The Consequences of Distracted Driving in Florida

Distracted driving is very dangerous and leads to numerous preventable accidents and deaths in Florida each year. In 2019, distracted driving resulted in 3,142 deaths nationwide. If you have been injured in Miami due to the negligence of a distracted driver, you may be able to pursue compensation for your losses. An experienced distracted driving accident attorney in Miami can help. 

What is Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving is defined as engaging in any activity while driving that would take your attention away from operating your vehicle. It only takes one second to get into a major accident when you allow yourself to get distracted while driving. There are three major types of driver distractions, which are:

  • Visual: A distraction that takes your eyes off the road (for example, looking at a nearby car accident)
  • Manual: A distraction that causes you to take your hands off the wheel (for example, changing the radio station)
  • Cognitive: A distraction that causes you to think of something other than driving while driving (for example, contemplating about a recent breakup while driving)

Texting is one of the most dangerous driver distractions, as it is an activity that involves visual, manual, and cognitive distractions all at once. Texting while driving, and any other method of distracted driving, can be extremely dangerous because it dramatically reduces a driver’s reaction time. If a driver is distracted, they may be unable to perceive and react to a potential danger in the roadway in enough time to avoid it.

What are Some Effects of Distracted Driving in Florida?

Distracted driving can have several negative effects. Most importantly, it can cause a driver to get into an accident, resulting in injury or death. Some of the most common injuries caused by distracted drivers in Miami include the following: 

  • Whiplash
  • Internal bleeding
  • Broken Bones, particularly to the lower extremities
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries 
  • Lacerations
  • Death 

What Damages Can You Pursue After a Distracted Driving Accident in Miami?

If you have been injured in a car accident caused by the negligence of another, you may be entitled to two types of damages – economic and noneconomic. Economic damages are easy to calculate — they include your medical bills, lost wage, and the cost of repairing your personal property. Noneconomic damages are a bit harder to quantify, but they are just as significant. These include your pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and disfigurement, among others. 

Were You Recently Injured by a Distracted Driver? 

If you have been recently injured in a car or motorcycle accident caused by a distracted driver and would like to better understand your options, please contact the experienced personal injury law firm of Gerson & Schwartz. We are available for a free consultation in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or West Palm Beach, FL.

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