The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicates[1] that there were approximately 424,000 people injured in distracted driving accidents during 2013. Many states have passed laws restricting the use of cellphones while driving in an effort to make our roadways safer by reducing the incidence of distracted driving – for example, Florida State Statute 316.305[2] prohibits texting and driving. While these measures are certainly steps in the right direction, eliminating distracted driving is next to impossible, as distractions can take virtually any form. As a result, individuals will almost certainly continue to be injured by distracted drivers, sometimes with devastating consequences.
In almost every conceivable circumstance, distracted driving is negligent driving. As a result, people who are injured by distracted drivers can often recover significant financial compensation for their injuries and other losses. Among the kinds of damages that are often recoverable after a Florida car accident are medical expenses, lost income, loss of quality of life, and property damage, as well as others. In many instances, an experienced attorney can help victims recover significantly more compensation than they would be able to obtain if they represented themselves. For this reason, anyone injured in a St. Petersburg car accident should contact an experience attorney as soon as possible. To schedule a free consultation with one of our lawyers, call the Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA today at (727) 472-3909.
Simply because you were involved in an accident that you believe was caused by a distracted driver does not mean that there is a check in the mail. In fact, recovering the compensation to which you are entitled often takes a significant amount of time and effort and can be a legally complicated endeavor. Fortunately, there are many ways an experienced St. Petersburg auto accident attorney can help. Some of the more important are detailed below.
Negotiate on your behalf with the insurance companies
The vast majority of Florida car accident cases never see the inside of a court room and are settled through an agreement between the victim and an insurance company. That being said, the prospect of litigation can significantly strengthen a victims’ bargaining position. Insurance companies routinely offer unrepresented parties an unreasonably low settlement offer hoping that they will simply accept them in return for their right to sue. An attorney who is familiar with representing car accident victims will be 6
Investigate your case in order to find evidence of driver distraction
Most drivers who are involved in accidents do not come out and admit that they were distracted when the accident occurred. As a result, in some cases, victims must engage in investigation to uncover evidence that tends to prove that the other driver was distracted. Often, this requires the use of discovery devices such as subpoenas, depositions, interrogatories, and requests for admissions of facts. When you retain an attorney, he or she will thoroughly investigate your case and collect evidence that supports your assertion that the other party was distracted at the time of the accident. The kinds of evidence that may be relevant can include cell phone records, video surveillance footage, onboard computer vehicle data, and witness statements.
Represent you if your case goes to trial
In some cases, the parties to a car accident case are unable to reach an out of court settlement. When this occurs, it may be necessary to go to trial. You always want an attorney who has experience representing injured clients at trial and who will be a zealous and persuasive advocate for your rights in the courtroom.
Contact a St. Petersburg distracted driving accident attorney today to schedule a free case evaluation
Individuals who are injured by distracted drivers are often entitled to significant financial compensation. When you retain the attorney of the Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, you can rest assured that you case will be brought to the most favorable resolution possible. To schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced St. Petersburg car accident lawyers, call our office today at (727) 472-3909.
The Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA
1663 1st Ave S.
St. Petersburg, FL 33712
(727) 472-3909
References:
[1] Distracted Driving
[2] https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2013/316.305
