Distracted driving incidents are sadly a prevalent occurrence on Miami roads, often resulting in severe injuries and emotional distress for victims.
If you've been injured in such an accident, you can seek compensation for your losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
At The Ward Law Group, our Miami car accident attorneys specialize in helping victims of distracted driving accidents navigate the legal process and fight for the fair compensation they deserve.
Since our establishment, we have been dedicated to serving the Latin community in Florida and New York and all those seeking justice following an accident.
The experienced car accident lawyers at The Ward Law Group have successfully recovered millions of dollars for our clients, aiding them in reclaiming their lives and moving forward from the trauma.
If you suspect the driver who caused your accident was distracted, don't hesitate to contact our Miami office for a free consultation. Our team is committed to helping you understand your rights and pursuing justice on your behalf.
How The Ward Law Group Can Assist You After a Distracted Driving Accident in Miami?
Distracted driving poses a significant risk to everyone on the road, and holding negligent drivers accountable is crucial for ensuring safety.
Our seasoned Miami car accident lawyers have the expertise to investigate your case thoroughly and establish liability for your damages.
Insurance companies often dispute claims involving distracted driving, but our team is well-equipped to challenge their tactics.
With over 100 years of combined experience, our Florida board-certified trial lawyers have the knowledge and resources to fight for your rights and maximize your insurance settlement.
Here's how we can help:
- Investigate to Prove Liability: We will conduct a comprehensive investigation to gather evidence and determine the cause of your accident, including any evidence of distracted driving.
- Work with Experts: Our team collaborates with experts and specialists who can provide valuable insights and testimony to support your case.
- Defense Against Blame: If the insurance company attempts to shift blame onto you, we will vigorously defend your rights and refute any false allegations.
- Negotiate for Maximum Compensation: We will negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to secure the highest possible settlement for your damages.
If you're facing resistance from the insurance company in Miami-Dade County, don't hesitate to contact our experienced car accident attorneys for a free consultation.
Understanding the Prevalence of Distracted Driving Accidents in Miami
Distracted driving remains a significant concern in Miami, contributing to numerous accidents and fatalities each year. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), thousands of lives are lost annually due to distracted driving incidents across the country.
Florida, in particular, faces a significant challenge with distracted driving, ranking as one of the worst states in the nation for such accidents.
Recent statistics from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) underscore the severity of the issue, with tens of thousands of accidents, injuries, and fatalities attributed to distracted driving.
Evaluating the Value of Your Miami Distracted Driving Accident Case
Determining the value of your distracted driving accident case is a complex process that requires careful consideration of various factors. Our legal team will meticulously assess your damages, including economic and non-economic losses, to determine the full extent of your entitlements.
Factors that may influence the value of your case include:
- Medical Expenses: Past and future medical costs, including treatment, rehabilitation, and therapy.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to injury-related disabilities or inability to work.
- Emotional Impact: Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life resulting from the accident.
- Permanent Disabilities: Compensation for permanent injuries or disabilities that affect your ability to perform daily activities.
- Liability and Fault: Establishing liability and demonstrating the at-fault party's negligence in causing the accident.
By thoroughly evaluating these factors, we can provide you with a clear understanding of your case's potential value and pursue the maximum compensation available under the law.
Types of Damages Available to Distracted Driving Accident Victims
Florida personal injury laws recognize two main categories of compensatory damages: economic and non-economic. Economic damages cover tangible financial losses, while non-economic damages address intangible harms and losses the victim suffers.
Economic damages may include:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Property damage
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs
Non-economic damages may include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Psychological conditions such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD
Our legal team will meticulously document and quantify your damages to ensure you receive full and fair compensation for your losses.
If you've been injured in a distracted driving accident in Miami, don't hesitate to contact The Ward Law Group for expert legal guidance and representation. We are here to fight for your rights and help you secure the justice and compensation you deserve.
What is Distracted Driving?
Understanding what constitutes distracted driving is crucial for residents of Miami, Florida, and The Ward Law Group is here to shed light on this matter.
While texting while driving is now prohibited under Florida law, distracted driving remains a significant concern in Miami and Fort Lauderdale.
There are three main types of driver distractions: visual, manual, and cognitive. These distractions can lead to accidents by taking the driver's focus away from the road.
Examples include using smartphones, checking GPS devices, grooming, talking, interacting with passengers, eating, and daydreaming.
Even a momentary distraction can result in a collision, preventing the driver from reacting promptly to potential hazards. In cases where road defects or hazardous conditions contribute to an accident, the driver may not bear full responsibility.
Texting while driving poses an exceptionally high risk, as it simultaneously involves all three forms of distraction: visual, manual, and cognitive. This dangerous practice significantly impairs the driver's ability to react to changing road conditions, increasing the likelihood of a collision.
