Orlando Car Accident Lawyers for Distracted Driving Victims
Understanding Distracted Driving Accidents in Orlando
When drivers take their focus off the road, they become increasingly more likely to be the cause of a motor vehicle accident which can do serious harm to any victims. When otherwise innocent motorists are hurt in accidents due to distracted drivers, they can file a claim for compensation for the injuries they sustain with the help of a resilient Orlando car accident lawyer.
Legally Pink Law has handled thousands of injury cases in our more than 30 years of combined legal experience. In this time we have recovered millions of dollars for our clients thanks to our deep understanding of injury law and tireless pursuit of damages.
Schedule your free consultation today by calling (888) 979-4941.
Defining Distracted Driving: What You Need to Know
Distracted driving is any activity that diverts a driver's attention away from the primary task of driving. These distractions can fall into three main categories:
- Visual Distractions: Taking your eyes off the road.
- Manual Distractions: Taking your hands off the wheel.
- Cognitive Distractions: Taking your mind off driving.
Identifying Common Driver Distractions
The biggest culprit in terms of driver distraction is cell phone use. Talk or texting while behind the wheel poses a serious threat to other proximate drivers.
Other distractions include:
- Reading
- Emailing
- Applying makeup
- Rubbernecking—observing something outside the vehicle
- Talking to other passengers in the car
- Tuning the radio
- Drinking or eating
Studies have shown that distracted driving, in particular driving while texting, can be every bit as dangerous as driving drunk. Distracted driving can preoccupy a driver’s hands, vision, and attention, meaning they are almost completely unaware of their driving.
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I appreciate them with love & respect & I salute them with honor.
“They took my case and did exactly what they told me at the beginning of all the caring, support, and kindness towards me. They won my case when no others would take it at all.”- Ali M. -
I can't thank them enough.
“The whole team handling your case is kind, friendly, and very efficient. When you call or go to the office, they make you feel at home. They listen to you and they get the case finished. They are very professional and they give away their backpack full of ”- Tammy H. -
I would recommend this law firm to anyone needing their expertise.
“After an automobile accident, I contacted Carolyn Sulzmann of Legally Pink Law, who was very personable and professional in handling my claim. I felt that she was sincere and cared about my well-being and my injuries.”- John P.
Your Questions, Answered
Get Clear, Straightforward Answers from Experienced Personal Injury Attorneys
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- Make sure your injuries are documented in medical records as soon as possible. The insurance company will deny your injury claim unless each injury is documented in hospital records on the date of the accident or within 24 hours of the injury.
- See your primary care physician as soon as possible. Your doctor will document your injuries and prescribe a course of treatment, and the doctor’s chart notes will help us prove the extent of your injuries.
- Contact a lawyer to help you prove fault (liability) and the extent of the injuries and harm that you experienced due to the accident. Lawyers should have the resources necessary to get the most value for your case. The sooner you contact a lawyer, the sooner you get to relax and heal while we do the work of getting the money you deserve.
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Yes, but it will be difficult to do on your own. Consult an attorney to help you determine your options, especially if there were injuries involved.
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There are five things you should do immediately after an accident. These include the following steps:
- Call 911 and report the accident. Regardless of the extent of the property damage and how you feel after the collision, you must call 911 and report the accident. If you do not call 911, the insurance company will use this against you when we negotiate the value of your claim.
- Exchange information with all other drivers involved in the accident. Be sure to get the other driver's tag number, license number, and insurance company information. Even if you are waiting for the police to arrive, you still need to start gathering this information. There are unfortunately many situations in which the at-fault driver flees the scene of the accident.
- Investigate. Seek out witnesses and take photos. Even if the other person admits fault, his or her story may change once you file a claim. Witnesses will not wait for the police to arrive, so you need to get their contact information right away. Also, scene and property damage photos can be critical in proving how the accident happened and the forces exerted on your body.
- Seek medical attention. Whether it is at the accident scene or at the hospital, later on, it is essential that you seek medical attention as soon as possible so you fully understand the extent of your injuries. This will also help you ensure that your injuries are well-documented. The insurance company will use any delay in medical treatment against you.
- Do not discuss your injuries with the insurance company. Report the facts of the accident (what happened) to your insurance company, but do not discuss your injuries. Because adrenaline is flowing through your body, you may not immediately feel the full extent of your injuries. Statements such as "I'm not injured" or "I'm OK" can and will be used against you by the insurance company.
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In the case of an automobile or motorcycle accident, if the person who is at fault for an accident does not have insurance, then we do three things. First, we run an asset check on the at-fault party to see if he or she has assets that we could possibly seize to cover your damages.
This requires us to file a lawsuit against the individual. Second, we look to see if the defendant's driver owns the vehicle. Sometimes the driver and owner are two different people.
While the driver might not have insurance, the owner may be insured, especially if the vehicle is financed. Third, we do a complete assessment of the client's insurance coverages to see if this individual has Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage.
If that is the case, then we look to the client's insurance coverage to compensate this individual for his or her injuries and damages. This should not cause the client's insurance to go up since he or she is not at fault for the accident.
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The settlement value of a car that is totaled is determined based on the fair market value, which is the amount of money you likely could have sold your vehicle for if you had not been involved in the accident. We commonly use the NADA Used Car Guide or Kelly Blue Book as a starting point for determining the settlement value of a totaled car. The insurance company should pay for all repairs if your car is not totaled. This process can be accomplished without the assistance of an attorney.
Common Injuries Suffered by Distracted Driving Victims
Distracted driving accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, including:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries: Head-on collisions can lead to severe brain trauma.
- Broken Bones and Fractures: The force of an accident can cause fractures and broken bones.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Sprains, strains, and contusions can result from the impact.
- Internal Injuries: Organ damage may occur in severe accidents.
- Psychological Trauma: Victims can suffer from emotional distress, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Determining Liability in Distracted Driving Accidents
In distracted driving cases, liability can extend beyond the driver themselves. Parties that can be held liable for accidents include:
- The Distracted Driver: The individual directly responsible for the accident.
- Employers: If the driver was working at the time of the accident, their employer may be liable.
- Cell Phone Providers: In some cases, if it can be proven that a cell phone provider knowingly allowed a driver to use their phone while driving, they may be held accountable.
- Vehicle Manufacturers: If a defect in the vehicle's design contributed to the accident, the manufacturer could be liable.
How Our Orlando Attorneys Support Distracted Driving Victims
Our Orlando Distracted Driving Accident Attorneys are dedicated to helping victims of distracted driving accidents by:
- Investigating Your Case: We will conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the accident and gather evidence to establish liability.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies: We will handle all negotiations with insurance companies to ensure you receive fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
- Filing a Lawsuit: If necessary, we will file a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf to hold responsible parties accountable.
- Advocating for You in Court: We will represent you in court, presenting a strong case to secure the compensation you deserve.
- Providing Emotional Support: We understand the emotional toll these accidents can take, and we are here to support you every step of the way.
Take Action: Don’t Be a Victim of Negligence!
An accident with a distracted driver can cause all manner of injuries such as fractured bones, concussions, legions, and internal bleeding and require hospitalization. When you need help covering these and other related costs, our Orlando car accident attorney can petition for you to recover the financial damages you need from the at-fault party. Understanding the dos and don'ts of filing a claim can also help protect your recovery.
Your financial security hangs in the balance when you suffer a serious injury and Legally Pink Law is here to walk you through the claim process and recover the maximum compensation available.
Call the Orlando injury firm today for your free consultation—(888) 979-4941!
