Common Distractions on The Road
Cell phones, talking, mindless driving are just a few common distractions that make drivers preoccupied while out on the road. They certainly aren’t the only ways to cause distracted driving. Here are other ways drivers get distracted and can cause accidents:- Texting while driving
- Checking social media
- Taking eyes off the road
- Messing with the navigational system or radio
- Eating and drinking in the car
- Speaking on the phone
- Falling asleep (yes, it’s possible)
Distracted Driving Car Accident Facts
The CDC has found tremendous statistics and facts about distracted driving that will make you think twice about picking up your phone while behind the wheel. While we know car accidents are an everyday occurrence, it’s recorded that approximately 3,000 people die each year from a distracted driving related incident. Most distracted driving accidents, as recorded in 2018, are caused by young adults ranging in age from 15-19. The CDC also found that in 2019, 60% of young adult drivers texting or emailing were found to be a very common act in drivers 18 years or younger. This is a major problem that can lead to severe consequences. However, this is not to say adults aren’t to blame for the distracted driving problem. If you are the parent of a young adult who is about to get their license, it’s important to have a discussion with them about the importance of always keeping both hands on the wheel and their eyes and mind on the road.What To Do If You Were Involved in An Accident Due to Distracted Driving
No matter your age, if you are in a car accident and are not severely injured, there are steps you should take to ensure your car accident is handled properly. Florida has a no-fault system in place when it comes to car accidents, but you should still take these steps to ensure you have all information and your tracks are covered. The first thing you should do after an accident is call the police. The police will file an unbiased report after visiting the scene and speaking to all drivers to get a sense of what happened and who was at-fault. If you are able to file a lawsuit, the police report can be used as evidence. The same applies to medical records. Even if you don’t have a scratch on your body, do not skip the medical assistance. It’s possible you could have an internal injury that needs to be addressed, and your medical records can also be used as evidence if your case allows for a lawsuit. If you forego medical assistance, your lawsuit could look less serious to a jury. You should also get out of the car and get the contact information of the other driver. Having their name will make it easier to track them down if you decide to file a lawsuit.Know Your Car Accident & Legal Rights
Another step you should take after a car accident is filing a claim with your insurance company. Since Florida has the no-fault system, which states that all parties involved in a car accident are to blame, it’s a requirement that all residents have personal injury protection. You should have a minimum of $10,000 in personal injury protection to help financially with medical bills or time off work. Personal injury protection does not help with car damage, so you will need to have collision coverage separately. In Florida, you are not allowed to file a car accident lawsuit unless your case meets one or both of the following requirements:- Your medical bills exceed several thousands of dollars.
- You suffer a severe injury that is considered to be one of the following
- Death
- Amputation
- Life-altering disabilities
- Scarring
