Distracted drivers are one of the most dangerous threats to public safety and other motorists on Florida highways and roads. While there are numerous ways in which one might be driving distractedly, the consequences are similar. Vehicle accidents caused by operators not placing their full attention on traffic have devastating impacts on St. Petersburg communities and families every year.
Whether you suffered painful injuries, costly property repairs, or even the death of a passenger, if you are a victim of another driver’s careless inattention, state law may provide an option for you to recover these damages.
Florida Distracted Driving Statistics
One of the primary causes behind the rise of distracted driving in Florida has to do with the widespread use of smart devices like mobile phones. Florida legislature has taken this dramatic spike in related accidents as a means to introduce guidelines and laws to ban someone from texting while driving.
While this phenomenon is endemic around the United States, Florida is the second-worst in the nation for accidents related to distracted driving, according to multiple agencies, including the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FDHSM).
How Distracted Driving Happens
No matter what circumstances you are driving under, distracted driving is always a possibility. While texting is the most reported, we often commit several negligent behaviors without realizing that we are contributing to unsafe driving culture.
Consider the below behaviors that can easily distract a driver’s attention away from the road, endangering themselves and others:
- Having a conversation using a cell phone;
- Conversing with fellow passengers;
- Grooming for work;
- Paying too much attention to navigation instructions;
- Eat and drinking; or
- Adjusting various controls on your radio or air conditioning.
If you or a loved one is struggling to recover after a distracted driver caused you traumatic injuries, speak with an experienced St. Petersburg personal injury attorney right away. Losses that you sustained because of another driver’s negligence deserve fair compensation that can help you begin your journey to healing.
Types of Compensation for a Distracted Driving Crash
The amount of compensation you receive for injuries caused by a distracted driver will vary and fall under different categories. While it is impossible to say for sure how much your car accident claim settlement or award may be, several types of losses will be taken into account, including:
Out-of-Pocket Expenses
Any expenses you had to cover because of your distracted driving accident are eligible for reimbursement. These costs might include:
- Co-pays;
- Medication;
- Assistive devices;
- Nursing care;
- Medical equipment; and
- Rental car costs.
Medical Costs
In addition to out-of-pocket expenses, the at-fault party will also be liable for the medical care you or your passengers need because of their negligent driving. This could include physical therapy, costs for a specialist, emergency room fees, and more.
Property Damage
Besides bodily harm, your vehicle damage will also require compensation so that you can afford to make repairs or replace it if the value exceeds the costs to fix it, though you will only receive fair market value.
Lost Wages and Future Income
Accident injuries can be especially devastating and make it impossible for you to work during your recovery period. Demanding reimbursement for lost wages and future income, including sick or vacation days in some cases, is fair and reasonable.
Pain and Suffering
Non-economic damages like pain and suffering do not have an exact monetary value and require an assessment before an award determination can be made. Typically, this type of damage could include factors such as:
- Permanent physical injuries;
- Emotional distress;
- Mental anguish;
- Loss of consortium; and
- Sexual dysfunction.
Florida law allows distracted driving accident victims to file their personal injury claims within the first four years following the collision date. To ensure that your claim has the best chance of success, it is vital to contact an experienced St. Petersburg attorney with extensive knowledge of distracted driving injury claims.
Speak With a Reputable St. Petersburg Distracted Driving Injury Attorney Today
If a distracted driver caused a traumatic car accident that injured you or your family members, their negligent actions should require them to pay you for the damage and injuries caused. You have every right under Florida law to hold these individuals liable for their dangerous actions while driving in St. Petersburg. Working with a knowledgeable St. Petersburg distracted driving injury attorney can make the pursuit of the losses and damages suffered a successful part of your recovery experience.
The Marsalisi Law is a proud member of the Tampa Bay Trial Lawyers Association. Attorney Frank P. Marsalisi vigorously pursues the best interests of his clients in every case he undertakes. His efforts have helped accident victims recover compensation for medical, financial, and emotional damages. In addition to our dedication to providing the best personal injury representation possible, we offer bilingual communication services in English and Spanish, allowing you to get the answers you need. Contact our office online today or call (727) 800-5052 for a free case evaluation to learn what your rights are and how to proceed with your case.
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– Practice Areas –
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– Testimonials –
“You can’t go wrong with Frank Marsalisi!”
Frank was referred to me by a former client of his after my accident with nothing but great reviews, both professionally and personally. From day one there was a level of comfortability and trust built based on what would be in my best interest moving forward. Never once did Frank make my case about what was in it for him but about healing my injuries in order to move on as normal as possible with my life.
– Karlie
“One of a kind lawyer …brilliance!”
Frank has exceptional auto accident liability law abilities and he is also very well-versed in state auto insurance laws. One of the things I like about Frank is that he never tried to sugar coat anything for me. If we were headed for trouble, he would let me know what the trouble was and what our options were. I always appreciated his honesty. This is trait that I do not find in many of today’s lawyers but Frank has performed integrity well beyond his means.
– Ms. C. M. Fraser
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