Tampa Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer

Darrigo & Diaz, Attorneys at Law are highly experienced in all aspects of personal injury law and trial litigation. We understand that distracted driving happens on a daily basis, and severely affects everyone who shares the road. The dangers a distracted driver poses to others is immense, and has led to countless numbers of accidents and injuries across the nation.

woman talking on phone while driving

If a distracted driver is the cause of your injury, your case may need further evaluation from our Tampa car accident attorneys. You may qualify to receive full financial recovery to cover the costs of another’s negligence.

We have a reputation for providing excellent legal counsel and hard-hitting, relentless litigation to our clients. You have the right to fight against negligence—call our Tampa personal injury firm today!

How Many Accidents Are Caused by Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving accidents are becoming more common. The NHTSA has warned that every year there is an increase in distracted driving deaths of fifteen percent. In some cases, this can be due to the fact that young people are spending so much of their time on the cell phone or using other electronics such as iPods and other handheld devices. These distractions increase the risk for all road users, especially teen drivers.

According to the CDC, in 2018 more than 2,800 people were victims of fatal distracted driving accidents. Another 400,000 people were injured. Distracted driving accidents have become an epidemic, killing nearly 30,000 people since 2010, with more than 25% of them being between the ages of 20-29. 

How Likely is Someone to Crash When Driving Distracted?

The research done by NHTSA involved two teams of drivers. The first set was made up of traffic specialists from the Ohio Department of Transportation and the University of Michigan. The second team included representatives from the California Department of Motor Vehicles. The study looked at two groups of drivers – one driving a large volume of traffic and one driving a smaller volume of traffic. Both groups had similar accidents, but the group that was driving fewer miles had four times as many accidents as the group that drove the same amount of miles but were distracted.

The statistics show that the driver that is distracted and not paying attention is eight times more apt to crash. This increase in crash risk is not surprising when you consider that talking on a cell phone while driving has been determined to cause or worsen several types of accidents. When you add in that talking on the cell phone also increases the likelihood of swerving, the chances of making an unsafe left turn, and increases the chance of passing too close to another vehicle, it is easy to see why the numbers are what they are.

How do the Roads Contribute to Distracted Driving Accidents in Florida?

One reason why the United States has such a high rate of distracted driving crashes involves the fact that the majority of our roads are not equipped to monitor traffic properly. Highway deficiencies is just one of the many causes of accidents involving distracted drivers. One of the reasons that there is an increase in distracted driving accidents is because more people feel that they need to multitask as they drive. That is changing, however, as more individuals are choosing to ride buses, trains, subways, and other public transportation as opposed to driving their own personal vehicles.

What is Florida Doing to Decrease Distracted Driving Accidents?

Florida has established several coalitions to improve road safety and reduce distracted driving accidents, bicycle accidents, bus accidents, and other public safety hazards. However, even with an increase in education and safety measures, it is no substitute for practicing defensive driving techniques at all times. 

What are the Three Types of Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving involves anything that takes your hands off the wheel, and your eyes or attention off the road. The three types of distracted driving are:

  • Visual 
  • Manual
  • Cognitive

A report from the Department of Highway Safety found that more than 46,000 car collisions resulted from distracted driving. Distracted driving takes away from the driver’s ability to focus on the road. For example, leaning over to open the glove compartment or looking at sights along the road, are all distractions that can lead to an accident.

Some of the most common types of distracted driving accidents include:

  • Drinking or eating in the vehicle
  • Having conversations with passengers
  • Grooming, shaving, or applying makeup
  • Using the GPS system or radio tuner
  • Using a cell phone—texting while driving in particular

Cell phone usage is, by far, the most prevalent form of distracted driving. Technological developments allowed us to become more reliant on cell phones, and thus, more auto accidents can occur as a result. As experienced Tampa car accident attorneys, we can help you file a claim for compensation that we hope can offer some peace of mind and allow you to return to your life as it once was.

How to Hire a Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer in Florida

Darrigo & Diaz, Attorneys at Law is on your side. We can evaluate your case to determine liability and determine the full potential of your case. We are aggressive, tenacious, and are determined to seek justice on your behalf. Our Tampa personal injury team handles all aspects of litigation and also has decades of trial experience, and we are well-prepared to bring a case to court if it is necessary. Contact us 24/7 by calling (813) 774-3341 to discuss your legal options right over the phone.

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