Florida Multi-Car Accident Caused By Intoxicated Driver Who Was Texting While Driving

Police say that a recent four-vehicle accident in New Port Richey was caused by a "perfect storm" of negligence on the part of a 33-year-old driver. They found that the man had consumed three beers in less than 90 minutes that evening and was texting while driving before his Dodge Ram pickup truck struck a car that had stopped at a red light at the intersection of U.S. Route 19 and Main Street. This collision triggered an accident that involved two other vehicles but, fortunately, resulted in no serious injuries. Orlando auto accident lawyer James O. Cunningham has been a strong advocate for substantive legislation against texting while driving in Florida. He believes that the number of cell phone car accidents in our state could be reduced if lawmakers finally join nearly all other states in banning the use of cell phones while behind the wheel.

After police officers arrived at the accident scene, they noticed that the man had a "dazed expression, bloodshot eyes and slurred speech, along with the ‘obvious odor’ of booze on his breath." They report that the driver also admitted to them that he had been "texting and not paying attention" before the accident.

New Port Richey Police Chief James Steffens called the combination of alcohol and cell phone use "was a perfect storm." He added that "(t)his is a very good example of something being 100 percent preventable."

Police found that the driver’s blood alcohol concentration was between 0.146 and 0.15, nearly twice the legal limit for intoxication in our state.

Steffens admitted that cell phone use while driving "remains legal in Florida, but the issue has been hotly debated. I think it will be for a long time to come."

Steffens was quick to point out that, although Florida has yet to pass a ban on texting while driving, distracted drivers who text while behind that wheel can be charged with careless driving.

If you or a close family member has been injured in an accident caused by a driver who is talking or texting on a cell phone and you would like to speak with an Orlando distracted driving attorney, call 800-425-2004 today. Mr. Cunningham has a proven record of success helping clients receive fair and just compensation from negligent drivers and their insurance companies and gives each client and case the individual attention they deserve. If you have questions about your rights and legal options after an accident, call today to get an experienced and aggressive Orlando personal injury lawyer on your side!

James O. Cunningham

Since 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.