Texting While Driving

Experienced Car Accident Attorneys Helping Victims Near Miami

Using a phone while driving has always been dangerous, made only more so by the growing number of smart phones with texting technology. This behavior can lead to serious, life-altering injuries. The car accidents at the Law Offices of Robert Dixon represent victims near Miami who have been hurt by the actions of careless drivers. Serving clients in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties, our firm works hard to assert your right to be compensated by those who are responsible for your injury.

Florida Texting While Driving Law

In 2013, Florida enacted a law prohibiting drivers from texting while behind the wheel. If a person is pulled over for another traffic violation, and is observed texting or otherwise using a portable device, he or she could be subject to additional fines or costs. If a driver is issued repeated citations for texting while driving, points may be levied against his or her license. The same is true if individuals are found violating a traffic law in a school zone or causing an accident while texting. In Florida in 2012, over 4,500 car accidents were found to involve drivers distracted by their cell phones, of which 250 were conclusively linked to texting. More accidents are suspected to have involved texting while driving, and the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles listed distracted driving as a top traffic safety concern.

Seeking Compensation from a Negligent Motorist

If a driver causes an accident while texting, he or she can face multiple traffic infractions, fines, and civil liability for any injuries that result. To recover damages for harm sustained in a crash, the victim must establish the defendant’s negligence. This means proving:

  • The defendant driver owed the victim a duty of care;
  • That duty was breached by the driver’s actions;
  • The breach was the cause of the victim’s injuries; and
  • He or she sustained actual damages as a result.

A driver found unlawfully texting while behind the wheel would most likely be breaching his or her duty of care to act as a reasonable and prudent person would behave under similar circumstances. Once negligence is shown, a plaintiff may recover damages for his or her injuries, including past and future medical expenses, property damage, loss of wages, and pain and suffering. In Florida, the statute of limitations for a personal injury claim is within four years from the date of injury.

Sometimes, a texting while driving accident may lead to a fatality. In such instances, certain family members of the deceased person may file a wrongful death claim against the responsible party to pursue damages for funeral or burial expenses as well as loss of consortium. These lawsuits must be filed within two years from the date of death.

Discuss Your Motor Vehicle Collision Claim with a Miami Lawyer

It may seem harmless enough, but texting while driving can cause serious accidents as people carelessly ignore the roads and the people around them. These crashes often lead to significant injuries and the expenses that accompany them. If you have been hurt in an accident near Miami involving a careless driver, the experienced motor vehicle collision attorneys at the Law Offices of Robert Dixon can help you pursue legal action and fair compensation. Call 877.499.4878 or contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Client Reviews
★★★★★
"Thank you to Robert Dixon & Kristopher Torres for an amazing experience handling with my first injury lawsuit. Very much hassle-free and down to earth experience working with this law firm. I would definitely use them again! My case was settled and I am satisfied with the results! Glad to have them fighting on my behalf." Diamond Epps
★★★★★
"This firm goes out of there way to make sure all of your needs are met. They are wonderful and within a year, my settlement was reached. In addition, I never waited more than a couple hours for someone to get back with me. I highly suggest this firm." Melissa Ellis
★★★★★
"I had the pleasure of working with attorney Torres when I was involved in a car accident last year. He was always checking up on me, always making sure that I was getting the proper treatment that I needed. Whenever I called the office everyone was so nice and willing to help me. I'm glad he was my attorney and thank you for such a wonderful service from you and your firm." Natalie J.
★★★★★
"I'd like to say that the Law Office of Robert Dixon has been great to work with since the inception of my case back in 2016. Robert and team made me feel rest assured that patience would constitute a much larger settlement and that truly was the case. ... I highly recommend this law firm for anyone needing help from a very compassionate team of hard workers. Thanks again everyone for this positive experience as this was my first time ever dealing with the courts or a law firm...." Paul Carlson
★★★★★
"Jodie, Jennifer and the WHOLE Team are AWESOME! Everyone I have spoken to, have been very professional, patient and kind. The ladies take their time to ensure you understand everything that is happening every step of the way. Each time I would have a question, they were available via e-mail or a quick phone call." Nathalie Perez