Texting while driving is illegal in Sandy Springs. But that doesn’t stop some motorists from texting while they’re behind the wheel. If you or a loved one were injured because of a texting driver, call a Sandy Springs texting while driving lawyer today.
John Foy & Associates can help. We have 20-plus years of experience supporting accident victims. If another driver’s actions caused your accident, we can help you build a strong case for compensation. Plus, you don’t pay a thing unless we win.
To get a free consultation today, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
Georgia Laws on Texting While Driving
Georgia has a hands-free law that took effect in July 2018 after too many texting-related injuries and deaths were happening on the road.
According to the law, Georgians cannot do the following while driving:
- Hold a phone in their hand while talking
- Have a phone touching any part of their body while talking
- Read, write, or send text messages, social media posts, email, or other internet data (even with hands-free technology)
- Watch videos (except for GPS videos)
- Record videos on phones or other electronic devices
- Touch phones to “activate or program” any streaming music
Drivers can listen to streaming music, but they must program it before driving. Music also doesn’t include video, which is prohibited.
Unfortunately, some drivers continue to text while driving—even with these new laws in place. If another driver caused your accident because they were texting, you have rights. The texting driver could be held as negligent in your accident.
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Why Drivers Choose to Text While Driving
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about eight people in the U.S. die every day in distracted driving accidents. Texting while driving is one of the most common forms of distracted driving.
Why is texting and driving so prevalent? People text while driving for many reasons, but some of the most common include:
- Feeling pressure to take a call or answer a text
- Driving under the influence
- Being too impatient to wait until they stop driving
- Boredom while driving
- Restlessness
- Disregard for others’ safety
The task of driving isn’t always exciting. If a driver feels bored or restless, they might turn to their phone for entertainment. The driver might think that checking a text for a few seconds isn’t that dangerous. However, the facts show differently.
Reading or sending a text takes a driver’s eyes off the road for about five seconds. That might not seem like too long, but a car can travel far in just five seconds. When going 55 mph, someone can travel the length of a football field in the time it takes to check a text message.
No matter why someone texts while driving, they are liable if they cause an accident. As the victim of that accident, you have a right to seek compensation. Talk to an experienced lawyer today to get started.
Types of Distracted Driving
There are three main types of distracted driving:
- Visual distractions that remove your eyes from the road
- Manual distractions that take your hands off the wheel
- Mental distractions that distract your mind from driving
Texting while driving is hazardous because it combines all three types of distractions. Modern technology has many benefits, but it also comes with significant distractions.
Proving the Negligence of a Distracted Driver
If a texting driver caused your accident, they have been negligent. The term negligence is key in any personal injury claim.
Negligence means a lack of reasonable care. When someone texts while driving, they are not being careful enough to avoid harming themselves or others. To seek compensation for your damages, you’ll need to prove how the driver was negligent.
A personal injury claim must show that:
- The driver was negligent in choosing to text while driving.
- The driver’s texting led to your accident.
- You have injuries and other damages from the accident.
You will need to provide evidence of the driver’s texting while driving. This can be challenging, but you can contact an experienced lawyer for help. A lawyer can help you gather phone records and other evidence of the driver’s actions.
At John Foy & Associates, our lawyers can help you build a strong injury claim after your accident. Contact us today to discuss your options during a free consultation. We’ll answer your questions and determine what type of settlement you deserve.
To get your free consultation, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
Common Texting While Driving Accident Damages
Texting-related accidents can cause severe damage. Injuries can range from minor to debilitating or disabling. Plus, it’s common for accident victims to lose days or months of work—or even completely lose their jobs.
If you were not at fault, you have a right to recover losses like:
- Medical bills
- Medical costs
- Lost wages
- Loss of future income
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
Calculating all of your damages takes work. You will need to know how to list each loss with the highest compensation in mind to adequately cover those losses.
Insurance companies will do everything they can to pay you the lowest amount possible for each damage claim. To make sure you’re fighting for what you deserve, speak with a Sandy Springs texting while driving accident lawyer today.
Statute of Limitations in Sandy Springs
In Georgia, you have two years from the date of your accident to bring a case. That’s not a lot of time when you consider that you need to:
- Document the accident and your injuries
- Gather evidence of your damages
- Build a strong personal injury claim
- Negotiate with the insurance company
- Take your case to court (in some cases)
It’s best to get started as soon as possible. Consult with a trusted lawyer who can help you pursue the recovery you need.
Talk to a Sandy Springs Texting While Driving Accident Lawyer About Your Case Today
Texting while driving accidents can leave you with a host of damages. Don’t get stuck paying for a crash you didn’t cause. Contact John Foy & Associates to learn your legal options today—at no risk to you.
Our lawyers do not get paid unless we win your case. We only work on contingency, so you only pay our fee from the settlement or court award you win—and you keep the rest.
To get started with a free, no-risk consultation, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online today.
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