Former Prosecutor | Former Insurance Defense Attorney

Click To Call : Free Consultations

Criminal Defense
View Practice Areas

Personal Injury
View Practice Areas

Naples, Florida

Texting and driving: a deadly combination

On Behalf of | Feb 2, 2022 | Car Accidents

Texting and driving is a deadly combination. Every day, road users in Florida and around the country are killed or injured because someone was texting while driving. It is important to understand the dangers of texting and driving so that you can avoid putting yourself and others at risk.

Dangers of texting while driving

Studies have shown that those who text while driving are 23 times more likely to get into an accident than those who don’t. Other research shows that drivers are six times more likely to get into an accident while texting and driving than when drunk. This is because texting takes all of a driver’s attention away from the road and diverts it to the phone.

Texting while driving accidents

If you get hurt because another driver was texting while driving, you may be able to file a personal injury claim to get the compensation you need for treatment. The suit may also include damages to your car.

However, you should know that Florida is a no-fault auto accident state. The court will hold the responsible driver liable for texting while driving and causing an accident, but your insurance company will pay for your damages and injuries. If the damage is severe, then the court will ask the negligent driver to pay for your extra medical bills, damage to your car and lost wages while receiving treatment.

Penalties for texting while driving

If police officers see you texting while driving, they can stop you and hand you a ticket. You might have to pay $30 plus court costs if it is your first offense. Subsequent offenses within five years will lead to a $60 fine and three points to your driving license. On top of that, you could get a reckless driving charge.

Commercial truck drivers receive higher penalties with fines of up to $500 charged to their company. Subsequent offenses could lead to 120 days of license suspension, $2,750 in fines to the driver, and an $11,000 charge to their employer.

Texting while driving is dangerous and illegal in Florida. Drivers who do so are not only putting their own lives at risk but also endangering other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.

Categories

Archives