Tampa Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer

Fighting For Distracted Driving Accident Victims in Florida

Driving is a task that some people take too lightly. In their hurry to get from place to place, they may forget that they are operating vehicles that weigh thousands of pounds, traveling down roadways at speeds that may range anywhere from about 30 to 70 miles per hour. They may have other things on their mind or may try to multitask by texting, applying makeup, shaving, eating, or doing any of a number of things while behind the wheel. When drivers do this, they greatly increase their chances of causing and being involved in collisions.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) couldn’t have said it better: “Distracted driving is a dangerous epidemic on America’s roadways.” Even if you are a careful, attentive driver who obeys traffic laws, you have to trust that other drivers will do the same. It is an unfortunate reality in today’s society that some drivers simply do not pay enough attention to the road and the task at hand.

If you were injured in a car accident involving a distracted driver, call Robert Sparks Attorneys. We realize you may have a number of thoughts going through your mind, and retaining legal counsel may not be at the forefront of your concerns. What you need to realize, however, is that you may soon be facing exorbitant medical bills and financial problems caused by lost earnings. By getting involved early on, an attorney can fight for fair compensation through your insurance claim or lawsuit. This can make all the difference as you work to move on with your life.

Call Robert Sparks Attorney today at (813) 710-4816 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our distracted driving accident attorney in Tampa.

Common Types of Driving Distractions

If you spend a good deal of time on the road, you have probably seen drivers doing any of a number of strange things while driving. While some of these things may only create minor distractions, others can take a driver’s eyes off the road and hands off the wheel for a number of seconds at a time – a dangerous amount of time when you consider the sudden nature of car accidents. It takes just a moment for a driver to lose control, fails to notice an obstacle, or veer out of his or her lane.

Our firm handles distracted driving cases involving:

• Texting while driving;
• Emailing while driving;
• Surfing the net or using apps while driving;
• Using a handheld cellphone;
• Talking to a passenger;
• Eating, drinking or smoking;
• Adjusting the radio;
• Using an in-vehicle navigation or video system;
• Shaving, applying make-up or other grooming, and
• Reading while driving.

Texting is widely recognized as the most dangerous distraction affecting today’s drivers. A study by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI), for example, found that texting while driving increased a driver’s chances of being involved in a collision by up to 23 times, as compared to a distraction-free driver. Recognizing the danger of texting and driving, many states have implemented bans. In Florida, drivers are prohibited from texting while driving. It is a secondary offense, meaning a driver cannot be pulled over for texting alone. A driver can only receive a ticket for texting if he or she is pulled over for a different violation.

Common Injuries in Distracted Driving Accidents

Common injuries may include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): When a distracted driver strikes a driver, the impact can lead to concussions or more severe traumatic brain injuries. TBIs may result in long-term cognitive issues and emotional struggles and require extended rehabilitation.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Spinal injuries are a common and devastating outcome of distracted driving accidents. Depending on the severity, these injuries can lead to chronic pain, limited mobility, or paralysis. Long-term care and physical therapy are often required, creating a substantial financial burden for victims.
• Whiplash and Neck Injuries: Whiplash is especially common in rear-end collisions, where a distracted driver fails to notice slowing or stopped vehicles. This condition can cause intense pain, stiffness, and ongoing complications that may require physical therapy or medical intervention.
• Broken Bones and Fractures: The sudden impact of a collision often leads to fractures in the arms, legs, ribs, and other areas of the body. These injuries may require surgery, casting, and significant recovery time, often leaving victims unable to work or enjoy their usual activities.
• Internal Injuries: Distracted driving accidents can also lead to internal injuries, which may not be instantly obvious but can be life-threatening if left untreated. Common internal injuries may include damage to the liver, spleen, or other organs and may require emergency surgery or prolonged medical care.
• Psychological Trauma: In addition to physical injuries, many victims of distracted driving accidents suffer from emotional trauma, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These psychological injuries can be as debilitating as physical injuries and may require therapy or counseling.

What Damages Could Be Recovered in a Distracted Driving Accident Claim?

Potential damages may include the following:

• Medical Expenses: Medical bills following a distracted driving accident can be extensive, covering costs such as emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and other related expenses. Compensation can help cover both current and future medical costs associated with your recovery.
• Lost Wages: Many victims of distracted driving accidents find themselves unable to work due to their injuries, whether temporarily or permanently. Compensation for lost wages can provide a safety net as you focus on your recovery. If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or from working altogether, you may also seek damages for diminished earning capability.
• Pain and Suffering: Pain and suffering damages are intended to compensate for the physical and emotional distress resulting from the accident. This can cover the physical pain you've endured as well as emotional suffering, like anxiety, depression, or loss of enjoyment in life because of the accident.
• Property Damage: Many distracted driving accidents result in severe vehicle damage. Compensation for property damage can help cover the cost of restorations or replacement of your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the accident.
• Rehabilitation and Ongoing Care: Severe injuries often require ongoing care, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, or even home modifications for accessibility. Compensation for these costs ensures you receive the support needed to regain as much independence and quality of life as possible.
• Loss of Consortium: If the accident has affected your relationship with a spouse or family, you may also be entitled to seek compensation for loss of consortium. This refers to the loss of companionship, affection, and support due to your injuries.

Contact Our Distracted Driving Accident Attorney in Tampa Today

Proving cause and liability in a car accident is not necessarily an easy task, but our team has the resources and understanding of these collisions to succeed. If you would like to learn more about the steps you can take to hold a distracted driver responsible for his or her conduct, contact a Tampa distracted driving accident attorney at Robert Sparks Attorneys, PLLC. Your initial consultation is free, and you pay no legal fees unless we win your case!

Contact Robert Sparks Attorney today to get started with our Tampa distracted driving accident lawyer.