Consequences of Distracted Driving
In today’s world, there are more distractions than ever for drivers. Cell phones, GPS devices, and touch screen radio systems are only a few items that have the potential to distract a driver. Construction sites, car accidents, eating while driving, having conversations with passengers, and even lack of sleep are also things that may distract drivers. Whether a driver is distracted by fidgeting with a cell phone or looking at a car accident on the side of the road, there are many potential life-altering consequences for driving while distracted.
Liability for a Negligence or Wrongful Death Claim
If people drive while distracted, they are more prone to get into a car accident. This is because distracted drivers’ response time to changes in traffic patterns are slowed and they are more prone to take their eyes off the road. When a car accident occurs in Florida and it is the distracted driver’s fault, Florida law provides that the other driver or a passenger involved in the accident may bring a personal injury lawsuit against the distracted driver for injuries that they suffer from the accident. If the other driver or any passenger suffers non-fatal injuries, they may bring a negligence action against the distracted driver. If, on the other hand, the other driver or any passenger dies as a result of the accident, their loved ones may be able to bring a wrongful death claim against the distracted driver.
Whether a negligence or wrongful death action is brought against the distracted driver, if the injured party can prove that the at-fault driver was distracted when the accident occurred, they will likely be able to win the lawsuit. This will result in the distracted driver being civilly liable for any monetary damages that a court awards the injuries parties.
Higher Car Insurance Premiums
In conjunction with being more susceptible to a personal injury lawsuit, a distracted driver’s car insurance premiums will also increase if the distracted driver gets into a car accident or it pulled over for violating a traffic law. This is because car insurance premiums are based on a driver’s past driving history. If a driver has multiple accidents on his or her record or has accumulated multiple traffic citations, then the driver’s car insurance premium will likely rise because the driver will be considered a risky or dangerous.
Traffic Citations
As stated above, another unfortunate consequence of distracted driving is being issued traffic citations. When drivers are driving while distracted, they may cross over a center traffic line, ignore stop signs or red lights, tailgate another vehicle, or change lanes without using their turn signals. All of these actions are violations of Florida’s traffic laws and, if a Florida police officer observes drivers committing these offenses, it could result in drivers receiving traffic citations. The citations may require drivers to pay a fine for committing the traffic infraction or may result in drivers getting points on their licenses. If drivers receive too many points, then they run the risk of having their driver license suspended or revoked.
Contact a Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Car Accident Case in Florida
Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a car accident in Florida? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Lawlor, White & Murphey represent clients injured because of car accidents in Fort Lauderdale, Venice, Naples, Pompano Beach, and throughout Florida. Call 954-525-2345 (South Florida) or (855) 347-5475 (Toll Free) or email us to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 2211 Davie Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312, as well as offices in Naples, Venice, Port St. Lucie, Pembroke Pines, Weston, Coconut Creek, Pompano Beach, and Plantation.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.