West Palm Beach Distracted Driving Attorneys
If you or a loved one was injured or killed in a car accident caused by a distracted driver, contact the experienced West Palm Beach distracted driving accident attorneys at Schuler, Weisser, Zoeller, Overbeck & Baxter P.A. today. We are committed to helping injured people and their families get justice after an accident. Don’t wait until it is too late to file a claim. Call us as soon as possible to discuss your case.
When drivers get behind the wheel, they are each responsible for staying alert and paying full attention to their surroundings. Unfortunately, a lapse in attention for just a few seconds is all it takes to lose control of a vehicle and subsequently cause an accident. This can lead to consequences for not only the driver but also for other innocent victims on the road.
Distracted driving is a common occurrence in West Palm Beach, and victims of accidents caused by this negligent behavior often find themselves strapped with steep expenses, life-changing injuries, and emotional trauma. At Schuler, Weisser, Zoeller, Overbeck & Baxter P.A., our experienced personal injury lawyers understand the consequences of distracted driving and are prepared to help victims fight for justice against negligent drivers. While we recognize that money cannot undo the harm you have suffered, it can help alleviate some of your stresses and give you an opportunity to seek the treatment you may need. To schedule a free and confidential consultation to discuss what types of legal recourse you may have against those who caused your injuries, contact the compassionate and aggressive West Palm Beach distracted driving accident lawyers at Schuler, Weisser, Zoeller, Overbeck & Baxter P.A. today by calling 561.689.8180.
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Why Do I Need an Attorney?
Being in a car accident is a traumatic experience that can leave the victim and their family dealing with may short and long-term consequences for years to come. While knowing and understanding the law can be confusing and frustrating, recognizing and protecting your legal rights can help the outcome of your case. An attorney can assist in many ways, including:
- Knowing and understanding the law and legal processes
- Determining what potential legal causes of action you may have against those who harmed you
- Identifying parties who may be held liable for your injuries
- Gathering relevant evidence to strengthen your case
Further, attorneys often consult with experts such as accountants and actuaries in order to help determine what amount of compensation the victim is entitled to. Attorneys can also speak with other attorneys and professional representatives on your behalf. Having an attorney communicate with these individuals can help ensure that you are not pressured into taking a settlement for less than you are rightfully owed.
Why Choose Us?
At Schuler, Weisser, Zoeller, Overbeck & Baxter P.A., we have been representing clients in the West Palm Beach area and nationwide for over 35 years. Over the years we have earned the respect of peers and clients alike. We have received such accolades as “10 Best in Client Satisfaction” by the American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys, in addition to many others. We recognize that when a client comes to us, they have already been through a painful experience. As such we aim to give each client personalized representation, and strive to treat each client with the respect, dignity, and compassion they deserve.
Over the years, we have collected tens of millions of dollars for our clients, and you can trust that we will fight until we get you the compensation to which you may be entitled. We are so confident in our ability to win your case that we do not collect our fees until you get paid. Your consultation with us is always free, and we will be here to help explain all of your rights and legal options to you.
Common Causes of Distracted Driving in West Palm Beach
At Schuler, Weisser, Zoeller, Overbeck & Baxter P.A., we handle a wide range of personal injury cases, including car accidents resulting from distracted driving. Distracted driving can be the result of another party’s recklessness or negligence, and can cause serious repercussions. Every year approximately 421,000 people are injured in car accidents resulting from distracted driving. Of those injured, roughly 330,000 were involved in a crash that involved a driver being distracted by their cell phone. That means that roughly 78% of injuries caused by distracted driving car accidents involve the use of a cell phone.
Paying full attention to the road and your surroundings is of utmost importance when you’re behind the wheel. Failure to do so can result in irreversible consequences. At Schuler, Weisser, Zoeller, Overbeck & Baxter P.A., some forms of distracted driving that our attorneys commonly prosecute against often involve the following:
- Cell phone use
- Changing the music
- Make-up application
- Consuming food or beverages
- Other occupants
- Animals in the vehicle
In addition to some of these common distractions, anything that diverts a driver’s attention away from the road while they are driving is distracted driving, and may mean that the driver is liable for any damages they cause as a result of their distracted driving.
Victims of car accidents can face injuries such as broken bones, torn ligaments, severe bruising, brain injury, and neck, head, and spine trauma. This can mean ongoing visits to the doctor, lost wages, and hardship. If you were injured as a result of another party’s wrongdoing, you may be entitled to compensation for expenses such as lost wages, medical bills, damaged or lost property, and pain and suffering.
If you or someone you love has suffered because of a car accident caused by a distracted driver in West Palm Beach, you should not hesitate to reach out to a personal injury attorney for help.
Frequently Asked Questions About Distracted Driving
Not only can drivers not send text messages with their cell phones while they are driving, but they also can’t send emails, instant messages, or any other non-voice interpersonal communication.
If someone is stopped at a traffic light that is red or a stop sign, and their vehicle is not moving at all, they may use their cell phone to text. However, once they start driving again, they are banned from continuing to send text messages with their cell phone.
Talking on a handheld cell phone in Florida is still allowed, except in school zones or road construction zones. It is preferable to use some sort of hands-free technology (such as Bluetooth), which is legal everywhere, to make cell phone calls.
There are some notable exceptions to the Florida prohibition against texting and driving. These include emergency vehicle operators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical services drivers.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that the three main types of distractions include:
- Visual – A distraction that takes your eyes off the road.
- Manual – A distraction that takes your hands off the wheel.
- Cognitive – A distraction that takes your mind off of driving.
Texting while driving is regarded as one of the most dangerous kinds of distracted driving because it involves all three of the distractions listed above. A driver who is texting has taken their hands off the wheel, their eyes off the road, and their mind off of driving, which frequently leads to collisions.
If you have been involved in an accident where you believe the accident occurred because the other driver was distracted by text messaging or some other kind of cell phone use, your attorney may be able to subpoena that driver’s cell phone records.
If there is a record of phone activity at the time of a crash, it can usually be used as evidence that a driver was distracted, and therefore negligent, which led to the motor vehicle accident.
Other kinds of distractions, however, can be more difficult to prove. Most people are not prepared to take pictures of other drivers while they are actually distracted, but you may be able to get photographs after a crash of the items that distracted a driver.
This means that you should try to take pictures of possible distractions, such as pets, grooming devices, makeup, books, drinks, food, or any other objects that may have contributed to the driver being distracted, that are still in the car of the other driver. These photos can be used by your attorney as evidence of distracted driving.
Contact a West Palm Beach Distracted Driving Attorney
Understanding your rights after a distracted driver caused you harm can be difficult without an attorney on your side. Dealing with insurance companies and trying to recover compensation is not something that you should have to do on your own during a time when you should be focused on healing. At Schuler, Weisser, Zoeller, Overbeck & Baxter P.A., our experienced lawyers have handled a broad range of distracted driving cases. We are dedicated to the satisfaction of our clients and are prepared to help you fight for rightful compensation for your suffering and related expenses. Please call our offices in West Palm Beach at 561.689.8180 to speak with one of our personal injury attorneys today and learn more about your legal rights.
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