What Happens When a Texting Driver Causes a Crash in Tampa?
Tampa Texting While Driving Lawyer Armando Edmiston Can Answer the Call
A few seconds of distraction can change a life forever. Every day in Florida, drivers glance down at their phones thinking they can text “just for a moment.” But that moment is often enough to cause a devastating crash. From busy intersections on Dale Mabry Highway to stop-and-go traffic on I-275, texting while driving has become one of the leading causes of car accidents in Tampa.
At Armando Personal Injury Law, we have seen how quickly a simple message can lead to tragedy. Founding attorney Armando Edmiston has helped countless families hold distracted drivers accountable and recover the compensation they deserve after serious crashes. If a texting driver hurt you or someone you love, our Tampa car accident lawyer is ready to stand by your side.
The Growing Problem of Texting While Driving in Florida
Texting while driving is one of the most dangerous distractions behind the wheel. According to research, a driver who looks at their phone for just five seconds while traveling at 55 mph covers the length of a football field without looking at the road. That short lapse in attention can lead to catastrophic rear-end or side-impact collisions.
Studies show texting drivers are significantly more likely to cause serious accidents than those who are sober and attentive. Even at a red light, when vehicles are stopped, texting creates delayed reactions that can lead to crashes as traffic starts moving again.
When a driver’s eyes are on their screen instead of the road, everyone around them is at risk — pedestrians, cyclists, and other motorists alike.
Is Texting and Driving Illegal in Florida?
Yes. Florida’s Wireless Communications While Driving Law (Florida Statute §316.305) makes it illegal to manually type, send, or read texts, emails, or social media messages while driving a moving vehicle. The law allows police officers to pull over drivers solely for texting while driving.
Additional restrictions apply in school crossings and active work zones under Florida Statute §316.306. Drivers are prohibited from holding or using handheld phones in these areas, even if their vehicle is stopped. The goal is simple: to stop distracted driving before it causes preventable crashes.
Despite these laws, many drivers continue to break them, and the consequences can be life-changing.
What About Texting at a Red Light?
While the law allows drivers to use their phones when completely stopped, texting at a red light still creates serious danger. Many collisions happen because a texting driver:
- Fails to notice the light has turned green.
- Accelerates too quickly without checking for oncoming traffic or pedestrians.
- Rolls forward into another vehicle while looking down at their phone.
Even though a driver might argue they were “stopped,” the seconds between distraction and movement are when many red-light crashes occur. If you were hit by a driver who was texting at an intersection, you have every right to hold them accountable.
How Texting Drivers Cause Serious Crashes
Texting while driving leads to a wide range of collision types, including:
- Rear-End Collisions: When a distracted driver fails to stop in time for slowed or stopped traffic.
- Side-Impact or T-Bone Accidents: When a driver runs a red light or stop sign while texting.
- Pedestrian and Cyclist Crashes: When drivers are focused on their screens instead of crosswalks or sidewalks.
In each of these cases, driver distraction is a form of negligence. That negligence is what gives you the legal right to seek compensation for your injuries.
How to Prove a Driver Was Texting
Proving that a driver was texting at the time of a crash can be challenging, but an experienced attorney knows how to uncover the truth. Evidence may include:
- Cell Phone Records: Logs showing text or app activity at the time of impact.
- Dashcam or Intersection Footage: Video proof of the driver looking down or failing to react to a light change.
- Witness Statements: Observations from other drivers or pedestrians.
- Police Reports: Citations or officer notes indicating possible phone use.
- Vehicle Data: “Black box” or event data recorder information showing no braking before impact.
Our legal team can subpoena records, review video evidence, and interview witnesses to build the strongest possible case on your behalf.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Texting Driver Crash?
If a texting driver caused your accident, you may be entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic losses, including:
- Medical Expenses: Emergency care, hospitalization, physical therapy, and future medical treatment.
- Lost Wages and Future Income: Compensation for time missed from work or reduced earning potential.
- Pain and Suffering: The physical and emotional toll of your injuries.
- Property Damage: Costs to repair or replace your vehicle.
- Punitive Damages: In extreme cases, additional compensation meant to punish reckless or intentional misconduct.
Your lawyer can calculate the full value of your damages, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight for every dollar you deserve.
How a Tampa Texting While Driving Lawyer Can Help
When you hire Armando Personal Injury Law, we handle every part of your case while you focus on recovery. Our team can investigate the crash, obtain cell phone and traffic data, and deal directly with the insurance company so you don’t have to.
We know the tactics insurers use to downplay distracted driving claims, from blaming other drivers to questioning the severity of injuries. We push back hard with facts, evidence, and determination.
Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. This arrangement allows anyone — regardless of financial situation — to access strong, skilled legal representation after a serious crash.
Hold Distracted Drivers Accountable in Tampa
Being hit by a texting driver is frustrating and unfair, especially when you were stopped at a red light or driving safely. You shouldn’t have to carry the burden of someone else’s carelessness.
At Armando Personal Injury Law, we help injured Floridians stand up to negligent drivers and powerful insurance companies. We know the roads, the laws, and the local courts in Tampa and Hillsborough County — and we know how to win for the people who need it most.
If you were injured by a texting driver, contact us today for a free consultation. Let us handle the legal fight while you focus on healing and moving forward.
“We had a pretty bad car accident in 2023, and Armando helped us so much, we are super happy we chose him!! If this ever happens again to any of my friends or family, I’m definitely sending them to Armando!! You guys are the best!!!!!” – Dila D., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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