Lakeland Distracted Driving Accidents Lawyer

Distracted driving is dangerous, but it’s completely preventable. Drivers must focus on operating their vehicles safely and obeying traffic laws. Failing to do so risks collisions that can cause catastrophic injuries and claim innocent lives.

Our distracted driving lawyers in Lakeland, FL, are passionate about helping car accident victims. We believe in helping clients pursue fair compensation for their losses while increasing distracted driving awareness to prevent future accidents. Contact our Lakeland personal injury team today for a free consultation.

Defining Distracted Driving

Many people think driving distractions are purely physical. However, there are other ways drivers can become distracted behind the wheel. For example, driver distractions can be split into three categories:

• Manual distractions: Taking your hands off the wheel
• Visual distractions: Taking your eyes off the road
• Cognitive distractions: Thinking about anything but driving

If a driver hit you and was distracted in one or more of the ways listed above, a distracted driving lawyer from our firm can help you prove their negligence and fight for the compensation you need.

Examples of Distracted Driving

Some distractions, such as texting, contribute to all forms of these distractions and are the most dangerous, but any distraction increases the likelihood of a collision.

Our automobile accident attorneys have experience with distracted driving accidents caused by:

• Adjusting the mirrors
• Adjusting the radio
• Adjusting the temperature
• Applying makeup
• Changing clothes
• Eating and drinking
• Operating a smartphone
• Personal grooming
• Taking selfies or photos
• Talking on the phone
• Talking to a passenger
• Texting
• Using a navigation system

There is no excuse for distracted driving. If another driver was careless, did not have their full attention on the road, and caused a Lakeland car accident that left you seriously injured, it’s time to get in touch with a law firm that can help right this wrong.

Our distracted driving lawyer in Lakeland, FL, understands how other drivers can cause an auto accident by failing to pay attention. Even if the reason for your injuries is not on the above-mentioned list, our firm may be able to help you pursue damages from the responsible party.

How Long Do You Have to File After A Car Accident in Florida

If you suffered injuries due to a driver’s lack of attention, you only have time to file a Lakeland personal injury claim. According to Florida Statutes §95.11(3),(a), the statute of limitations gives you two years from the accident date to file. 

Four years may seem like you have plenty of time, but a legal case can make it go by quickly. To save yourself and your lawyer any delays in your potential case, you should file your claim against the negligent parties as soon as possible.

There may be details of your accident that could invalidate the set time you must file. This could result in you having more or less time to file your claim. You can speak to a distracted driving attorney in Lakeland, FL to know how much time you have to file.

What Happens After the Statute of Limitations Expires?

After the deadline to file passes, you will be ineligible to recover compensation or file another claim. Unfortunately, there are no exceptions to this rule, which is why we emphasize why it’s important to get in touch with a lawyer as soon as possible. 

After the statute of limitations is expired, the at-fault party cannot be held accountable for your injuries regardless of their actions. States created the law to protect involved parties from unfair prosecution and false evidence in accident cases. 

Damages You Can Recover After a Distracted Driver Hits You

When another driver fails to provide a duty of care, resulting in your injuries, you have the legal right to financial compensation. A distracted driving lawyer in Lakeland, FL, can help you recover damages after the crash, such as:

• Loss of consortium
• Medical expenses
• Loss of income
• Pain and suffering 
• Loss of companionship
• Property damage
• Loss of enjoyment of life

You may be eligible to recover additional damages after your automobile accident in Lakeland. One of our attorneys can help you determine what losses you can recover when you schedule to meet with them.

Texting and Driving Laws in Florida

Nearly everyone has seen another driver with one hand on the wheel and the other on their phone. Whether they are texting, looking at directions, or changing the song, looking away from the road for one second can lead to a collision. 

But according to Florida Statutes §316.305, if people are driving while texting or viewing content on their phone, police can pull the driver over.

Examples of behaviors that can qualify as inattentive driving include:

• Checking apps
• Facetiming or other video calls
• Changing songs
• Using a navigation system

If a driver does any of these actions at the wrong time, they could cause a devastating accident. You shouldn’t have to pay for someone else’s negligent behavior by sustaining injuries; our distracted driving lawyer in Lakeland, FL, is ready to defend you. 

Our Lawyers Are Ready to Negotiate with the Insurance Company

Even though the person responsible for the accident wasn’t paying attention, the insurance company will still defend the negligent party. And the reason behind this is profit. Insurance adjusters don’t want to pay you what your injuries are worth because they want to save money. 

But when you work with our team, we’ll fight for the damages and settlement you qualify for. We’ll look past the tricks they try to play on you and get straight to the point. We can show them concrete evidence to prove you qualify for compensation.

You should never go without a distracted driving lawyer when you meet with the insurance company. Legal representation is necessary when you’re up against people who thrive off denying you the money you deserve.

Call Dave to Speak with a Distracted Driving Attorney in Lakeland, FL

After you get into an accident because of someone else’s lack of attention, you shouldn’t have to deal with the legal process. Ask Dave for help recovering the damages you qualify for after your accident. 

Our car accident lawyers in Lakeland, FL, at Dismuke Law, can handle all the essential tasks that go into a distracted driving accident case while you heal from your injury. Call Dave or fill out the contact us form on our website to get your free case evaluation today.