Texting is one of the most common distractions for Stonecrest drivers. Sending or receiving a text might happen quickly, but a lot can happen during even a moment of distraction. Some of the worst car accidents occur because someone was texting while driving.
If texting was a cause of your crash, our Stonecrest texting while driving accident lawyers can help. We can help you seek compensation for your medical costs and more.
At John Foy & Associates, we stand up for those who have been injured by someone else’s carelessness. With over 20 years of experience, we know how to win cases. Learn more about your recovery options during a FREE consultation. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
Georgia Texting While Driving Laws
Georgia’s hands-free law took effect in July 2018. The law made it illegal for drivers to hold a phone while driving.
According to the hands-free law, motorists cannot do the following while driving:
- Hold a phone or have it touching any body part
- Read, write, or send a text, email, or social media post
- Watch videos (unless it’s GPS)
- Record video (unless it’s a dashcam)
- Touch a phone or device to change streaming music
Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of accidents. The state of Georgia created the hands-free law to help reduce the number of texting-related accidents.
Unfortunately, drivers still choose to text while behind the wheel. If another driver caused your accident in this way, you might deserve compensation. You can file a claim with the texting driver’s insurance company.
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The Dangers of Texting While Driving
Many drivers underestimate the hazards of texting on the road. Phone use is so typical in our society that it’s hard to avoid calls or texts while driving. However, picking up the phone can become dangerous very quickly.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), sending or getting a text removes your eyes from the road for about five seconds. When driving at 55 mph, you can travel the length of an entire football field. Going that far with your eyes off of the road can have severe consequences.
In 2018, there were 2,841 deaths from distracted driving accidents. Texting is often involved. To avoid deadly accidents, drivers should avoid texting while behind the wheel. If you or a loved one were injured in a texting while driving accident, it’s essential to know your options.
Your Rights After a Texting While Driving Collision
In Georgia, the at-fault driver in an accident is responsible for the costs. If a texting driver caused your crash, they are liable. You can seek compensation by filing a claim with the driver’s insurance company.
Be sure to include all damages from the accident in your claim, including:
- Medical bills
- Prescription medications
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Vehicle repairs or replacements
These are some expected financial losses from car accidents. You can prove these damages through bills, receipts, and other documents. However, some damages are harder to prove.
You might also have non-economic damages like:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Emotional distress
- Scarring or disfigurement
A Stonecrest texting while driving accident lawyer can determine all of your damages. At John Foy & Associates, we can account for every loss. From there, we can calculate the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for a FREE, no-risk consultation. You pay nothing unless we win your case. To learn more, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
Other Types of Distracted Driving
Texting while driving is not the only distraction-related hazard. Other forms of distracted driving include:
- Eating or drinking while driving
- Taking or making a phone call
- Talking to passengers
- Changing the radio
- Monitoring kids or pets in the car
- Reaching for something in the backseat
- “Rubbernecking” to watch a roadside accident
- Daydreaming
- Watching videos
Our modern world has many distractions on Stonecrest roads. However, drivers should be careful to avoid any possible distractions. If a driver gives in to a distraction, they can cause an accident at any time.
If another driver caused your accident, you can seek compensation. You might have a personal injury claim or lawsuit against the other driver.
Building a Strong Texting While Driving Claim
As the victim of a car accident, you have rights. However, the burden is on you to prove the other driver’s negligence. You’ll also need to back up your damages from the accident.
A texting while driving lawyer will help by gathering evidence to support your claim. Here are some pieces of information you can compile for your case:
- Traffic surveillance footage
- Cell phone records from right before the accident
- Eyewitness statements
- Any admissions from the driver who was texting
- Accident reconstruction expert testimony
Our lawyers can help you obtain all of the above and more. After a traumatic accident, you don’t have to worry about the legal side of things. We can handle your case while you focus on healing and being with family.
Negotiating a Fair Accident Settlement
A texting while driving accident can impact your life in many ways. Medical costs can be incredibly costly. At the same time, you might miss work time as you recover. Some accident victims lose their jobs or have to take on lower-paying work.
A car accident has emotional effects, too. You might suffer from emotional distress or trauma. If you have scarring or other disfigurements that can cause embarrassment or lower quality of life. Despite what an accident takes from you, you might struggle to get a fair settlement.
Insurance companies will look for any way to reduce costs. That includes tactics like:
- Offering much less than you deserve
- Asking you to give a recorded statement
- Downplaying your damages
- Using something you’ve said against you
After the accident, you might get a lowball settlement offer—but do not take any money without speaking to a lawyer. Your lawyer can communicate and negotiate with the insurer on your behalf.
If the insurer refuses to settle, you might decide to sue the driver. Your lawyer will be there every step of the way to fight for your rights.
Talk to a Stonecrest Texting While Driving Accident Lawyer
John Foy & Associates can help after your accident. We have over 20 years of experience helping accident victims and their families. Plus, there is no charge to you unless we win your case.
Reach out today to get help from the “Strong Arm.” Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for your FREE consultation.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
