How Distracted Driving Laws Protect Florida Pedestrians

You should be able to cross the street without feeling like you’re taking your life into your hands. Whether you’re walking to work, heading into a store for some afternoon shopping, or crossing at a crosswalk to head to the park, the drivers around you are supposed to be paying attention. Unfortunately, distracted driving has turned everyday walks into some very dangerous situations for Florida pedestrians. In fact, according to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, distracted driving causes thousands of crashes across the state every year.

Lawmakers recognized how serious this problem had become and stepped in with distracted driving laws that do more than just discourage bad behavior. These laws actually give injured pedestrians some stronger legal protection when a driver isn’t paying attention. At Mickey Keenan P.A., our team has handled many of these cases, and we’ve put together some information about distracted driving and pedestrian accidents so you know how these laws can work for you.

Florida’s Distracted Driving Laws Explained

Florida law makes it illegal for drivers to manually text while driving. That includes typing messages, reading texts, or sending emails while operating a vehicle. Since 2019, this has been a primary offense, which means police don’t need another reason to pull someone over.

That detail matters more than most people realize. A primary offense creates a clear legal line. When a driver crosses it and hits a pedestrian, the violation becomes strong evidence of their wrongdoing. Florida distracted driving laws were designed with safety in mind, especially for vulnerable road users like pedestrians.

Why These Laws Matter In Pedestrian Injury Cases

When a distracted driver hits you, proving fault can often be one of the biggest challenges. Drivers often say they didn’t see you or that you came out of nowhere. The texting ban changes that conversation.

A distracted driving violation shows that the driver broke a law that is meant to protect people like you. It’s not just about carelessness. It’s about a specific choice to look at a phone instead of the road. In a distracted driving pedestrian accident, that distinction carries a whole lot of weight with insurance companies and juries.

At Mickey Keenan P.A., we’ve seen how quickly insurers change their tone when distracted driving evidence is involved. It’s much harder for them to argue when the law is clearly on your side.

What Counts As Distracted Driving In Florida

Texting is the most well known distraction, but it’s far from the only one. Drivers get distracted in plenty of ways, and many of them are present in pedestrian accident cases.

We often see drivers who were scrolling through social media, adjusting their GPS systems, eating behind the wheel, or reaching for items inside the car. Some are even grooming themselves or are just looking at something other than the road at the moment of impact.

A Tampa pedestrian accident lawyer will look beyond the obvious and examine every possible distraction. Phone records, witness statements, traffic cameras, and police reports all help paint the full picture of what the driver was doing when they should’ve been watching the road.

How Distracted Driving Evidence Strengthens Your Case

Proving distraction can sometimes take a bit of effort, but it’s worth it. Cell phone records can show exactly when a driver was using their device. The timestamps often line up perfectly with the moment of impact. Witnesses may have seen the driver looking down or holding a phone just before the crash.

Police reports sometimes include distracted driving citations, and those reports can become valuable evidence. Even when there’s no citation, investigators can often uncover enough proof to show that the driver wasn’t paying attention when they should have been.

This kind of evidence does more than simply establish fault. It shows that the driver made a conscious decision that put your safety at risk. That matters when calculating damages like pain, suffering, and the long term impact of your injuries.

How These Laws Affect Comparative Negligence

Florida follows something called comparative negligence rules, which means fault can sometimes be shared. Drivers often try to argue that the pedestrian contributed to the accident by crossing outside of a crosswalk or not paying attention.

Distracted driving changes all of this. When a driver is actively breaking the law, their share of responsibility increases. Even if you weren’t in the perfect spot or weren’t crossing at the ideal moment, the driver’s distraction still plays a major role.

In a pedestrian hit by car Florida case, distracted driving evidence can significantly reduce any attempts to unfairly shift the blame onto you.

The Real Impact On Compensation

Distracted driving laws don’t just help prove fault, they also affect how much compensation you may be able to recover. Medical bills are easier to justify when there’s clear evidence of negligence. Lost wages and future care needs become harder for insurance companies to downplay.

In serious cases, distracted driving can also support claims for higher non economic damages because it shows a blatant disregard for safety. Your injuries didn’t happen by chance. They happened because a driver chose distraction over responsibility.

That’s why working with a pedestrian accident lawyer Tampa, FL who understands how to use these laws is so important.

What To Do After A Distracted Driver Hits You

Getting hit by a car is completely life changing. One moment you’re walking, and the next you’re dealing with pain, medical appointments, missed work, and constant calls from insurance adjusters who don’t have your best interests in mind.

First, focus on your health. Get medical care right away, even if your injuries seem minor. Document everything you can, including photos of the scene and your injuries. Try to get contact information from witnesses if you’re able to.

Then talk to a lawyer before giving detailed statements to insurance companies. A pedestrian injury lawyer Florida can step in, gather up distracted driving evidence, and handle all of the communication so you can focus on healing.

How Mickey Keenan Helps Injured Pedestrians

At Mickey Keenan, we take pedestrian accident cases very personally. We know how overwhelming this experience is. We investigate thoroughly, use distracted driving laws strategically, and push back when insurance companies try to minimize what you’ve been through. Whether it’s a crosswalk accident in Tampa or another pedestrian injury, we fight for the compensation that reflects the real impact that the accident has had on your life.

Let’s Talk About Your Case

Distracted driving laws exist to protect you, but they only help if they’re used properly. If a distracted driver injured you, you don’t have to figure this out on your own.

If you’re searching for a pedestrian accident lawyer Tampa, FL, contact Mickey Keenan P.A. for a free consultation. We’ll explain your options, answer your questions, and help you understand what your case may be worth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is The Meaning Of Pedestrian Accident?

A pedestrian accident happens when a person on foot is injured by a vehicle. These crashes can occur in crosswalks, intersections, parking lots, or along roadways.

How Much Compensation For A Pedestrian Accident?

Compensation depends on your injuries, medical bills, lost income, and how the accident has affected your life. Serious injuries and clear driver negligence often result in higher settlements.

What Happens If A Car Hits A Pedestrian In Florida?

The driver may be held legally responsible, especially if they were distracted or violated traffic laws. An investigation will determine fault and available compensation.

Can I Claim Compensation For A Pedestrian Accident?

Yes. Even if fault is disputed, you may still be entitled to compensation under Florida law. A lawyer can help protect your rights and pursue the full value of your claim.