Texting Accident Attorneys

Orlando Texting Accident Law Firm

We live in a world where we are constantly surrounded by new technology. Cell phones are now full of apps that can distract drivers — Twitter, Snapchat, messaging, and many more are designed to pull attention to the phone. Though this technology can be beneficial, there are times when using a handheld device is inappropriate and even dangerous. Using wireless communication devices while driving has become an epidemic, and despite many attempts to spread awareness about the dangers involved, it’s common to see people of all ages distracted while behind the wheel. Texting and driving can lead to serious consequences, and a crash can leave you and the other vehicle’s occupants severely injured or worse. Florida, along with many other states, has pushed to enforce harsher laws and penalties for those who are caught texting and driving. If you were the victim of an accident caused by a driver who was texting, our personal injury lawyers with the Law Offices of Michael B. Brehne, P.A., will work diligently to provide support for your case.

Dangers Of Texting & Driving

Some drivers see texting and driving as a harmless act since it only takes a few seconds to look at a cellular device. In reality, texting while driving is one of the most dangerous forms of distracted driving, because unlike other distractions, texting requires visual, manual and cognitive attention from the driver. A driver must take their eyes and at least one hand off the wheel to use a handheld device, which means attention is no longer focused on the road ahead. This lowers a driver’s reaction time, and changes in the road or actions of other drivers may go unseen. 

When traveling at high speeds, even the few seconds that it takes to look at your phone or send a text are enough for an accident to occur. For example, traveling at a city speed of 40 mph covers 58 feet per second. If you look at your phone for 5 seconds, you would have travelled more than 290 feet without looking at the road. That is almost a distance equivalent of two full football fields, and a lot can happen in that distance without enough time to properly react and avoid an accident. At highway speeds, the danger only increases. If you or a loved one are injured by a distracted driver, our Orlando personal injury law firm can ensure proper compensation is received for damages and lasting trauma. 

Texting & Driving In Florida

In Florida, texting while driving is against the law. Florida Statute § 316.305 states that a person may not operate a motor vehicle while typing on a virtual keyboard, sending a message, or reading a message on any wireless communications device. In the past, texting and driving was only a secondary violation, but as of July 1, 2019, texting and driving is now officially a primary offense. This means that you can now be pulled over and fined for texting while driving. Senate Bill 76 aims to reduce the amount of motorists using wireless communication devices while on the road by increasing penalties for distracted drivers. Motorists can now be pulled over and fined $30 for their first texting while driving offense, and subsequent offenses increase in fines and with points added to a distracted driver’s license. Penalties are harsher for those texting and driving through a school or construction zone.

While these stricter laws are designed to reduce distracted driving, this doesn’t mean using a mobile device is entirely prohibited while operating a vehicle. Florida drivers are permitted to use a device in hands-free mode or while at a complete stop. It’s recommended to enable voice commands for cellular devices as messaging, navigation, and other functions can be accomplished without physical input from drivers. 

Personal Injury Attorneys In Orlando, FL

If you were involved and suffered injuries in a car accident due to a texting driver, contact a car accident attorney. At the Law Offices of Michael B. Brehne, P.A., our attorneys can help prove the other driver’s negligent behavior. We will gather necessary evidence, such as cell phone records, to prove that the accident occurred because the offending party was texting in order to establish negligence. Contact our personal injury and accident attorneys today for a car accident lawyer Orlando residents can count on.