Texting at a Redlight – Legal or Illegal?

Striving to be the best car accident lawyer in MiamiJonathan Perazzopersonal injury attorney in Miami and founder of the Perazzo Law Firm, understands that the moments after a car accident that leads to injury, can be daunting for car accident victims. That is why, it is fundamentally important to contact a trusted and dedicated Miami car accident lawyer following an accident.

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Texting at a Stop Light – Legalities and Risks

  1. Legal Ambiguity: While texting and driving is largely illegal, rules about texting at a stop light vary by state, creating confusion among drivers.
  2. Driver Behavior: Surveys reveal high rates of texting at red lights:
    • 65% read messages at red lights, 39% at stop signs.
    • 54% type messages at red lights, 34% at stop signs.
  3. State Laws on Texting:
    • 48 states and D.C. ban texting while driving.
    • 20 states ban all handheld use at any time.
    • States with strict bans see up to 30% fewer distracted driving fatalities.
  4. Specific State Examples:
    • Texting allowed at red lights in Florida and Texas.
    • Full bans (even at red lights) in California and Chicago.
  5. Safety Concerns:
    • Texting at red lights reduces situational awareness and delays reaction times.
    • Studies show that the brain remains distracted even after putting down the phone.
  6. Intersection Accidents:
    • Over 50% of accidents occur at intersections, with many due to distractions.
    • Texting drivers risk collisions if they accelerate without checking the road when the light changes.

Bottom Line: To avoid accidents and penalties, it’s safest to stow your phone and wait until you’re at your destination.


Uber Rideshare Accident Lawyer, Jonathan Perazzo, understands that many drivers check their mobile phones regularly during the ride, this could be to verify their location or check on another ride. But, when is an Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare driver at fault?

When is an Uber/Lyft Driver at Fault in an Accident?

  1. Liability in Uber/Lyft Accidents:
    • Uber or Lyft drivers on duty may be held liable if their negligence causes injury or losses to passengers. If the driver is found fault-free, insurance may still cover passenger injuries through Uber/Lyft’s policy.
    • Both rideshare companies carry insurance, typically covering up to $1 million, for bodily injuries, property damage, and wrongful death claims.
  2. Steps to Take After an Accident:
    • Stay calm, notify authorities, and seek medical help if necessary.
    • Gather evidence: photos of the scene, injuries, and vehicle damage; collect driver and witness contact info; save the ride receipt for insurance claims.
    • Record any airbag deployment injuries, as rideshare vehicles have multiple airbags that may cause facial or other injuries during a collision.
  3. Causes of Rideshare Accidents:
    • Common causes include driver distractions from GPS/app notifications and fatigue, often due to long driving hours. Accidents can also stem from other motorists’ negligence.
  4. Legal Support and Compensation:
    • Victims in Miami-Dade and surrounding areas are eligible for compensation covering medical expenses, lost wages, car repairs, and more. The Perazzo Law Firm provides assistance with proving driver liability and securing a fair settlement against Uber/Lyft’s insurance.
  5. Immediate Actions Post-Accident:
    • Contact legal representation promptly to handle the case with the rideshare company’s insurer, especially if you can prove the Uber or Lyft driver was at fault.