on a daily basis in this country.
How Can You Prove That Another Driver Was Distracted While Driving?
Fortunately, there may be a few ways to prove the driver who caused an accident was distracted. This can include:
- Traffic citation – the officers who arrive on the scene may issue a ticket to the at-fault driver for texting and driving or another form of distracted driving. This is one of the best ways to demonstrate that the other driver was at fault, if this evidence is available.
- Witness testimony – if possible, you should speak with witnesses at the scene to try to get more details about the crash. They may have observed the at-fault driver engaged in distracted driving. Always ask for their contact information.
- Vehicle data – especially in newer vehicles, there may be high-tech computer equipment built inside the other driver’s car that has a digital record of what was occurring in the vehicle at the time of the accident.
Have You or a Loved One Been Injured in an Accident Caused by a Distracted Driver?
If you suspect your car accident was caused by a distracted driver, it is important that you contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible. As the Jacksonville personal injury attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm, we have successfully represented many people who’ve been injured by distracted drivers in the Sunshine State. We know how to obtain the detailed evidence that can help you prove a driver was distracted or negligent in some other way. Contact us today to begin.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Orlando, Miami, Ocala, Bradenton, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Tampa and Daytona Beach areas.
Resource:
nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/distracted-driving
https://www.pendaslaw.com/special-considerations-for-liability-in-multi-vehicle-car-crashes/