Look ahead. Pay attention to details. Driving is a responsibility; you may not be alone on a highway. Driving always involves interacting with your surroundings.
So keep your eyes on the real world, and don't get behind the wheel thinking about anything else, the planet Mars or what happened to you the first time you discovered the beauty of a sunset. Those moments make sense, but some situations demand your full attention.
At The Ward Law Group, we have been dedicated to advocating for victims caught up in life-altering events for the past three decades. Events that involve pain but also demand resilience. Only with an attitude of facing difficult circumstances and with the professional support of specialists is it possible to move forward in a complex life situation.
How Can The Ward Law Group Help After a Distracted Driving Accident in Orlando?
The Ward Law Group is renowned for its exceptional representation of injured clients. A car accident can disrupt your life significantly, but our Orlando personal injury lawyers are here to offer support and fight for the compensation you deserve.
When you choose us to represent you after a distracted driving accident, we will:
- Conduct a thorough investigation of the accident
- Gather evidence from various sources.
- Identify and contact witnesses.
- Collaborate with you to develop a legal strategy
- Negotiate with all parties involved
- Represent you in court if necessary
Dealing with insurance companies can be daunting, but our experienced car accident lawyers will handle negotiations to maximize your settlement offer.
Contact our Orlando, Florida, law offices to speak with our distracted driving accident lawyers. Your initial consultation is free, and you are not obligated to pursue legal action.
How Often Do Distracted Driving Accidents Occur in Florida?
The use of smartphones has contributed to a rise in distracted driving cases in Orlando and across Florida. Florida has implemented laws prohibiting texting and using handheld cell phones while driving, especially in school and construction zones, to combat this issue.
According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control, distracted driving claims the lives of nine individuals each day in the U.S., resulting in approximately 3,200 deaths annually. About 20% of these fatalities involve pedestrians, bicyclists, and other individuals outside of vehicles.
Engaging in distracted driving significantly increases the risk of accidents. Any activity that diverts your attention from the road, such as eating, using a mobile device, or attending to passengers, poses a danger.
What Causes Orlando Distracted Driving Accidents?
Distracted driving can be categorized into three primary types: visual, manual, and cognitive distractions. Texting while driving combines all three, diverting the driver's entire focus from the road.
At 55 miles per hour, diverting your gaze from the road for five seconds covers approximately 360 feet, equivalent to the length of a football field, without a clear view of the path. Any lapse in attention puts everyone on the road at risk.
What Types of Injuries Are Caused by Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving accidents often result in severe injuries to both drivers and others involved, including:
- Whiplash
- Back injuries
- Fractures and breaks
- Internal organ damage
- Loss of limbs
- Airbag injuries
- Paralysis
- Severe burns and disfigurement
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
Regardless of the nature and extent of your injuries, our Orlando distracted driving attorneys at The Ward Law Group are here to advocate for you and help you obtain the financial resources necessary for your recovery.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Filing a Distracted Driving Accident Lawsuit in Orlando, Florida?
In Florida, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases like distracted driving accidents is two years from the accident date. Act promptly and seek legal representation to ensure you meet this deadline and preserve your right to compensation.
How will The Ward Law Group positively impact your case?
The sooner you take action, the sooner an Orlando distracted driving accident lawyer from The Ward Law Group can begin handling your legal case.
While you focus on recovering from your accident, our attorneys will tirelessly pursue fair compensation on your behalf.
Following your initial consultation, our car accident attorney will assist your case by:
- Protecting your rights throughout the claims process
- Documenting your account of the accident, whether over the phone or in person
- Handling all communications with insurance companies on your behalf
- Determining the fair value of your claim based on the extent of your injuries and damages
- Gathering evidence of distracted driving by the defendant
- Interviewing eyewitnesses and obtaining witness testimony to support your case
- Consulting with medical professionals to obtain documentation of your injuries and treatment
- Conducting a thorough investigation of your accident to establish fault, liability, and negligence
- Negotiating for a fair settlement out of court
- Filing a personal injury lawsuit or wrongful death lawsuit, if necessary
Proving negligence is a crucial aspect of a distracted driving case. Negligence, as defined by the Legal Information Institute (LII), refers to a failure to behave with the level of care that an ordinarily prudent person would exercise under similar circumstances.
