Florida Texting Accidents

It’s easy to be distracted while driving. You can be applying makeup, eating food or adjusting the radio. As a result, each year more than 3,000 people are killed and 400,000 people are injured in auto accidents because a driver was distracted, according to the National Transportation Safety Board.

The most common cause of distracted driver accidents is texting. In Florida, over 4,500 accidents were attributed to drivers being distracted by electronic communication devices. Texting and driving is the leading cause of vehicle deaths among teenagers, even more prevalent than drinking and driving.

What are the laws in Florida for texting and driving?

Florida Gov. Rick Scott signed a bill in 2012 that made it illegal to text or send SMS messages while operating a motorized vehicle. Most states have outlawed the practice of texting and driving, meaning a driver was potentially acting negligently and could be required to pay for injuries that occurred from a distracted driver accident. It would be no different than a driver who was operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.

What are the compensation laws in Florida?

Florida is a "no fault" accident insurance state. You will automatically receive compensation for economic loses like wages and medical bills. If the driver was negligent by texting and driving, you can receive a higher amount of compensation if you received significant injuries during the accident. A Flagler County woman won a $4.3 million lawsuit recently after suffering brain damage in an accident that involved a texting driver.

Have you been injured in an accident by a driver who was texting?

If so, you need to contact a Florida personal injury attorney. A lawyer can discuss your case and help protect your rights.

For additional information about Florida texting accidents, contact personal injury attorney James O. Cunningham today at 877-FL-INJURY (877-354-6587).