Have you been injured in a distracted driving accident in New Port Richey, Florida? Grajek Law Personal Injury Lawyers can help when you call (863) 999-9000. Or visit our contact page to schedule a free consultation with a New Port Richey distracted driving accident lawyer.
Attorney Thomas C. Grajek has more than two decades of experience representing injury victims throughout Florida. He can investigate the circumstances of your accident, gather evidence of driver distraction, and pursue compensation for your injuries and related losses.
Why Choose Grajek Law Personal Injury Lawyers After a Distracted Driving Accident in New Port Richey, FL?
Choosing the right attorney after a distracted driving accident in New Port Richey, FL, can make a difference in how your case is handled. At Grajek Law Personal Injury Lawyers, our New Port Richey car accident lawyer provides personal attention, straightforward advice, and experienced legal representation to injured clients.
Reasons to choose our firm include:
- More than 25 years of experience representing personal injury clients throughout Florida
- Direct access to Attorney Thomas C. Grajek, who will personally handle your case
- A 5.0-star average rating on Google
With decades of experience and a commitment to personal service, Attorney Grajek provides the individual attention clients deserve. Reach out today to schedule a free consultation with a New Port Richey personal injury attorney.
Common Causes of Distracted Driving Accidents in New Port Richey
Common distractions that contribute to accidents in New Port Richey include:
- Texting: Reading or sending messages while driving
- Phone calls: Talking on a phone instead of focusing on traffic
- GPS use: Adjusting navigation systems while driving
- Eating or drinking: Handling food or beverages behind the wheel
- Vehicle controls: Adjusting music or climate settings
- Passengers: Turning to talk or interact with others
- Reaching for objects: Picking up dropped items while driving
Even a momentary distraction can have serious consequences. Identifying what distracted the driver can help establish how the collision occurred and whether negligence contributed to the crash.
Common Injuries After a Distracted Driving Accident
Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
- Whiplash and neck injuries
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal organ damage
- Soft tissue injuries
- Cuts, lacerations, and scarring
- Psychological harm, including PTSD
The severity of these injuries can affect the compensation available in a personal injury claim. Medical records, diagnostic testing, and treatment history can help document both immediate injuries and their long-term effects.
How Can You Prove a Driver Was Distracted?
Useful evidence may include:
- Cell phone records: Showing activity around the time of the crash
- Witness statements: Describing the driver’s behavior
- Traffic or surveillance footage: Capturing events leading up to the collision
- Dashcam recordings: Showing the driver’s actions or surrounding traffic
- Police reports: Documenting observations and statements
- Vehicle data: Providing information about braking and other driving activity
Evidence of distraction must also be connected to the collision. An investigation can help determine whether the driver’s actions contributed to the accident and the resulting injuries.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Distracted Driving Accident in Florida?
A driver who causes an accident due to distracted driving may be held financially liable for the resulting injuries and losses. However, liability is not always limited to the person operating the vehicle. Depending on the circumstances, vehicle owners, employers, or other negligent motorists may also share responsibility.
Potentially liable parties include:
- The distracted driver: A motorist whose negligence caused the crash
- The vehicle owner: Someone who permitted the negligent driver to use the vehicle
- An employer: A company whose employee caused the accident while acting within the scope of employment
- Other negligent drivers: Motorists whose actions contributed to the collision
Determining who is responsible for a distracted driving accident requires examining the actions of everyone involved.
How Does Florida’s No-Fault Insurance Law Affect Distracted Driving Accident Claims?
Florida follows a no-fault insurance system, meaning injured drivers generally turn to their own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage first after an accident, regardless of fault. PIP covers certain medical expenses and lost wages, subject to policy limits.
However, PIP may not cover all accident-related losses. Injured individuals may be able to pursue additional economic damages from the at-fault driver. To recover compensation for pain and suffering, they generally must meet Florida’s serious injury threshold.
Eligibility for compensation beyond PIP depends on the nature of the injuries and the circumstances of the accident.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Distracted Driving Accident in New Port Richey?
If your injuries qualify for a claim outside the no-fault system, you may be entitled to both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages may include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Future medical care
- Loss of earning capacity
- Property damage
Non-economic damages may include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Loss of consortium, when applicable
The amount recoverable depends on the evidence supporting your claim, available insurance coverage, and the extent of your injuries. Both current expenses and anticipated future losses may be relevant when evaluating compensation.
How Long Do You Have to File a Distracted Driving Accident Lawsuit in Florida?
Florida generally allows two years from the date of a distracted driving accident to file a personal injury lawsuit based on negligence. However, certain circumstances may affect the applicable deadline, including the parties involved and the nature of the claim.
Waiting too long can prevent an injured person from pursuing compensation through a lawsuit. Evidence may also become harder to obtain as time passes. Contact our car accident attorney in New Port Richey to discuss exactly how much time you may have.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our New Port Richey Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been injured by a distracted driver in New Port Richey, Florida, Grajek Law Personal Injury Lawyers can help you pursue compensation for your injuries and losses. Attorney Thomas C. Grajek has more than 25 years of experience representing injury victims throughout Florida and provides personal attention to every case.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a New Port Richey distracted driving accident attorney.