One of the most common reasons for automobile accidents in Broward County is distracted driving. The temptation to focus on multi-tasking while driving is just too much for some people. They are occupied with cell phones and other easy to access devices. This is irresponsible and dangerous. Only one thing should be on your mind while driving: operating your vehicle in a safe manner. People put themselves and those around them at risk when they don’t do this. Our Fort Lauderdale Distracted Driver Accident Lawyer will help you through this tough time.
Driving without focus on the road and other drivers is inexcusable, and should be punished. If you have been injured and believe the primary cause was distracted driving, the legal representation of a qualified Fort Lauderdale distracted driver accident lawyer will allow you to hold the negligent party accountable for their actions and demand compensation for the cost related to your medical issues.
What to Do Following an Accident in Broward County
Stay calm: Although accidents are jarring, it is important to try an act in a calm and rational manner.
Check for injuries: If you or a passenger were injured, try to stay still and call an ambulance.
Safely exit the vehicle: Turn on your hazard lights and exit the vehicle only when there are no cars approaching. If your car can be moved, park it as far to the side of the road as possible.
Call the police: Unless the accident is a minor fender bender, call law enforcement. Provide any information that the police officer asks for when he or she arrives.
Exchange only basic information with other driver: If you exchange info, do not give out anything more than your name and vital insurance information. Do not discuss the accident with the other party. Anything you say could be used against you in a civil case.
Call your attorney: Before taking any major steps in the insurance claims process, call your attorney. If you speak with an insurance agent before your attorney, do not make any recorded statements and only give basic information. You may think your insurer is on your side, but they are also looking out for their interests, so saying the wrong thing could endanger your claim.
Proving Negligence After An Auto Accident
There are four elements that must be proven in order to win litigation that involves negligence. These elements are duty, breach, causation and damages. Here is a simple description of what needs to be done in order to prove wrongdoing:
Duty – The plaintiff or the injured party must be able to prove the defendant owed the plaintiff a duty to act with reasonable care when operating their car. This is a general duty and is required by every driver who operates their vehicle.
Breach – The plaintiff must also prove the defendant breached their duty by failing to act with reasonable care when operating their vehicle.
Causation – The plaintiff must also prove the defendant’s conduct was the actual and proximate cause of their injuries.
Damages – The plaintiff must have suffered some form of injury as a result of the defendant’s conduct.
Collecting Compensation and Damages After a Car Accident in Broward County
The damages involved in a personal injury case are payment for the costs related. The common damages that are pursued in a auto accident case include:
- pain and suffering,
- mental anguish,
- loss of employment,
- loss of wages
- permanent disfigurement,
- reduced earning capacity,
- loss of enjoyment of life,
- loss of consortium and property damage.
If you have been injured in an automobile accident that was the direct result of distracted driving, you may be eligible for compensation in the form of damages. We at Lisa S. Levine P.A. are ready and willing to stand by your side and provide effective legal representation during this difficult and complicated time.
Injury Victim
Not only will our firm represent you in court, we will carefully handle all aspects of your case so that you can focus on getting better and moving on with your life. Years of combined experience have helped our attorneys develop a strong legal perspective that enables them to provide dynamic and professional legal counsel. We strive to make all of our clients confident and comfortable during litigation, keeping you well informed and up to date on exactly what is happening.
Contact our law firm today at (954) 256-1820 or send an online message to learn more about your legal options in a free initial consultation. Lisa S. Levine P.A. proudly represents clients throughout Weston, Fort Lauderdale, Lauderhill, Deerfield Beach, Davie, Margate, and Sunrise. No matter the situation you face, our dedicated attorneys will be there to fight for you, every step of the way.
The Benefits of Working with an Experienced For Lauderdale Distracted Driver Accident Lawyer
When it comes to legal issues, a large majority of Florida residents are in the dark. Without a comprehensive education in law, it is hard to have even a basic knowledge of what firms actually do. To shed some light on the process, our firm’s responsibilities during personal injury litigation include:
- Ensuring you are receiving proper medical treatment for your injuries.
- Seeking compensation for your lost wages.
- Communicating directly with the insurance companies.
- Investigating your accident.
- Seeking out evidence including witness statements, photographs, and expert opinions.
- Obtaining and analyzing police and operator reports.
- Reviewing of all available sources of insurance.
- Seeking reimbursement for your medical costs.
- Seeking reimbursement for any other expense related to your accident.
- Obtaining and evaluating medical records.
- Evaluating and valuing your injuries.
- Analyzing any long-term financial needs, future wage loss, or medical care.
- Negotiating your claim in order to achieve a favorable ruling.
Frequently Asked Questions About Distracted Driving Accidents
How Much Does It Cost to Hire an Attorney for a Distracted Driving Accident in Fort Lauderdale, Florida?
This varies depending on the firm you choose. At Lisa S. Levine, P.A., we offer our services on a contingency basis, so if you do not get paid, we will not collect a dime in lawyer fees. Our firm’s interests are directly aligned with those we serve.
Learn more about contingency fee arrangements.
What Is Comparative Negligence and How Does It Affect Florida Distracted Driving Accident Claims?
Florida courts apply what is known as “modified comparative negligence” when awarding compensation in car accident claims, including those involving distracted driving. If the judge and/or jury finds you were partially at fault for the accident, then the compensation you can recover will be reduced by the percentage you are found to be at fault. However, if you are more than 50% at fault, you are not eligible to recover damages.
Learn more about comparative negligence and car accident claims in Florida.
Is It OK to Post About My Distracted Driving Accident on Social Media?
No! While social media posting is part of daily life for many of us, these posts can absolutely be used by the other party’s insurance company to try to discredit your claim in a distracted driving accident case.
Find out more about social media posting and accident claims
Get Help Now from a Fort Lauderdale Distracted Driver Accident Lawyer
The litigation process should begin immediately following an accident. While you are recovering from your injuries, your legal counsel can start developing a case that identifies those responsible and proves that their distracted driving was the primary reason for the automobile collision.
At Lisa S. Levine P.A., our Fort Lauderdale auto accident team is committed to the clients we serve, providing comprehensive representation throughout the entire process. We will gather evidence, interview witnesses, check police reports, evaluate injuries and study the details of the accident in question. This exhaustive legal counsel will allow for a detailed and factual understanding of the case, increasing the window of opportunity to successfully demand compensation.
Committed to a quick response and timely client service, we provide free consultations and will begin the process of litigation immediately following this initial meeting. To schedule a time to sit down with one of our attorneys and discuss the details of your case while going over options on what your next step should be, please call (954) 256-1820 or send an online message today.
We proudly represent individuals and families throughout Broward County, including Fort Lauderdale, Weston, Miramar, Pembroke Pines, Hollywood, Tamarac, Coral Springs, and nearby areas. Our firm conveniently works with clients in our Weston and Fort Lauderdale offices. We will also work with your schedule and can even meet with you at your home, if you are unable to reach our firm.