At The Ward Law Group, we can assist you in proving negligence by presenting evidence that demonstrates the following:
- The defendant owed you a duty of care to adhere to the laws of the road.
- The defendant breached this duty through actions such as texting while driving, as supported by evidence such as admission of guilt, police reports, eyewitness testimony, or other proof of negligence.
- You suffered injuries as a result of the defendant's breach of care
- The defendant's breach of care directly caused your injuries and resulting damages
Don't delay seeking legal assistance for your distracted driving case. Contact The Ward Law Group today to schedule a free consultation and take the first step toward obtaining the compensation you deserve.
Filing a Personal Injury or Wrongful Death Lawsuit
If we cannot achieve fair compensation for you through insurance settlement negotiations, we will proceed to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, adhering to the statute of limitations is crucial when initiating legal action.
In Florida, personal injury lawsuits typically must be filed within four years of the accident, as stipulated by Florida Statutes § 95.11(3)(a). Failing to file within this timeframe could result in the dismissal of your case.
Similarly, if your situation necessitates a wrongful death lawsuit to seek compensation for your family, it's essential to be aware of the statute of limitations. Florida law, under Florida Statutes § 95.11(4)(d), mandates that wrongful death lawsuits must be filed within two years of the date of your loved one's passing.
At The Ward Law Group, we understand the urgency of initiating legal proceedings promptly. By taking swift action, we can ensure that your potential lawsuit is filed within the statute of limitations, maximizing your chances of obtaining the compensation you deserve.
Why Do I Need a Lawyer?
The Ward Law Group Stands by Your Side, Advocating for the Full Compensation Your Injuries Warrant. Our Extensive Experience Gives You an Advantage.
Orlando, Florida, renowned for its attractions, conferences, and vibrant atmosphere, welcomes millions of visitors annually. Distracted driving has become a prevalent issue with so many tourists unfamiliar with the roads and often in a rush. Orange County ranks as the 2nd worst county for distracted driving in Florida, with 5.35 distracted driving crashes per 1,000 residents; it topped the list for distracted driving fatalities in 2018.
If you've suffered severe injuries in a collision with a driver who was texting, eating, checking emails, or otherwise not fully attentive to the road, you're not alone.
They must be held accountable, and you deserve total compensation for the costs and suffering you've endured. However, insurance companies frequently aim to minimize payouts to injured accident victims.
That's where experienced Orlando distracted driving accident injury lawyers come in!
We understand the emotional, physical, and financial toll of being injured by a distracted driver. To alleviate our clients' stress and ensure justice for all, regardless of economic means, we offer our legal services on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront; we only collect fees if we win a settlement on your behalf!
Seeking Just Compensation After an Orlando Distracted Driving Accident
If you've suffered injuries in an Orlando distracted driving accident, you have the right to pursue compensation. The other driver's negligence, driving while distracted, placed you in harm's way, leading to potentially significant expenses.
From medical bills to lost wages, lifestyle adjustments, and ongoing rehabilitation, the aftermath of such an accident can be financially burdensome. Moreover, the emotional toll of pain and suffering adds another layer of costliness.
The compensation we fight for aims to alleviate these burdens and help you regain stability in your life.
As seasoned Orlando distracted driving attorneys, The Ward Law Group brings over 30 years of combined experience to advocating for those affected by the negligence of others.
We understand accident victims' challenges and guide you through every step of the legal process. It would be best if you didn't bear the consequences of an Orlando car accident alone—we stand by your side to ensure justice is served.
Contact a Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer in Orlando
If you've been injured in an Orlando car accident involving a distracted driver, contact The Ward Law Group for experienced legal representation.
You may be entitled to compensation for various damages, including medical bills, lost income, property damage, emotional distress, pain and suffering, and reduced quality of life.
Call us at 855-DOLOR-55 to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your legal options. Our Orlando auto accident attorneys are dedicated to holding responsible parties accountable and helping you rebuild your life.