A distracted driver is a hazard to other motorists and pedestrians. The driver is also negligent and deserves to be held accountable for their actions. As such, if you are injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver, you should pursue damages against the at-fault party.
At John Foy & Associates, we offer legal help to Augusta residents injured in distracted driving accidents. We can connect you with an Augusta distracted driving accident lawyer. When we do, our lawyer can help you seek the most damages possible in your car accident lawsuit.
Distracted Driving Is Illegal in Augusta
Distracted driving is a big problem in Augusta and many other cities and towns in the United States. It comes in many forms, such as:
Using a Smartphone While Driving
A driver may be tempted to send a text or email from their phone while behind the wheel. However, a driver who takes their attention away from the task at hand for even a second can cause an accident. In the worst-case scenario, a distracted driving accident can occur that results in injuries and other damages.
Talking to a Passenger While Driving
A conversation between a driver and a passenger can cause a driver to look away from the road. If this happens, the driver may be more focused on the conversation than safe travel. The result: a distracted driving accident can occur.
Tuning a Radio or GPS System While Driving
If a driver is tuning a radio or GPS system, this individual can lose focus on what is most important. At this point, the driver can veer off the road or create other hazards for other motorists and pedestrians. This can ultimately lead to a distracted driving accident.
Smoking, Drinking, or Eating While Driving
A driver may smoke or vape while behind the wheel. Or, a driver may drink a beverage or eat a snack. In any of these scenarios, the driver can get distracted, which results in an accident.
There is no excuse for a distracted driving accident. By partnering with an Augusta distracted driving accident attorney, you can see what legal options are available. You may quickly discover that your best course of action involves filing a lawsuit against a distracted driver.
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You Have Up to Two Years to File an Augusta Distracted Driving Accident Lawsuit
Georgia has a two-year statute of limitations in place for personal injury claims. This means you have a maximum of two years from the date of a distracted driving accident to request damages. If you do not pursue damages within this period, you lose the right to request them down the line.
A distracted driving accident attorney in Augusta will make sure your lawsuit is filed within a reasonable period of time. Your attorney will submit your legal claim and start building your case right away. In doing so, your lawyer can put you in the best position for a successful outcome.
Do not expect a distracted driving accident lawyer in Augusta to take your case for granted. Rather, your attorney will gather evidence and take other measures to strengthen your case leading up to your trial date. Your lawyer will also keep you up to date about any settlement proposals that come your way.
Resist the Urge to Immediately Accept an Augusta Distracted Driving Accident Settlement
You may be presented with a settlement proposal at any point in the litigation of your Augusta distracted driving accident case. It can be tempting to accept a settlement since it puts an end to your case. Before you approve a settlement, you should consult with your attorney.
A settlement may seem too good to be true at first. Fortunately, your attorney can review a settlement offer and help you weigh its pros and cons. From here, you can make an informed decision about whether to move forward with a settlement.
Your lawyer will encourage you to consider the short- and long-term consequences of any decision you make regarding a settlement. By accepting a settlement, you forgo a trial, which means you miss out on the opportunity to seek the maximum amount of damages. On the other hand, you can accept a settlement to get damages faster than you otherwise could by going to trial.
How an Augusta Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer Handles the Trial Process
An Augusta distracted driving accident trial can feel overwhelming, but your lawyer will help you get the best results out of it. Your lawyer will answer any questions you have about the trial process. Plus, your attorney will prepare you for any questions you may receive in the courtroom.
In a distracted driving accident trial, a plaintiff and defendant have the opportunity to explain their side of the story. Meanwhile, each party’s attorney will advocate on their client’s behalf and try to compel a judge or jury to rule in their side’s favor. Once a judge or jury listens to both sides, a decision is made on whether a plaintiff is awarded full or partial damages.
A plaintiff will receive 100% of the damages that were requested if a judge or jury finds a distracted driver is completely responsible for an accident. Conversely, a plaintiff may be deemed partly responsible for an auto accident. In this scenario, the plaintiff will receive a portion of the damages that were initially requested.
How to Secure the Full Amount of Damages You Request in an Augusta Distracted Driving Accident Lawsuit
Hiring an experienced distracted driving accident lawyer is key. The lawyer will allocate the time, energy, and resources necessary to help you win or settle your case. Most importantly, the attorney will not settle for an inferior case result.
In the time before your distracted driving accident trial, your attorney will explore every possible avenue to help you resolve your case. Your lawyer will develop a legal strategy designed to show a judge or jury why you deserve to be awarded significant economic and non-economic damages. In addition, your attorney will make sure you are ready for what lies ahead in the courtroom.
When you partner with a lawyer that has distracted driving case experience, you can minimize the risk of costly legal mistakes. This attorney is well-versed in distracted driving laws. Therefore, the lawyer can tackle any legal challenges that come up over the course of your litigation.
Reach Out to an Augusta Distracted Driving Accident Attorney
John Foy & Associates is here to help you win or settle your Augusta distracted driving accident case. We can connect you with a distracted driving accident lawyer from our team. To learn more or request a free consultation, please contact us today.
706-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form