Texting while driving is a huge issue everywhere, including in Alpharetta. Most drivers have smartphones, and too many people use them while driving. When someone texts behind the wheel, they put everyone on the road in danger.
If a texting driver caused your car accident, you have rights. An Alpharetta texting while driving accident lawyer can help you build a strong injury case. You should not have to pay for someone else’s carelessness.
At John Foy & Associates, we have been helping car accident victims for over 20 years. Our lawyers approach each case with expertise and compassion. Plus, we do not charge a fee unless we win for you.
To get a FREE consultation, call us at (404) 400-4000, or contact us online.
The Dangers of Texting While Driving in Alpharetta
Texting while driving requires your attention in multiple ways. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), distracted driving combines the three main types of distraction:
- Visual distractions that take your eyes off of the road
- Manual distractions that take your hands off of the wheel
- Cognitive distractions that take your mind off of driving
To drive safely, a motorist must put their full attention on the road. Texting makes that impossible. Plus, in the time it takes to read or send a text message, a driver could travel the length of a football field. Imagine how much damage can take place within that distance.
In modern times, there are so many ways to use our cell phones, including:
- Send a text message
- Make a phone call
- Use a navigation system
- Scroll through social media
- Watch YouTube videos
- Check emails
- Swipe on dating apps
- Record a video
While smartphone technology is terrific, driving is not the time for it. The constant distraction makes it hard for many drivers to stay off of their phones. But if a driver causes an accident because of texting, they are fully responsible for the costs.
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Texting While Driving Laws in Alpharetta
Drivers in Alpharetta must follow Georgia’s hands-free law. Under this law, drivers cannot do the following while driving:
- Hold their phone or have it touching any area of their body while making a call
- Read, write, or send a text message, email, or other data (even if it’s hands-free)
- Watch videos (except for GPS video)
- Record videos
Drivers in Alpharetta can listen to streaming music without videos. However, they should not touch their phones to open or change the app. Drivers can also listen to the radio while driving.
Penalties for Texting While Driving in Georgia
For the first conviction of texting and driving, the fine is $50 and one point on the driver’s license. A second conviction is a $100 fine and two points. A third or higher conviction is a $150 fine and three points.
What to Do If a Texting Driver Caused Your Accident
If someone caused your car accident by texting, you have rights. You can file a personal injury claim with the driver’s insurance company. Through your injury claim, you can seek compensation for your damages.
Before filing your claim, there are actions you can take to protect your rights.
Stop and Call the Police
Call 911 to report the accident to the police. Drivers should always do this if there are injuries or property damage. The police will create an accident report that you’ll need for your case.
Get Medical Attention
If you or anyone in your car has severe injuries, let the police know that you need an ambulance. Do not wait to get medical attention. Your injuries could worsen quickly.
If you don’t need emergency medical treatment, be sure to see a doctor. Have your doctor check you for any injuries. If you don’t do this, it can hurt your accident claim if you notice injuries later.
Exchange Information
While you wait for the police, exchange the following information with the other driver:
- Full names
- Driver’s license numbers
- Contact information
- Insurance policy information
You will need this information when you file your personal injury claim. If the other driver says that they don’t have insurance, contact a car accident lawyer immediately.
Take Pictures
Use your phone or a camera to take pictures of:
- The entire accident scene.
- Your vehicle damage.
- Your injuries.
- The positions of all vehicles.
Take pictures of anything you think might help your case. Picture evidence can be compelling in a texting while driving accident claim. Your photos will show how the accident and your damages looked right after the crash.
Contact a Texting While Driving Accident Lawyer
After the accident, you will need to file a claim with the at-fault driver’s auto insurance company. Car accidents claims are easier said than done, but a lawyer can make the process easier.
Insurance companies do not like to pay much on injury claims. The insurer will look for ways to reduce your claim’s value or blame you. But an experienced lawyer will know how to protect your rights.
Your lawyer will work to negotiate with the insurance company. Research has shown that injury victims with attorneys are more likely to get a fair offer. If the insurance company sees that you have a lawyer, they might take you more seriously.
Damages You Can Claim from a Texting While Driving Claim
Personal injury damages are the losses you face from the accident. You can include the following costs in your claim:
- Medical bills
- Prescription medications
- Lost wages
- Vehicle damage
- Pain and suffering
You’ll need to provide proof of your damages. Medical costs and lost wages are pretty easy to show. However, you will need help from a lawyer to prove pain and suffering damages.
Talk to an Alpharetta Texting While Driving Accident Lawyer for Free Today
You should not have to pay for the cost of another driver’s carelessness. If a texting driver caused your accident, you have rights. John Foy & Associates can help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
Our goal is to make the legal process as stress-free as possible for you. That’s why we don’t charge you a fee unless we win your case. There are no out-of-pocket or upfront costs. Plus, the consultation is 100% FREE.
Contact us today, and we’ll give you a FREE, no-risk consultation. We’ll listen to your situation and talk about your best options.
Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to get started today.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form