Fort Myers Texting & Driving Accident Attorney

When a negligent driver texting or distracted causes a collision, victims in Fort Myers and throughout Southwest Florida face physical, emotional, and financial challenges. Knowing the correct steps after the crash and understanding how liability is established can make a crucial difference in your ability to recover compensation.

Common Types of Distracted Driving & Texting‑While‑Driving Crashes

Distracted driving generally refers to any activity that draws a driver’s attention (visual, manual, or cognitive) away from controlling the vehicle. Texting while driving is especially dangerous because it combines all three distraction types at once.

Here are common categories:

• Texting, reading or sending messages – The driver looks away to read or write.
• Using apps, browsing, or accessing social media – Even brief glances at apps or GPS can cause a crash.
• Calling or dialing while holding a phone – Manual use of a phone is distracting.
• Adjusting vehicle controls, radio, or infotainment systems – Diverts cognitive and visual attention.
• Interacting with passengers, eating, and grooming – Though less dramatic than phone use, these distractions still shift focus.

In Florida, texting while driving is a primary offense under the Wireless Communications While Driving law (Florida Statutes § 316.305). Law enforcement can stop a vehicle just for that offense. 

Because distracted driving is often underreported or cited under different statutes such as “careless driving” or “failure to maintain lane,” proving fault can require careful investigation. 

2024–2025 Distracted Driving / Texting Crash Statistics in Florida & Southwest Florida

While county‑level statistical breakdowns for Southwest Florida are less commonly published, the state trends give important context:

• In Florida, a crash occurs every 44 seconds, and 1 in 7 of those crashes involves a distracted driver. 
• Preliminary data for 2024 shows over 103,500 crashes in Florida tied to distracted drivers, resulting in more than 265 fatalities. 
• In 2023, distracted driving crashes claimed 305 lives and caused 2,516 serious injuries statewide. 
• In 2024, overall, Florida crash numbers include over 331,900 accidents (to date), with 2,423 fatal crashes resulting in 2,589 deaths. 
• Statewide, distracted driving accounted for 2,289 serious injuries and 275 fatalities in 2024 under recent reporting. 

Although these are statewide figures, the Fort Myers area sees its share of distracted driving incidents, and such statewide trends strongly suggest the risk in Lee County and neighboring counties.

What You Should Do After a Distracted Driving Crash

If you’re involved in a crash caused by a texting or distracted driver, these steps help protect your legal rights:

Prioritize Safety & Medical Care

• Immediately check yourself and passengers, get medical attention—even for seemingly minor injuries.
• Preserve evidence of your injuries and any medical reports.

Report the Crash & Document the Scene

• Call law enforcement so that an official crash report is created.
• Photograph vehicle damage, road conditions, skid marks, location of the vehicles, road signage, and any visible phone devices.
• If possible, document your scratch or damage to your own vehicle.

Gather Witness & Phone Evidence

• Collect names and contact information from any witnesses.
• Ask whether any witnesses saw the other driver texting or distracted.
• If safe and legal, the crash report or investigation team may request cell phone records or device logs showing usage around the time of the crash.

Preserve All Records

• Keep medical bills, repair estimates, invoices, and correspondence.
• Keep any communication you receive from insurers or opposing parties.
• Do not discard your damaged vehicle or parts until advised by your attorney (they may be evidence).

Don’t Give Recorded Statements Too Early

• Insurance companies may ask you to give recorded statements soon after the crash. It’s safer to first consult a personal injury attorney.
• Be cautious about accepting early settlement offers.

Consult an Experienced Auto Accident / Injury Attorney

• An attorney familiar with distracted driving and texting cases can help evaluate your claim, identify liable parties, and navigate complex legal steps.
• They can help subpoena phone records, reconstruct the crash, negotiate with insurers, or litigate in court if necessary.

Why Choose Pittman Law Firm, P.L. in Fort Myers & Southwest Florida

Located in Fort Myers with an additional office in Bonita Springs, Pittman Law Firm, P.L. serves victims of texting‑while‑driving and distracted driving crashes across all counties in Southwest Florida, including Naples. Their legal team focuses on personal injury cases, especially auto accidents, and understands how to build strong claims in distracted driving disputes.

They provide full representation—from investigation and evidence gathering to negotiation and trial if needed. Their regional knowledge of Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry, Glades, and other Southwest Florida counties ensures your case is handled by attorneys who understand local courts, insurers, and traffic patterns.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto collision caused by a texting or distracted driver in Fort Myers or anywhere in Southwest Florida, you don’t need to face the insurance companies alone. Contact Pittman Law Firm, P.L. for a free consultation and let their experienced personal injury team fight for the compensation you deserve—including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. They represent the injured across all SWFL counties, with offices in Fort Myers and Bonita Springs, also serving Naples, Collier, Lee, Charlotte, Hendry, and Glades counties.

Call today or reach out online to get started on your claim with a free case evaluation.