Despite the inherent dangers, proving negligence in distracted driving accidents can be challenging, as negligent drivers rarely admit fault.
However, The Ward Law Group's experienced attorneys possess the skills and resources to build a strong case on behalf of accident victims.
We thoroughly investigate each case, gathering evidence such as police reports, eyewitness statements, cell phone records, and accident scene data. In complex cases, we may enlist the expertise of accident reconstruction specialists to bolster our arguments.
Accident victims must act promptly, as Florida imposes a statute of limitations of two years for filing lawsuits related to distracted driving accidents.
This timeframe begins from the date of the accident. Previously, victims had four years to pursue legal action, but a change in the law in March 2023 reduced the deadline to two years.
The exact two-year statute of limitations applies to wrongful death claims resulting from distracted driving accidents.
The Growing Threat of Distracted Driving Accidents
Distracted driving accidents are on the rise, posing a significant threat to road safety in South Florida. In a region where cars are the primary mode of transportation, the allure of multitasking behind the wheel has become increasingly pervasive.
Shockingly, statistics from 2009 revealed that 16% of all fatal accidents and 20% of injury-causing accidents involved a distracted driver.
Recent studies conducted by government agencies and universities have shed light on the alarming escalation of cell phone use while driving, contributing to a surge in preventable collisions resulting in injuries and fatalities.
According to a report by National Public Radio, innocent drivers are twenty times more likely to be involved in an accident with a distracted driver than with one who is driving under the influence of alcohol.
Despite widespread awareness of the risks associated with distracted driving, many individuals continue to engage in this negligent behavior, jeopardizing their own safety and that of others on the road.
Until effective measures are implemented to address this growing threat, it is anticipated that the incidence of distracted driving accidents will continue to climb steadily each year.
At The Ward Law Group, we recognize the urgency of combatting this epidemic and remain dedicated to advocating for the rights of victims impacted by distracted driving accidents.
The Escalating Threat of Distracted Driving Accidents
In South Florida, automobiles are indispensable means of transportation, efficiently ferrying individuals to various destinations. However, the convenience of modern driving has led to a concerning trend: distracted driving.
Regrettably, statistics reveal the alarming prevalence of distracted driving in accidents, with 16% of fatal incidents and 20% of injury-causing accidents involving distracted drivers.
Recent studies conducted by government bodies and academic institutions underscore the exponential growth of cell phone usage behind the wheel, contributing to a surge in preventable collisions resulting in injuries and fatalities.
Shockingly, innocent drivers are twenty times more likely to encounter an accident with a distracted driver than with one who is intoxicated, as reported by the National Public Radio.
Despite widespread acknowledgment of the negligent operation of motor vehicles due to distractions, many individuals continue to engage in such behavior, posing a grave risk to road safety.
Until effective measures are implemented to curb this growing menace, the incidence of distracted driving accidents is expected to escalate annually.
Addressing Text Messaging Accidents - dangers of distracted driving
Throughout automobile culture in America, distractions have evolved from mere conversations with passengers to include radios, personal music devices, and, more recently, text messaging.
While some find these distractions soothing, others become dangerously engrossed, diverting their attention from safe driving practices. Additionally, billboards and scenic vistas further vie for drivers' attention, exacerbating the challenge of maintaining focus on the road.
The pervasive nature of distractions extends beyond technology, encompassing routine tasks like grooming and eating, further compromising driver attentiveness.
While legislative measures and enforcement are crucial for addressing this issue, until comprehensive action is taken, legal recourse remains the primary avenue for rectifying these wrongs.
Emerging Challenges of Distracted Driving
In contemporary times, GPS, cell phones, and personal data devices present new challenges, with drivers increasingly utilizing these gadgets while on the move. While some states have implemented stringent penalties for such distractions, many, including Florida, lag in enforcement.
Although hands-free technology like Bluetooth and voice-assisted GPS systems offer some respite, human error persists, trailing behind technological advancements.
According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, texting while driving diverts a driver's attention for an average of 4.6 seconds.
In those critical seconds, the likelihood of a car accident increases by 23%, equivalent to a car traveling at 55 miles per hour covering a distance of 100 yards.
As technology evolves, so must our efforts to address the growing peril of distracted driving on our roads.
Contact a Miami Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer
The aftermath of a wreck can be hard to navigate. But you don't have to face it alone. At The Ward Law Group, we are ready to offer you the legal services you need to get back on your feet. Let us handle the entire process of filing a personal injury claim so you can focus on recovery.
Contact us for a free case evaluation! We support car accident victims who are native Spanish speakers in Florida and New York. We will explore your best legal options for getting fair compensation. Call now at 855-DOLOR-55!