Texting and Driving: A Danger for the 21st Century
Text messaging, simply known as “texting” by most, has quickly become one of America’s favorite ways to communicate. Texting is quick, takes away the pressure of having to respond to a conversation instantly, and makes it easy for individuals to express their thoughts with photos and emoticons.
It can also be deadly.
Recent studies have shown that using a mobile phone or tablet while driving can be more dangerous than driving drunk. Using a mobile device takes a driver’s eyes off the road and his or her hands off the wheel. In even a short span of time spent reading or responding to a message, a driver can lose control of the car and collide with another vehicle, pedestrian, or obstacle in the roadway. If you have been a victim of a car accident caused by a distracted driver, you may be entitled to monetary compensation to cover your injuries.
If You Are Injured in an Accident
Document all damage to your vehicle, the other vehicle, yourself, and the names of any parties involved. Also be sure to get the names and contact information for any individuals who witnessed the accident and the officer who filled out the police report.
Next, seek medical care for your injury. You must do this not only to ensure that you make a full, complete recovery but also because as a victim, you are required to mitigate your damages. This means that in order to receive monetary compensation, you must prove that you took steps to receive treatment.
Once you have sought treatment for your injury, contact an experienced personal injury attorney to discuss your case and determine the negligent party, an appropriate settlement amount to seek, and what you need to do to avoid violating your right to monetary compensation.
If You Were on Your Phone When Your Accident Occurred
You are likely to be found to be negligent in your accident. If the court determines that your texting contributed to the accident, but was not its sole cause, you might still be able to seek compensation. However, the amount you may ultimately receive for your injuries will be reduced according to the percentage you are found to have contributed to the accident. This is known as Florida’s comparative negligence rule.
If you were on your phone when your accident occurred, be sure to tell your attorney and discuss how it may affect your claim. The court can determine whether you were on your phone at a given time by checking your phone records.
Personal Injury Attorneys in Winter Park, Florida
If you are suffering from an injury you sustained in a car accident, contact Hornsby Law Group in Winter Park at 407-499-8887 to schedule an appointment with one of the personal injury attorneys at our firm. We will listen to your case and determine the best legal strategy for seeking monetary compensation to cover your injuries. Do not allow yourself to continue to suffer – if you have been injured in an accident you did not cause, you could be able to receive compensation for your damages. Contact our firm to begin working on your personal injury claim.
