Distracted Driving Accident Lawyers in Tampa

Every day, drivers take their eyes off the road to use their phones, fiddle with the radio, adjust car controls, or speak with passengers while in motion. According to statistics from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), distracted driving accounts for over 50,000 crashes in Florida each year, with texting as the primary offender.

If you have sustained a serious injury due to someone else’s reckless driving, a car accident attorney from Kogan & DiSalvo can evaluate your case and help you understand what options are available to you. Our firm has the robust investigative resources needed to collect evidence that proves the other driver was distracted at the time of the crash. We will not back down in our quest for justice on your behalf until you receive the fair settlement payout you deserve.

When you need a distracted driving accident lawyer in Tampa, turn to Kogan & DiSalvo. Schedule your free consultation today.

The Dangers of Distracted Driving in Tampa

Anytime a driver’s attention is taken away from the road, it presents a danger to other motorists. Turning your head to have a conversation with a passenger, bending down to reach for a dropped item, firing off an email, and even daydreaming all qualify as distracted driving.

It only takes a second of broken attention to turn a commute into a catastrophe. In 2021, 3,522 lives were taken by distracted drivers in the U.S. This comes out to nine deaths per day.

Using cell phones while driving creates a particularly enormous risk of death or injury.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) conducted a survey revealing that motorists in southern states are twice as likely to use phones when driving as drivers in other parts of the country.

Distracted Driving Statistics

• 1 in 5 people who died in crashes involving a distracted driver in 2019 were not in vehicles (i.e., pedestrians) (Center for Disease Control, CDC)
• Young adult and teen drivers are the most at risk for distracted driving (CDC)
• In Florida alone, nearly 55,000 crashes involved distracted drivers in 2022, resulting in 283 fatalities (Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, FLHSMV)

Distracted driving in Hillsborough County, Florida, is irresponsible and dangerous. If you need a lawyer due to a head-on collision or other accident that was beyond your control, our team of highly dedicated professionals may be able to help.

Common Causes of Distracted Driving

Distractions can be broken down into three categories: visual, manual, and cognitive.

The most common visual distractions include, but are not limited to:

• Reading or sending text messages
• Checking your GPS
• Turning around to look at passengers in the back
• Watching videos or taking photos
• Looking in the mirror to check your appearance
• Reading your entertainment screen

Common manual distractions include:

• Searching for something online using your phone
• Eating or drinking
• Adjusting the music
• Grabbing an object or handing it to a passenger
• Smoking
• Grooming yourself
• Adjusting the temperature
• Removing an article of clothing

Cognitive distractions apply when the driver is:

• Talking
• Daydreaming
• Singing
• Worrying
• Listening to a podcast
• Overthinking

When you’ve been injured in an accident and need a Tampa distracted driving lawyer, you deserve representation that will thoroughly review every aspect of your case to ensure that you receive fair compensation. An attorney from Kogan & DiSalvo will meet that expectation and exceed it.

Common Distracted Driving Injuries

Serious injuries that may occur as a result of a distracted driving accident in Tampa, Hillsborough County, Florida, include:

• Whiplash
• Concussion
• Herniated and compressed discs
• Torn tendons and ligaments
• Broken bones
• Burns
• Disfigurement
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries

Compensation Available to Personal Injury Victims

If you are seriously injured because of a distracted driver, you may be entitled to the following damages:

• Medical bills
• Loss of income
• Diminished future earning potential
• Damage to personal property
• Emotional distress
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Wrongful Death Claims

If a loved one has been killed as a result of a distracted driver, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim. Damages received may include:

• Loss of consortium
• Loss of future income
• Loss of emotional support
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Emotional pain and suffering
• Medical expenses incurred before death

If a distracted driver is responsible for your life-changing injuries or those of a loved one, and you’re ready to hold them accountable, contact one of our Tampa personal injury lawyers.

Evidence in a Distracted Driving Case

After a crash caused by a distracted driver, the first crucial step in the investigation is to secure the safety of those involved. Move out of the way of traffic and contact emergency services.

Once that step is complete, and only if you’re physically able, begin documenting the scene. Collect contact and insurance information from witnesses and involved drivers.

Make sure you take pictures and videos of the scene, including:

• Damage to the vehicles and any property in them
• Injuries to individuals
• The weather
• Traffic signs
• Traffic conditions

As soon as you are able, reach out to Kogan & DiSalvo. One of our compassionate distracted driving accident lawyers in Tampa will begin reviewing your case and determine what to do from there. Remember, it’s never a good idea to discuss the accident’s circumstances with witnesses or speak to insurance companies without your attorney present.

While Florida law 316.305 requires drivers to put their phones away when operating a vehicle, countless people make the dangerous decision to ignore it. When they do so, they put their life at risk, as well as the lives of others.

A Kogan & DiSalvo Hillsborough County attorney will examine the evidence in your distracted driving case to determine how we can best help.

Kogan & DiSalvo Can Help You

You can count on our firm to help you navigate this confusing and high-stakes process. Our client-focused attorneys are well-versed in Florida laws and will aggressively pursue full compensation in the aftermath of a distracted driving accident injury.

Initial consultations are always free and come with absolutely no obligation. Our accident attorneys are trusted and valued by the Tampa community, as they know we’ll always work hard for them. You only pay if we win money for you. Speak with a Hillsborough County distracted driving lawyer to see how we can help.