Recent recommendations have been made by the National Transportation Safety Board that states across the country ban cell phone use while driving. Currently, Florida has no such law in effect. However, this lack of regulation is being challenged after a number of distracted drivers have caused serious accidents. One driver was allegedly texting and driving recklessly when he caused a fatal car accident in 2008.

The young man responsible for the accident was reportedly speeding and weaving through lanes when he crashed into another vehicle. One of the passengers in the other car died and the other suffered serious injuries in the crash.

Referred to as a "habitual texter", the driver's phone records indicate that he sent a text only a couple minutes before paramedics were called to the scene of the accident. He was likely texting at or around the time of the accident.

The driver was recently ordered to pay the families of his victims $8.8 million for causing the fatal accident. He was initially charged with reckless driving and speeding. He had his license suspended and was ordered to pay a $2,000 fine.

Some studies suggest that driving and texting is roughly the same as driving with a .08 blood alcohol level. Despite this information, Florida remains one of the few states that do not ban any sort of handheld phone use while driving.

Reckless and distracted driving is unfortunately common behavior in all states. However, cities in Florida have been ranked as having some of the most dangerous drivers in the county. Coupled with the lack of handheld phone regulations, many drivers are at risk of getting in an accident with a distracted driver. In many cases, those who are injured by a negligent driver are eligible to seek compensation for any pain, suffering, medical bills, or loss of wages.

Source: The Huffington Post, "Texter To Pay $8.8 Million To Victim's Family After Fatal Car Crash," Dec. 21, 2011