Fort Pierce Distracted Driving Lawyer
Distracted driving is an alarming and growing concern on the roads, not just in Florida but across the nation. A major contributing factor to this menace is the increasing use of cellphones while driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving accounts for approximately 10% of fatal car accidents and 15% of injury-related crashes annually since 2015. The National Safety Council (NSC) further states that cellphone use alone is responsible for nearly 30% of all car accidents each year.
At Sholtes Law, PLLC, our Fort Pierce distracted driving lawyers are committed to representing victims of distracted driving accidents in Saint Lucie County and Martin County. We aim to not only secure maximum compensation for our clients but also work diligently to make our community’s roads safer for everyone. We understand that behind every statistic is a real person whose life has been irrevocably affected, often through no fault of their own. As your Fort Pierce distracted driving lawyer, we provide expert legal guidance, compassionate support, and aggressive representation to make sure justice is served.
Choosing the right Fort Pierce distracted driving lawyer can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. The legal team at Sholtes Law, PLLC has the experience, knowledge, and dedication needed to handle the complexities that often accompany distracted driving cases. We focus on providing personalized legal solutions that take into account your unique circumstances, helping to alleviate some of the stress and uncertainty that follows an unfortunate event like a distracted driving accident.
What Qualifies as Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving is categorized into three main types: manual, visual, and cognitive. Manual distractions refer to those instances where the driver removes one or both hands from the steering wheel. This could include activities such as texting, eating, or adjusting the radio. Visual distractions, on the other hand, occur when a driver’s eyes wander off the road. Examples include looking at a cellphone screen, glancing at a billboard, or checking on children in the back seat. Lastly, cognitive distractions involve situations where the driver’s mind isn’t focused on the task of driving, such as daydreaming or being engrossed in a conversation.
Texting while driving is particularly dangerous because it involves all three types of distractions. Your hands are off the wheel, your eyes are on your phone, and your mind is on the conversation, not on driving. Besides cellphone use, other activities can also distract a driver, such as eating, applying makeup, or conversing with passengers. Our Fort Pierce distracted driving lawyers understand the nuances of distracted driving laws and can help you navigate through the complexities involved in filing and pursuing a claim.
How Likely Is Cellphone Use to Cause a Car Accident?
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, texting while driving elevates the risk of a car accident by an astonishing 23 times. Other studies have shown that individuals who engage in cellphone conversations while driving are as impaired as those who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Despite the alarming statistics, Florida’s laws don’t impose the same harsh penalties for cellphone use while driving as they do for DUI offenses.
Currently, Florida has minimal restrictions on making or receiving calls while driving. Texting while driving is considered a noncriminal traffic infraction, often resulting in a ticket ranging from $100 to $200. This leniency in the law sends a mixed message about the severity of the issue. As your Fort Pierce distracted driving lawyer, we at Sholtes Law, PLLC strive to bring justice to victims and work toward ensuring stricter regulations to prevent future tragedies.
What Should I Do If I Was Injured in a Fort Pierce Distracted Driving Accident?
If you’ve been injured in a distracted driving accident in Fort Pierce, it’s essential to act quickly to protect your rights and options for compensation. While the criminal justice system in Florida may not yet have stringent laws on distracted driving, the civil court system offers avenues for meaningful compensation for your injuries. Personal injury claims, specifically those relating to distracted driving accidents, can serve as an essential catalyst for change by holding negligent drivers and their insurance companies accountable.
Choosing the right Fort Pierce distracted driving lawyer is crucial for maximizing your chances of recovery. At Sholtes Law, PLLC, we recommend consulting with us as soon as possible after the accident. We offer free initial consultations to discuss your rights and the best course of action tailored to your specific case. Our experienced Fort Pierce distracted driving lawyers are committed to guiding you through every step of the legal process, ensuring that you’re well-informed and confident in your pursuit of justice and fair compensation.
