Our roadways can experience heavy traffic. While busy roads can be the cause of serious automobile collisions, the reality is that there does not need to be traffic or many vehicles on the roadways for an accident to ensue. Although some accidents are simply that, an unpreventable accident, many are the cause of a negligent or reckless driver. While there are many causes of crashes in the state of Florida, a growing concern in this and other states across the nation is distracted driving.
Based on current statistics, our state is ranked the second worst state in the nation when it comes to distracted driving. While various campaigns seek to address texting and driving, the reality is that this is not the only form of distraction that causes car accident in the state. There are other habits, such as eating, addressing children, checking the GPS, changing the station or touching knobs or buttons in the vehicle, grooming, talking to others in the vehicle and even thinking or daydreaming.
A 2018 report suggests that 50,285 car accidents in the state of Florida were a result of distracted driving in 2017. A national survey found that 92 percent of surveyed drivers admitted to using their phone while driving. While this comes as no surprise due to the rate of distracted driving accidents on a national level, it does indicate that this is a growing concern. Additionally, this form of negligent driving could be a likely cause of an accident, giving rise to a civil action following a crash.
Accident victims could suffer serious and life-altering injuries in a collision caused by a distracted driver. The harm and damages can be significant and overwhelming, which is why victims should consider their options when it comes to filing a personal injury action. A civil lawsuit not only helps establish cause and liability by considering the details and evidence involved in the crash, but also could assist with the recovery of compensation that could be used to address medical bills, lost wages and other damages.