Distracted Driving Lawyers in Dade City
Did a distracted driver injure you in a car crash in Dade City? If you are dealing with painful complications, missing time from work, and wondering how you will make ends meet, contact an experienced Florida car accident attorney right away for help.
You may be entitled to significant compensation for your losses. Our distracted driving injury law firm is ready to help you file a claim and demand the money you need to recover.
At The Disability Law Firm, our Dade City attorney has the resources and experience to help you get back on your feet after a distracted driving crash. Contact us today to learn more about your legal options in a free initial consultation.
What Is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving entails operating a motor vehicle while engaged in any activity that prevents you from giving your full attention to the task of safe driving. It is impossible to drive safely without paying complete and consistent attention to the road ahead. Any time you are preoccupied with any distraction behind the wheel, you are significantly more likely to be involved in an accident.
How a Lawyer Can Help After a Distracted Driving Accident
The distracted driving car accident lawyer at The Disability Law Firm can help you protect your rights and seek fair compensation after a distracted driving crash by:
- Explaining your rights and outlining your legal options
- Determining the potential value of your claim
- Conducting an independent investigation into the accident
- Identifying and preserving valuable evidence for your case
- Communicating with other parties on your behalf
- Managing important documents and deadlines on your behalf
- Negotiating aggressively to maximize your compensation
- Taking your case to trial and representing you in court, if necessary
Types of Dade City Distracted Driving Accidents
No two distracted driving car accidents are alike, but the following types of distracted driving accidents are prevalent:
- Head-on collisions – A head-on collision is a particularly devastating type of wreck that occurs when the front end of one vehicle crashes into the front end of another vehicle traveling in the opposite direction. Distracted driving can result in head-on collisions when preoccupied drivers accidentally drift into lanes of oncoming traffic, fail to yield the right of way, or run red lights or stop signs.
- Sideswipe accidents – A sideswipe accident occurs when the side of one vehicle scrapes or swipes against the side of another vehicle traveling in the same or opposite direction. Sideswipe accidents commonly happen when distracted drivers drift into neighboring lanes or make negligent turns or merges.
- T-bone crashes – A T-bone crash occurs when the front end of one vehicle runs into the broad side of another car, resulting in a T-shaped wreck. Most T-bone crashes occur at intersections, especially when distracted drivers fail to yield the right of way or run red lights or stop signs.
- Rear-end collisions – A rear-end collision occurs when the front end of one vehicle crashes into the rear end of the car ahead of it. Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of rear-end collisions, which frequently happen when distracted drivers follow too closely for conditions and fail to slow down or stop promptly in response to changes in traffic flow.
- Rollover accidents – Rollover accidents can be catastrophic. If a distracted driver takes a turn too quickly, brakes too suddenly, or collides with another vehicle or object at a wrong angle, the vehicle can tip over onto one side or roll over entirely.
Common Distracted Driving Accident Injuries
Here are some of the most common types of injuries from distracted driving crashes:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Scarring and permanent disfigurement
- Neck, back, and spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Facial injuries
- Dental trauma
- Shoulder, arm, elbow, wrist, and hand injuries
- Dislocated or broken bones
- Amputation
- Bruises, burns, lacerations, and puncture wounds
- Abdominal injuries and internal bleeding
- Hip, leg, knee, ankle, and foot injuries
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Other psychological and emotional injuries
- Wrongful death
Distracted Driving FAQs
What compensation is available for a distracted driving accident in Florida?
When you are injured in a distracted driving car accident in Florida, you are generally expected to seek compensation from your no-fault auto insurance provider. No-fault benefits can cover your medical expenses, a portion of your lost wages, and other limited accident-related losses.
However, if you suffer serious injuries, you may be able to step outside Florida’s no-fault system and seek compensation from the at-fault party liability insurance coverage. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the accident, you could be entitled to additional compensation for:
- Lost wages – The full value of any wage losses you suffer from any time you miss at work while recovering from your injuries
- Future losses – The costs of medical care you will likely need in the future and projected losses in your future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering – The intangible cost of the physical pain, mental anguish, and emotional suffering you endure as a result of the wreck
- Incidental costs – Out-of-pocket costs you incur for expenses such as the costs of traveling to and from medical appointments
What happens if I am partly to blame for a distracted driving accident?
Because Florida follows a no-fault system for car accidents, you can claim compensation from your no-fault provider regardless of who was at fault for the accident. However, if your injuries meet the criteria for a “serious injury,” things can look different when you step outside the no-fault system.
If you have a claim against a distracted driver, but you were partially at fault, Florida’s pure comparative negligence doctrine comes into play. Under this doctrine, the compensation you recover will be reduced by the percentage of fault you contributed to the wreck.
Is there a deadline for distracted driving accident lawsuits in Florida?
Yes. Under Florida law, you have four years to file a personal injury lawsuit after a distracted driving accident. If you wait to file until after the four-year deadline has passed, you would most likely lose your right to demand compensation.
A distracted driving lawyer can help you identify essential deadlines for your injury case and prevent avoidable mistakes from derailing your case.
Contact Our Experienced Dade City Distracted Driving Accident Lawyers Today
If you have been injured in a distracted driving accident, the Dade City texting and driving lawyer at The Disability Law Firm can help. Contact us today to discuss the details of your accident claim during a free initial case review.
