Driving while doing anything else is one of the most common causes of severe car accidents. In fact, across the country, over 3,300 people died in 2022 as a result of distracted driving. Despite all efforts to prevent people from reaching for their phones or looking away from the road to change radio stations, these crashes continue to occur in Pensacola, Florida.
If a distracted driving accident in Pensacola, FL, has caused you harm, filing a claim against the responsible party may be an option available to you. At Gross & Schuster Injury Lawyers, our team of Pensacola distracted driving accident lawyers can assist you in preparing a strong claim so that you pursue the fair compensation you deserve.
Contact us today or call us at (850) 434-3333 to schedule a free consultation with a Pensacola distracted driving accident attorney.
How Gross & Schuster Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Distracted Driving Accident In Pensacola, FL
People who engage in distracted driving can cause mild rear-end collisions, life-threatening rollover accidents, and everything in between. If you have sustained injuries that allow you to step outside of the state’s no-fault laws, holding the other party responsible for your losses is an option to consider.
At Gross & Schuster Injury Lawyers, our Pensacola car accident attorneys can help.
Our Pensacola personal injury lawyers offer services that include the following:
- An assessment of your claim
- An investigation into the accident
- Collection of evidence that proves you deserve compensation
- Establishment of liability
- Negotiations with insurance companies
- Litigation, as needed
For 44 years, we’ve been helping the people of Pensacola, FL, and its surrounding communities. Whether you have suffered mild or catastrophic injuries that have still left you with medical bills you can’t pay, we can guide you through the claims process with compassion and dedication. Contact our team of Pensacola personal injury attorneys today to learn more about how we can help.
Understanding Distracted Driving
Florida describes anything that takes a driver’s hands off the wheel, their mind off the act of driving, and their eyes off the road as a distraction.
The most common cause of distracted driving, by far, is cell phone use. It’s actually so pervasive that Florida enacted the Ban on Texting While Driving Law. A driver who looks down for just a few seconds to read or send a text could be putting everyone on the road in danger.
There are several other potential distractions, however, which are as follows:
- Eating and drinking
- Reaching for objects
- Reading
- Personal grooming
- Changing the radio station
- Using the GPS
Even things as seemingly small as speaking with passengers or attending to children and pets can be distractions that take a driver’s eyes off the road for long enough to cause a collision.
What To Do After a Distracted Driving Accident
After being in a crash that occurred because of another party’s negligence, these are the steps you need to take to protect yourself and your future claim:
Get Medical Assistance
Right after the accident, ensure your safety. That means getting out of your vehicle if it’s in the middle of the road and calling medical professionals to the scene.
Often, people are in shock after an accident, which could blunt the pain and prevent you from noticing that you’ve suffered an injury. Some conditions, such as traumatic brain injuries, might not even present with easily recognizable symptoms. By getting paramedics to the scene, you could start getting the care you need while also beginning a record of the injuries.
Call the Police
The law requires that you call the police if the accident has led to property damage or injuries. Even if you’re not sure about injuries, it’s best to get law enforcement to the scene as soon as possible. Provide as much information as you can and make sure you know how to obtain a copy of the responding officers’ report. You will need it to file a claim.
Gather Evidence
If you’re well enough to remain at the scene of the accident, it’s essential that you start gathering as much evidence as possible. Take pictures and videos of the vehicles as well as of the road conditions, and jot down your own thoughts of the accident, too.
If there are witnesses present, it can help to get their contact information so that you can later ask them for their testimony.
Hire an Attorney
As soon as you can after your accident, contact a car crash lawyer to help you through the process of filing a claim. Doing so is especially important if you’ve suffered serious injuries that require you to step outside of Florida’s no-fault laws.
Contact Our Pensacola Distracted Driving Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
After suffering injuries in a Pensacola, FL, car accident that a distracted driver caused, speaking with an attorney can help you understand your next steps. Contact Gross & Schuster Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Pensacola distracted driving accident lawyer.