Distracted driving has become a growing concern on the roads, with phones being one of the most common diversions. Suppose you or a loved one was harmed in an auto accident because another driver was texting. In that case, you might be eligible for compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
A Tampa car accident lawyer can help ease any concerns you have in the wake of your Hillsborough County collision. As part of our comprehensive legal services, our team will gather evidence, establish a liable party, and pursue all forms of recoverable damages.
Reach out today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
You Can Expect Responsive Legal Care When You Work with Our Auto Accident Lawyers
After a devastating automobile accident caused by someone texting and driving, our experienced Tampa car accident lawyers can help. We understand the complexities of these cases and work to ensure that our clients receive the compensation they are owed.
Our attorneys will investigate your accident to determine who is at fault. We will review evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and other relevant information.
We will also negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to ensure you receive the maximum amount of compensation possible.
Our attorneys can answer all your questions and guide you at every step. We even provide you with your lawyer’s cell phone number. In addition, we can help with scheduling medical appointments and fixing your car. Client satisfaction is what we strive for here.
Assessing Liability in Your Texting While Driving Accident Case
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), texting is one of modern drivers’ most common distractions.
Many people admit to this behavior, despite the danger it poses to other motorists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians. Distracted drivers who cause accidents deserve to be held accountable for their negligent and reckless actions.
When you hire our firm to represent you, we begin by identifying the liable party. Even if the cause of an accident seems obvious, our team will gather evidence to prove what happened and who is responsible. You can expect us to investigate the incident thoroughly.
As part of our investigation, we may collect the following forms of evidence:
- Cell phone records
- Video footage from dashboard and surveillance cameras
- Eyewitness interviews and testimonies
- Pictures from the accident scene
- Photos of your injuries
- Police reports
- Maintenance records
Florida Law Regarding Texting and Driving
Florida Statutes § 316.305 prohibits the unsafe use of wireless communication devices while driving. This prohibits texting, emailing, and instant messaging, among other activities.
The above statute makes it illegal to type or send a text message while driving but allows for using GPS navigation systems and other hands-free technologies. The law also requires drivers to use hands-free features when making phone calls while driving.
The restrictions on using phones and other handheld electronic devices while operating a vehicle are not limited to textual communication. Other dangerous activities, such as browsing the internet, using social media, and playing games, are also prohibited.
Florida’s Primary Offense Law for Texting While Driving
Texting while driving has been deemed a primary offense in Florida, meaning law enforcement can pull over a driver solely for that reason. This law was enacted to reduce the number of motor vehicle accidents caused by distracted driving. But unfortunately, many people admit they still engage in this risky behavior.
If you sustained injuries in a collision with a motorist who wasn’t paying attention, it is important to seek the help of a qualified accident attorney. Our legal team has the experience and knowledge to help you navigate the complex legal system and fight for fair compensation.
An Auto Accident Attorney from Our Law Firm Could Speak on Your Behalf
As our team works to build your claim or lawsuit, we will need to communicate with law enforcement, witnesses, insurance companies, and other parties regarding your case. However, you do not have to worry about speaking with these parties.
We take care of these and other necessary interactions on your behalf. Our goal is to protect your right to compensation and keep you from suffering further stress from the incident.
Pursuing Financial Compensation in the Tampa Bay Area
Our Tampa team will also work to determine your eligibility for recoverable damages. Many accident victims suffer serious injuries that require intensive medical and psychological treatment.
Sometimes these treatment plans can unfold over months or even years. Medical expenses can pile up beyond a victim’s control in those situations.
We will fight for all available compensation to cover these expenses. You may also be eligible for other damages after an accident. For example, you may be able to recover compensation for the following:
- Lost income: You may have lost business opportunities, tips, bonuses, vacation time, or hourly pay because you had to take time off work.
- Diminished earning power: Your injuries could keep you from returning to the same job.
- Past and future medical bills: You may need prescription medications, physical therapy, medical equipment, emergency transportation, diagnostic assessments, or surgery.
- Pain and suffering: You may have endured debilitating physical pain.
- Mental anguish: Your mental health may have suffered since the crash.
- Disability: Your physical or cognitive abilities may have been permanently compromised.
- Property damage: Your vehicle likely needs to be repaired or replaced.
- Loss of consortium: Your relationship with your spouse might be strained due to the accident.
- Funeral costs: If your loved one passes away due to a catastrophic injury, you will need money to lay them to rest.
Our Tampa personal injury lawyers will keep you updated as we work to build a case against the liable party and hold them accountable for texting while driving.
You can also be confident that we will negotiate for any damages you and your loved ones may be eligible for.
You Pay Nothing Unless We Recover Compensation For You
Your journey with us starts with a free consultation. Then, when you choose us as your legal representatives, you won’t be obligated to pay any upfront fees. Instead, your lawyer’s payment will be contingent on the compensation they secure for you.
If they can’t secure a financial outcome, you owe us nothing. With this payment arrangement, you won’t risk owing us any money. Also, taking advantage of a free consultation does not obligate you to hire us.
Interpreting Relevant Personal Injury Laws
Building a strong case to support your position involves your lawyer identifying relevant laws. However, one law may come into play before you begin to work with a personal injury attorney on our team.
For example, according to Florida Statutes § 95.11(3)(a), most injured victims have up to four years to file a lawsuit after an incident. However, some exceptions set by Florida Statutes § 95.051 may extend the time you have to file.
By taking prompt action after your Tampa Bay area accident, you can give us ample time to build your case and comply with this deadline and other state laws.
On the other hand, if you let us know about your case too late and we miss the window of opportunity, the state of Florida will likely bar you from financial recovery.
Contact a Texting While Driving Accident Lawyer Today
You may need legal support if you suffer physically, emotionally, or financially due to another driver’s careless behavior. Overlapping legal, health, and financial concerns are enough to overwhelm anyone.
At the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine, we go above and beyond for our clients. When you choose to work with our team, we handle all your legal concerns and more, so you can focus on your health, career, and personal life. Our personal injury lawyers are committed to helping injured Floridians get the compensation they deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation.