Distracted Drivers
Regardless of your age or your experience behind the wheel, you can still be a victim of a Florida distracted-driver auto accident. A driver distraction is defined as any attention given to a non-driving-related activity while behind the wheel of a vehicle, generally to the detriment of driving performance. In a study conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, it was found that approximately 80 percent of traffic accidents and about 65 percent of near-accidents occurred within three seconds of some type of driver distraction.
If you or someone you love has been involved in a distracted driver car wreck, do not hesitate to contact the experienced auto accident attorneys at Gordon & Doner. You may be eligible to receive compensation for medical bills, property damage, lost wages and physical and emotional anguish.
Common Distractions for Drivers
There are many types of driver distractions. According to the NHTSA, about 6,000 people died and more than 1 million were injured in distracted-driving car accidents in 2008. Common types of distractions include:
- Cell phone use (including answering the phone, holding a conversation or texting)
- Playing with radio controls (changing the radio station, putting in a CD or using a music device such as an iPod or MP3 player)
- Taking care of screaming children
- Using a GPS
- Talking to a passenger
- Eating or drinking while behind the wheel
- Looking at something outside the vehicle (i.e. a billboard or a roadside accident)
- Applying makeup
- Reaching for something that’s inside the car
- Having a pet in the car
Contact a Florida Distracted Driver Accident Attorney
Driving a vehicle involves the coordination of your vision and your reflexes. If you are distracted and take your eyes or mind off the road or take your hands off the wheel for even a second, your chances of being involved in a serious car accident increase significantly. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a car accident involving distracted driving, contact our auto accident lawyers as soon as possible to schedule a free and confidential case evaluation. You should not be held accountable for an accident that was caused by the actions of another. Our knowledgeable staff will review the facts and evidence of your case and guide you on your next course of action.
