The recent debates over banning texting while driving in Florida combined with the Highway Patrol’s campaign against texting while driving have raised awareness of what is becoming a very serious issue in the Fort Lauderdale area. Accidents caused by texting while driving have caused over 16,000 deaths in the US, and thousands more injuries. Although texting while driving hasn’t been entirely banned in Florida yet as in other states, it is still important to remember some safe texting tips, and to know what to do if you are involved in a texting while driving accidents.
First, and most importantly, you really shouldn’t text while driving. Even if it’s an emergency, you should pull over before reaching for your phone. Not only is is safer for the other drivers around you, but it could also save your own life — texting while driving not only raises your chances of crashing by 23 times; it also makes your reaction rate 35 times slower!
Unfortunately, there’s not much you can do to avoid getting into an accident with someone who is texting while driving, but you can seek compensation from drivers who cause an accident by texting. As this issue gains awareness in other states, people are successfully suing other drivers for the medical bills, emotional pain, and financial loss they experience from a texting while driving accident. However, being such a new area of law, you really need to consult an experienced lawyer before filing a suit, as legislation on the issue differs from area to area.
For more information on texting while driving legislation, or advice on auto accident lawsuits in the Fort Lauderdale area, feel free to contact David Benenfeld for a free consultation.