Texting and driving are two incapable actions in Marietta. Holding a phone while behind the wheel is dangerous for everyone on the road. Still, too many drivers choose to text and drive. If one of these motorists caused your accident, talk to a Marietta texting while driving accident lawyer.
At John Foy & Associates, we have over 20 years of experience helping accident victims. We can help you build a case and seek the compensation you deserve. Plus, we do not charge you a thing unless we win you money.
To speak with the best lawyer for you during a FREE consultation, call (404) 400-4000, or contact us online.
Marietta Texting While Driving Laws
Since July 2018, texting while driving has been illegal. The Georgia General Assembly passed a hands-free law (House Bill 673) at that time.
According to the hands-free law, drivers cannot do the following:
- Hold a phone in their hand (or use any body part to support the phone)
- Read or send text-based messages unless it’s talk-to-text or GPS navigation
- Read, send or write text messages, social media posts, emails, or other internet content
- Watch a video (unless it’s for navigation)
- Record a video (expect for dash cams that record continuously)
- Touch their phone to use or change music streaming apps
Drivers can only use their phones for calls if they use an earpiece, speakerphone, phone-connected vehicle or watch, or wireless headphones.
These laws are meant to decrease distracted driving and prevent accidents. If a driver fails to follow anything above, they are breaking the law. They’re also responsible for damages if they cause an accident.
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What Happens When Someone Texts and Drives
A first-time texting while driving conviction means a $50 fine and one point on the driver’s license. If the driver can show they got a hands-free device, they can have the charge dropped.
If someone texts while driving again, a second conviction means a $100 fine and two points on their license. Three or more sentences bring three points on the driver’s license. If the sentence happens within 24 months of the previous conviction, the driver will face more fines.
Fines and points are not the only worries about texting while driving. Texting often leads to terrible accidents. People can become severely injured or killed because of texting while driving.
Three Ways Texting Causes Driving Distractions
Texting is so risky because it combines the three main types of distracted driving:
- Manual distractions that take your hands off the wheel
- Visual distractions that take your eyes off the road
- Mental distractions that take your mind off the road
If a driver sends a text message while driving 55 miles per hour, they can travel about the length of a football field. That’s a scary amount of time and distance to be distracted from the road.
If another driver causes your accident because of texting while driving, you have rights. You are likely entitled to financial compensation. You can file a claim for the damages you’ve faced.
John Foy & Associates can help. We have worked on countless car accident cases over the past 20-plus years. We know what it takes to win. To schedule a FREE, no-risk consultation today, call (404) 400-4000, or contact us online.
What to Do After a Texting Driver Hits You in Marietta
You can begin building your case right after your accident. When you consult with a lawyer, you can bring what you’ve collected to the first meeting.
Here are some actions we recommend taking at the accident scene.
Call the Police
You should report any accident with injuries or at least $500 in property damage. Call 911, and tell the dispatcher what happened.
Let the police know that the other driver was texting. They can investigate further and question the driver. Officers should create an accident report, which is essential for proving the collision occurred.
Get Information from the Other Driver
Exchange the following with the at-fault driver:
- First and last names
- Phone numbers
- Addresses
- Insurance policy numbers
- Driver’s license numbers
If the driver is acting strangely, note their behavior. If it’s safe, you might try snapping a video of how they’re acting. Sometimes, a texting driver is also impaired or engaging in other careless behaviors.
Take Pictures
Use your phone to snap pictures of the scene. Picture evidence is a terrific way to preserve what occurred. Take photos of your injuries, your vehicle damage, and the entire scene.
Look for Witnesses
Look around. Are there other people waiting near the scene? Did anyone come to help? Talk to anyone who might have seen the accident happen.
Ask witnesses for their names and contact information. Your lawyer can reach out to them later for statements. Witness testimony can benefit your case.
Get Medical Treatment
If you have severe or life-threatening injuries, get medical help immediately. Otherwise, see a doctor as soon as possible.
If you wait too long to get treatment, it will hurt your case. The insurance company will claim you are not hurt that badly. Even if you feel okay, see a doctor who can check you for injuries.
Talk to a Marietta Texting While Driving Lawyer
Contact an experienced and trusted lawyer in the Marietta area. Your lawyer will know what to do next to build your case. They will also protect you from the other driver’s insurance company.
Get a Free Consultation with a Marietta Texting While Driving Accident Lawyer Today
If texting while driving led to your car accident, contact John Foy & Associates. We are one of the largest and most respected law firms in Georgia. We have been helping injury victims for more than 20 years.
Contact us today to get started with a FREE consultation. We’ll listen to your situation, answer your questions, and discuss your best options. You only have two years from your accident date to file your case, so don’t wait.
Let us handle the legal side of things so that you can focus on healing. To get a FREE consultation, call (404) 400-4000, or contact us online.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
