Everyday distracted drivers cause car accidents and injure other motorists and passengers. For that reason, victims of distracted-driving car accidents should be familiar with distracted driving laws and the protections for victims harmed by a distracted driver.
Distracted driving laws
Florida drivers are prohibited from texting while driving. Texting while driving is a particularly dangerous form of distracted driving. There are several different categories of distracted driving including visual distractions, manual distractions and cognitive distractions. Texting while driving combines all three forms of driver distraction which is why it is particularly dangerous.
- Visual distraction refers to looking away from the roadway.
- Manual distractions include removing the driver’s hands from the steering wheel.
- Cognitive distraction refers to removing the driver’s attention and focus from the roadway.
Common driver distractions include talking or tending to kids and passengers, eating, unsecured pets, putting on makeup or grooming, adjusting radio or climate controls, accessing a navigation device or watching events outside of the vehicle.
Liability for distracted driving accidents
When drivers are not focused on the roadway, it limits their ability to respond in a timely way and to come to a stop when they need to in order to avoid a car accident. Distracted drivers are considered negligent drivers and may be liable for the harm they cause victims. Victims of distracted driving car accidents can suffer physical, financial and emotional damages. A personal injury claim can help victims of distracted drivers recover compensation for their physical, financial and emotional damages suffered at the hands of a distracted driver.