Texting while driving puts everyone at risk. Sending even a single text can have life-changing consequences, such as severe injuries or deaths. If you or someone you love was involved in an accident caused by a texting driver, you have options.
At John Foy & Associates, we hold careless drivers responsible for their actions. Choosing to text and drive means putting others in immediate danger. If a driver’s actions led to your crash, you might be eligible for financial compensation.
Texting while driving increases the risk of a crash significantly, and those injured due to such negligence should consult an Atlanta Car Accident Attorney to discuss their legal options. Call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for a free consultation. We are available 24/7 to take your call.
Texting While Driving Dangers
Having a driver’s license comes with responsibilities. Many distractions can come up when operating a vehicle, and drivers must be careful to avoid them. That includes sending or checking text messages while driving.
Texting while driving is one of the most dangerous types of distracted driving. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), texting combines all three forms of distracted driving:
- Visual distractions that take your eyes off the road
- Manual distractions that take your hands off the wheel
- Cognitive distractions that take your mind off driving
Even five seconds of checking your phone is deadly. Within that time, your car can travel the length of a football field at a speed of 55 mph.
Alarmingly, many young drivers don’t realize how much texting affects their driving—in reality, texting while driving can increase the chance of an accident by about 23 times. A distracted driver can be even more dangerous than a drunk driver.
Drivers should understand that they are human. They should also avoid texting while driving to protect themselves and others. If someone causes an accident after texting while driving, they are responsible for the costs.
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How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
Texting while driving accidents can be catastrophic. The driver is not entirely in control of their actions, so a collision can cause severe damage. Victims might suffer life-threatening or disabling injuries.
If you were injured in a texting while driving-accident, it’s best to contact a lawyer. An experienced lawyer will know how to fight for the compensation you deserve. They will consider all of your damages, including:
- Medical bills
- Future medical treatment
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Vehicle repairs or replacement
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
A trusted lawyer has the resources to investigate what happened and document your losses. They can gather evidence, such as cell phone records, to prove that the other driver was at fault. If the insurance company offers you a lowball settlement, your lawyer will be prepared to negotiate.
Fighting for the compensation you deserve is challenging. You’ll need to account for all losses, including economic and “emotional” injuries. Plus, you might need long-term medical care that you should include in your claim.
A good lawyer will help with all of the above and more. We’ll handle your case details and the insurance company. With over 20 years of experience, we know what to do. John Foy and Associates provide expert legal advice through our Personal Injury Attorneys in Atlanta to help you secure compensation for accidents caused by texting drivers. Call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for a free consultation.
Injuries from Texting While Driving Accidents
Texting and driving accidents can leave victims with injuries like:
- Broken bones
- Head and brain trauma
- Neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Lacerations
- Severe burns
- Disabilities
- Severe bruising
- And more
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), around 23,000 people died in auto accidents involving distracted driving from 2012-2018. Those numbers could be even higher since it’s hard to monitor cell phone use.
After a texting while driving accident, be sure to get treatment immediately. Even if you feel okay, have a doctor check you for any injuries. You will need to know the full extent of the damage.
Seeing a doctor will also protect your legal rights. If you wait too long, the other driver’s insurance company will use it against you. They can claim you weren’t hurt as badly as you say. Or, they might try to offer way less than you deserve.
The Responsible Driver Should Pay for Your Injuries
If a texting driver caused your accident, you have the legal right to claim compensation. According to Georgia Code § 51-1-6, you can recover damages from an accident where someone breaches their legal duty.
All drivers must act in a way that doesn’t cause harm. If someone is careless, they have failed in their legal duty. The law calls this negligence.
You have the right to file a personal injury claim with the driver’s insurance company. Your claim must prove that:
- The other driver was negligent (such as texting while driving).
- The driver’s negligence led to your accident.
- You suffered injuries and damages from the accident.
You should not have to pay for the costs of an accident that wasn’t your fault. Georgia law protects your rights as a victim. However, be aware that the insurance company will probably fight back.
Insurance companies look for ways to pay you much less. Sadly, they care more about their money than protecting victims. So, it’s best to contact an experienced car accident lawyer who can help build your case.
Texting While Driving Laws
Georgia has a Hands-Free Law that took effect in July 2018. Under this law, drivers cannot do the following while driving:
- Have a phone in their hand or touching any part of their body while talking on the phone
- Read, write, or send text messages, social media content, emails, or other online data
- Watch videos (except GPS)
- Record videos with their phones or electronic devices
- Touch their phones to activate or change streaming music
Drivers must be careful to follow these laws. If someone violates the law, it can help your case. Talk to your lawyer about the details.
Get Help from Our Texting While Driving Accident Lawyers
At John Foy & Associates, our experienced and compassionate lawyers are here to help. After texting while driving accident, we’ll provide the expertise you need to fight for what you deserve.
With over 20 years of experience, we know how to win accident claims. Plus, there is no charge to you unless we win your case.
To get a free consultation today, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
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