Florida statute 316.304 makes it illegal for a driver to wear a headset, headphones, or any other device used for listening other than those used to improve hearing. However, there are certain exceptions to this rule:
- Law enforcement officers or emergency vehicle responders are permitted to wear communication devices in their ears while driving to fulfill their duties.
- Headsets or other listening devices that are connected to a cellphone can be worn, but only in one ear, so the driver can hear surrounding sounds with the other ear.
- Motorcyclists can wear headsets installed in their helmets as long as the speaker does not make contact with their ears and interfere with the ability to hear traffic sounds.
Wearing headphones while driving significantly decreases your ability to hear sounds around you, including honking horns, sirens, and other crucial warning sounds. Being unable to hear them can lead to accidents, as you may not have enough time to react to traffic problems. If you were injured in a car accident and the at-fault driver was wearing headphones, contact our Florida car accident attorney to discuss your case.
Possible Florida Car Accident Damages
If you were injured by a driver wearing headphones, you might be able to file a claim against the negligent party. Drivers are responsible for paying attention to the road and ensuring the safety of other drivers. When they fail to do so, they can be held liable for an accident that results in injuries and property damage.
An experienced car accident attorney can help prove that the driver was distracted by wearing headphones and caused the accident and your injuries. You may be able to recover the following damages:
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of income
- Out-of-pocket expenses
Contact Our Florida Car Accident Lawyer
If you were injured in a car accident and the other driver was wearing headphones, contact Browning Law Firm for a free, no-obligation consultation. We can help you navigate the legal process and will fight for fair compensation. There are never any legal fees unless we win your case. To schedule an appointment, fill out our online contact form, or call us at 850-344-1736.
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