Professional Lake City Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer
Texting and driving has been illegal in Lake City, and throughout all of Florida, since 2013. The law is intended to protect motorists when they are on the road, as distracted driving has been compared to being as dangerous as drunk driving. Even though the law has been in effect for years, too many drivers still do not comply with it. There are also many other distractions a driver may face when they are on the road, and they can be just as dangerous as texting and driving.
Regardless of the type of distraction that caused a crash, you have the right to file a claim for damages for your losses. If you have become injured due to a distracted driver, it is important to speak to a Lake City distracted driving accident attorney that can help with your claim.
What is a Distracted Driving Accident?
It is not uncommon for people to first consider texting and driving as a form of distracted driving. It is true that a cell phone is a very big distraction when a person is behind the wheel, but there are other types, too. Distracted driving is defined as anything that causes a driver to take their eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, or interferes with their ability to concentrate on the road. As such, eating, drinking, grooming, and even rowdy passengers are all considered to be distractions that could cause a crash.
When a driver disobeys the law and drives while distracted, such as holding a phone in their hands, they are considered negligent per se. This means you do not have to prove the driver was negligent because the law already presumes a violation of the law is an act of negligence. You must only prove the driver was holding their phone at the time of the accident. The forms of distracted driving that are not against the law are still considered acts of negligence, such as eating and drinking while behind the wheel. As such, you must prove the driver acted negligently and caused the crash that resulted in damages.
Important Evidence After a Distracted Driving Accident
Proving another driver acted negligently is always challenging, and that remains true after a distracted driving accident, as well. A Lake City distracted driving accidents lawyer will collect the important evidence to prove your case while you focus on your recovery. This important evidence may include dash cam footage, video surveillance system from a business, and even cell phone records a lawyer can subpoena. A lawyer will also refute any evidence the other party submits when trying to show you were partly responsible for the crash.
Our Lake City Distracted Driving Accidents Attorneys Can Advise You of Your Legal Options
Distracted driving is very dangerous behavior, and you have a legal right to claim damages if you have been hurt. At Meldon Law, our Lake City personal injury lawyer can advise on your case and help you claim the fair settlement you deserve. Call us today or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation.
