Fort Walton Beach Distracted Driving Car Accident Attorneys

Driving while distracted is one of the most common negligent mistakes a driver can make behind the wheel. When a motorist isn’t paying attention to the road, they can miss vital signs, signals, and changes in traffic flow patterns. The result can be a collision that can cost other people their safety and livelihood.

If you or a loved one has been the victim of a distracted driving accident caused by someone else, it may be time to talk to the team at The Bruner Law Firm. Our experienced legal team can review your case, investigate the cause of the accident, and help you recover meaningful compensation to cover your medical expenses.

You shouldn’t find yourself in financial freefall because of a distracted driver’s negligent actions. Hold these drivers accountable for their actions and contact a skilled Fort Walton Beach car accident attorney from The Bruner Law Firm. We offer accident victims a free and confidential legal consultation to help them understand their rights and how they may be able to recover compensation. To set up your case evaluation, call (850) 243-2222.

Common Types of Distracted Driving Accidents

Distracted driving is an umbrella term that covers a variety of driving behaviors. A driver can be distracted by their phone, a passenger, or loud music. Anything that takes a driver’s attention away from operating their vehicle can be considered a distraction. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have identified three major types of driver distraction. These are:

• Visual Distractions. Visual distractions are anything that diverts a motorist’s eyes away from the road, even for just a few seconds. Looking at a cell phone, focusing on a GPS screen, or watching a video are all examples of visual distractions. A driver focusing too intently on an accident on the roadside may also be guilty of driving while distracted since their eyes are focused on something other than the road ahead of them.
• Manual Distractions. Manual distractions are things that keep a driver’s hands off the wheel. Entering a text message on a cell phone is a prime example of a manual distraction. To type in a text message, a driver must remove one or both hands from the wheel of the car. Eating, drinking, and applying cosmetics are other examples of manual distractions.
• Cognitive Distractions. Contrary to popular belief, the human brain isn’t great at multitasking. Cognitive distractions happen when a driver’s mind wanders away from the task of operating a vehicle and is stuck on another task. It can feel like being on “auto-pilot” in a way. The driver is still on the road, but their mind is daydreaming, thinking about work, or otherwise occupied and not focused on safely operating a car.

While distracted driving comes in many forms, often the outcome is the same: a terrible accident. When a driver’s eyes, hands, or mind are not on the road, they cannot anticipate or react to potential hazards. If you are caught in the path of a distracted driver, your life can be changed forever by physical injuries and financial setbacks.

Injuries from Distracted Driving Collisions

Distracted driving is extremely dangerous behavior. The Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles division estimates that in 2020, 308 individuals were killed in distracted driving collisions across the state. There were also at least 2,756 serious injuries related to distracted driving and a total of 48,537 distracted driving crashes.

The statistics paint a troubling picture. Distracted driving crashes can cause devastating injuries that may impact a victim for the foreseeable future. Some of the most common injuries associated with distracted driving crashes include:

• Traumatic brain injury
• Paralysis
• Concussion
• Whiplash
• Spinal injuries
• Broken bones
• Soft tissue injuries
• Internal bleeding
• Amputation
• Contusions
• Lacerations

The medical bills associated with these types of injuries can quickly become overwhelming. To recover the money you need to bounce back, contact an experienced Florida car accident attorney to help you with your claim.

What Compensation Can You Expect?

Florida is one of only a handful of states left that follow a no-fault policy when it comes to car accidents. In a no-fault state, even if another driver is at-fault for causing an accident, the victim must seek compensation from their own insurance company. State law requires all motorists to carry personal injury protection or PIP. The minimum amount of coverage the state requires is $10,000.

$10,000 is not a lot of money for bills when you have extensive or significant injuries. In cases where an at-fault driver caused serious bodily injury, a victim may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit. The legal definition of “serious bodily injury” means:

• Either significant or permanent scarring or disfigurement
• Either significant or permanent loss of a vital bodily function
• Death

By pursuing a personal injury lawsuit, you may be able to recover compensation for the following:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning capacity
• Property damage or car repairs
• Disfigurement
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Pain and suffering

An experienced Florida car accident attorney can review your situation and help you decide which path is best for your case. Whether you pursue an insurance claim or lawsuit, an attorney can help you attempt to recover fair compensation for your injuries.

You Need an Experienced Car Accident Attorney

For almost 30 years, the team at The Bruner Law Firm has been fighting to protect the rights of Florida car accident victims. Your life shouldn’t be thrown into chaos because another driver failed to pay attention while behind the wheel. Take action. Protect yourself, your family, and your rights by calling a skilled attorney from The Bruner Law Firm for help. We want to advocate for you.

If you were hurt in a distracted driving accident that wasn’t your fault, do not hesitate to contact an attorney with The Bruner Law Firm today. We can immediately begin work on your claim and help you seek the money you need to get you back on your feet again. Call our office at (850) 243-2222, or reach out to us online to set up your free case evaluation.