South Florida Distracted Driving Accident Lawyers

Distracted driving is currently a leading cause of traffic accidents and deaths within the United States. Most States have passed ordinances that ban text messaging and using a cell phone while driving an automobile, yet people continue engaging in this and other such distracting behavior behind the wheel.

If you’ve been injured in an accident that was caused by a distracted driver in Florida, you deserve compensation for the harm you have suffered. Get started with a free initial consultation by calling our firm at 954-509-1900 or contacting us online.

Call Zimmerman & Frachtman, P.A. today at 954-509-1900 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our distracted driving accident attorney in South Florida.

Why Choose Our Distracted Driving Accident Attorney?

Since 1994, the law firm of Zimmerman & Frachtman, P.A. has represented clients injured by distracted drivers throughout South Florida. Our team of Florida distracted driving accident attorneys possesses decades of courtroom experience and has recovered over $300 million in damages on behalf of our injured clients.

Whether you have been injured by a driver who was texting, daydreaming, or falling asleep at the wheel, we have what it takes to fight for you. We are happy to discuss your legal rights and options during a free, no obligation case evaluation at your earliest convenience.

If you believe you have been wrongfully injured by someone that was texting and driving, or was distracted during some other activity, please don’t hesitate to call an attorneys at Zimmerman & Frachtman for a free case review. We can help you determine whether you have a case, calculate how much in damages you are rightfully owed, and help you obtain the fair and just compensation you deserve. We always seek maximum compensation for our clients so they can better recover and move on from this horrible event. We can assist with wrongful death claims as well.

What is Considered Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving can be defined as any action that takes a driver’s attention away from driving. The various types of driving distractions can be divided into three categories:

• Visual distractions are often a serious problem while driving, such as when an automobile driver is looking at a cell phone to dial a number or text a friend. Other visual distractions may include looking at billboards, trying to read road signs, and enjoying beautiful views.
• Manual distractions occur when a driver feels the need to use one or both hands for something other than steering. When a driver presses a keypad while driving instead of holding a steering wheel correctly, they are not giving enough attention to the road. Other manual distractions may include grooming, eating, and changing the radio station.
• Cognitive distractions occur when a driver’s mental attention is directed elsewhere. This may occur when a motorist is engaged in a conversation with a passenger or is responding to a text and is distracted. Cognitive distractions may also include enhanced emotional states that cause a driver to pay less attention (such a road rage or distress) as well as daydreaming.

Common distractions while driving include:

• Talking on the phone/texting
• Using a GPS or radio
• Talking to passengers in the car
• Dealing with kids or pets in the car
• Daydreaming or “zoning out”
• Falling asleep
• Eating and/or drinking
• Looking at signs, billboards, places, and other roadside attractions
• Personal grooming, such as applying makeup

Common Injuries in Distracted Driving Accidents

Common injuries may include:

• Whiplash and Neck Injuries: Rear-end collisions are often a result of distracted driving. These types of accidents can cause whiplash, a neck injury resulting from the rapid back-and-forth motion of the head. Whiplash can lead to chronic pain, limited mobility, and long-term medical treatment.
• Head and Brain Injuries: A distracted driver may not be able to react in time to prevent a collision, causing a victim’s head to strike an object or another vehicle. Traumatic brain injuries, which includes concussions, can occur in such accidents, leading to symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, memory loss, and in severe cases, permanent cognitive impairments.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Severe car accidents, especially those involving high speeds or head-on collisions, can result in injuries to the spinal cord. These injuries could lead to paralysis or limited mobility and often require extensive medical care and long-term rehabilitation.
• Broken Bones and Fractures: Victims of distracted driving accidents may suffer broken bones in various parts of the body, which includes the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis. These fractures can require surgery, physical therapy, and extended recovery periods.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Injuries to muscles, tendons, and ligaments—such as sprains, strains, and contusions—are common in distracted driving accidents. Though these injuries may seem less severe at first, they can cause ongoing pain and affect daily activities.
• Internal Injuries: In some accidents, victims may sustain damage to internal organs, like the lungs, liver, or kidneys, due to blunt force trauma. These injuries can be life-threatening and often demand emergency medical attention.
• Emotional and Psychological Injuries: The trauma of being involved in a car accident can also have lasting emotional and psychological effects. Victims may experience anxiety, depression, PTSD, and difficulty resuming normal activities. These mental health issues often require therapy or counseling for recovery.

Florida Distracted Driving Law & Statistics

Distracted driving has become a dangerous epidemic on America’s roadways. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 3,142 persons killed throughout the United States in the year 2019 because of distracted driving crashes. The state of Florida recorded a total of 48,537 crashes in 2020 and that involved distracted driving, 308 of which were distracted driving fatalities. This was a major increase from the 267 fatalities the year before.

The Department of Transportation has begun an effort to stop text messaging and cell phone use behind the wheel. There are various forms of distracted driving that are contributing to this national epidemic.

Contact Our Distracted Driving Accident Attorney in South Florida

If you or a loved one has been injured in a distracted driving accident, it’s essential to act quickly. Florida has specific time limits for filing personal injury lawsuits, and waiting too long can result in the loss of your right to pursue compensation. Our South Florida distracted driving accident lawyers is here to help you every step of the way. Zimmerman & Frachtman, P.A. help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.