Distracted driving accidents are, unfortunately, all too common in the State of Florida. We have recently seen an uptick in the number of people injured or killed due to distracted drivers texting or talking on their phones while behind the wheel.
Have you recently been the victim of distracted driving in the Zephyrhills area? Have you suffered serious personal injuries as a result? In these situations, most people are unsure how to go about filing a claim or getting compensation for their injuries and losses. To help you understand your rights and how to get the best possible outcome from your case, this personal injury attorney in Zephyrhills, Florida is going to discuss some of the key things you should know below.
What is distracted driving?
Distracted driving is any activity that diverts attention from driving, including talking or texting on your phone, eating and drinking, talking to passengers, or fiddling with the stereo, GPS, or navigation system.
According to the 2021 Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) data, 333 people were killed, and an estimated 56,000 were injured in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers.
As any experienced personal injury attorney in Zephyrhills, Florida knows, texting and driving is particularly dangerous because it involves all three forms of distraction: visual (taking the eyes off the road), manual (taking the hands off the wheel), and cognitive (taking the mind off of driving).
What should you do if you have been involved in an accident caused by distracted driving?
If you or someone you love has been involved in an accident caused by distracted driving, it is important to know what to do. Here are seven steps to take if you find yourself in this situation:
- Even if you do not think you are injured, you should get checked out by a doctor as soon as possible. Certain injuries, like whiplash, may not manifest themselves right away.
- Call the police and file a report. This will document the accident and help create a paper trail.
- Gather evidence from the scene of the accident, including photos and witness contact information. This is critical information that your personal injury attorney in Zephyrhills, Florida may need to use to support your case.
- Get in touch with your insurance provider as soon as possible to get the claims process started.
- Contact an experienced personal injury attorney in Zephyrhills, Florida who can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
- Do not give a statement to the other driver’s insurance company without speaking to your lawyer first.
- Do not move any vehicles until law enforcement arrives at the crash scene (you might be charged with obstructing justice). It is also best to avoid arguing with anyone at the scene unless you have already spoken with a lawyer about how best to proceed under these circumstances.
Consider the statute of limitations.
After being involved in a car accident, it is crucial to be aware of the statute of limitations that may apply to your case.
Per F.S. § 95.11, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim in Florida is four years from the date of the accident. This means that if you were injured in a car accident caused by another driver’s negligence, you have four years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. You will be barred from recovery if you do not file a lawsuit within this time frame.
Looking for the Top-Rated Personal Injury Attorney in Zephyrhills, Florida?
Have you been the victim of a distracted driving accident in the Zephyrhills area? If so, and if you’re looking to partner with the top-rated personal injury attorney in Zephyrhills, Florida, you’ve come to the right place — Tonya Stewart Law PA is here to help. Tonya and her legal team are well-equipped to help you navigate the claims process and achieve the best outcome possible. Contact us today at (863) 279-4473 to discuss your options.