The Impact of Distracted Driving on Tampa Roads: A Closer Look at Texting and Driving Accidents

If you’ve been injured in a texting and driving accident you might be entitled to compensation.

You only have so many days to report your injuries. Don’t wait to consult with our accident attorneys from the Law Offices of Michael R. Herron.

Call Me Now For A Free Review Of Your Case: (813) 258-4878

Distracted driving has become an epidemic on roads across the country, and Tampa is no exception.

With more drivers choosing to text, talk on the phone, eat, apply makeup and participate in other dangerous behaviors while behind the wheel, accidents caused by distracted driving have been steadily rising.

At The Law Offices of Michael R. Herron, P.A., we see the devastating aftermath of texting and driving accidents all too often. As a law firm providing personal injury legal services to clients throughout Tampa Bay and surrounding areas, our attorneys are committed to raising awareness about the dangers of distracted driving and helping victims of accidents caused by negligence seek maximum compensation.

The Dangers of Texting and Driving

While any activity that takes a driver’s hands off the wheel, eyes off the road or mind off driving is risky, texting while driving has proven to be exceptionally dangerous. Let’s look at some sobering statistics:

Texting drivers are 6 times more likely to cause an accident than intoxicated drivers with a .08% blood alcohol concentration level. (Virginia Tech Transportation Institute)
A texting driver traveling at 55 mph will travel the length of a football field blindfolded while texting. (Virgina Tech Transportation Institute)
47% of drivers admit to texting while driving. (AT&T Survey)
Texting while driving causes 1 out of every 4 car accidents. (National Safety Council)
Texting and driving is 6 times more likely to cause an accident than driving while intoxicated. (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)
Drivers texting and driving have slower reaction times than drivers who are legally drunk. (Car and Driver Magazine)

As these alarming statistics show, texting behind the wheel has quickly become one of the most dangerous forms of distracted driving. With drivers’ eyes off the road for an average of 5 seconds while texting, the potential for accidents, injuries and fatalities dramatically increases.

Texting and Driving Accidents in Tampa

Tampa roads have seen a fair share of tragic accidents caused by texting over the past several years. In 2017, there were over 1,700 distracted driving accidents just in Hillsborough County, many linked to texting and social media use.

Some high-profile Tampa texting and driving accidents include:

A 2018 accident where an 18-year old driver struck and killed a pedestrian while distracted by her phone.
A 2017 crash where a pick-up truck driver hit a motorcyclist head-on, killing him. The driver admitted to texting behind the wheel.
A 2015 collision where a teen driver rear-ended a semi-truck, resulting in severe injuries. The teen was texting and driving.

The consequences of texting and driving accidents can be devastating. Victims may face mounting medical bills, lost income, permanent disabilities, PTSD and pain and suffering. Drivers who cause serious injury or death because of texting while driving may face criminal charges like vehicular manslaughter.

What to Do After a Tampa Texting and Driving Accident

If you or a loved one has been injured by a distracted driver in the Tampa area, you have legal rights. Our experienced personal injury attorneys fight for maximum compensation for clients injured because of another driver’s negligence. We handle the insurance claim process so you can focus on healing and recovery.

After a texting and driving accident in Tampa, it’s important to take these steps:

Seek immediate medical attention – This documents your injuries and establishes a timeline.
Report the accident to police – Provide an accurate record of what happened.
Document evidence from the scene – Take photos of damage, skid marks, location, etc.
Get contact info for witnesses – Their accounts help prove fault.
Do not admit fault – Anything you say can be used against you.
Contact our Tampa texting and driving accident attorneys immediately.

With over 25 years assisting injured accident victims in the Tampa area, our legal team can conduct a thorough investigation, negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf and take the negligent driver to court if necessary.

We handle cases on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing until we win your case. Don’t wait to get the compensation you deserve after a texting and driving accident.

Call The Law Offices of Michael R. Herron, P.A. at 813-258-4878 or contact us online for a free consultation today.

Sources: