It is illegal for a person to have a cell phone in their hand while driving in Augusta. Yet, people still text and drive, leading to accidents. When they cause collisions, these individuals can be held financially responsible for any injuries that result.
If you are injured in this kind of crash in Georgia, contact John Foy & Associates. An Augusta car accident lawyer will review your legal claim. We can help you file a personal injury lawsuit against the driver responsible for your accident and injuries.
How the “Hands-Free Law” in Augusta Punishes People Who Text and Drive
When a driver’s attention is diverted, their eyes leave the road, increasing the likelihood of causing a collision. Our Augusta personal injury lawyers have represented clients injured in these types of accidents and understand how devastating the consequences can be. Along with leading to significant injuries, they can cause emotional trauma and financial burdens that impact victims for years.
Georgia’s “hands-free law” states it is against the law for a person to have a phone in their hand or touch any part of their body while driving. If a person is convicted of texting and driving at the same time, this individual can receive a fine and a point assessed against their driver’s license. For each time an individual is convicted of texting while driving, the penalties for their actions escalate.
If you suffer this type of injury in Augusta, legal help is available. You can meet with an Augusta texting and driving accident attorney. From here, your attorney can identify the at-fault party in your case and help you seek damages from them.
What to Expect in Compensation from an Augusta Texting and Driving Accident Lawsuit
A texting-while-driving accident lawsuit is classified as a personal injury claim. In Georgia, there are no caps on the amount of economic and non-economic damages you can request in a personal injury lawsuit. This means you can pursue many thousands of dollars in damages for various losses, including:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
A texting and driving accident lawyer in Augusta can teach you about the damages you can request in distracted driving cases. In addition, the lawyer can help you calculate your damages to date and what to ask in a lawsuit. They will ensure your lawsuit is filed, so you can move one step closer to getting the compensation you deserve.
The Steps Involved in an Augusta Texting and Driving Accident Case
After an accident, you may be disoriented and upset. As much as possible, try to take steps to protect yourself and a potential claim for damages. If you are involved in a texting-while-driving accident, here is how you should respond:
Call 911
After you call 911, police officers and medical personnel will arrive on the scene. Police officers can get information from you and other people involved in the accident. Meanwhile, medical personnel can treat any injuries.
Always accept an evaluation and treatment to establish a connection between the accident and your injuries.
Capture Photos and Videos
Use your smartphone to take photos of the accident scene and any injuries you suffer. Photos and evidence can be used as evidence once your case goes to trial. They can provide insights that can help a judge or jury see what happened during your accident and why you should be awarded damages.
Look for Witnesses
If pedestrians or other motorists saw your accident, ask police officers on the scene to interview them. These individuals can provide witness statements that you may be able to use during your trial. Witness statements can further demonstrate that a distracted driver caused your accident.
Ask for a Police Report
Following your accident, get a copy of the police report from the scene. You can submit a request for an accident report through the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office. Once you get this important document, you can use it as evidence to support your request for damages.
Collect Medical Bills and Pay Stubs
Gather any medical bills and related records highlighting the costs of any treatments you received for accident injuries. Also, collect pay stubs showing how much money you are losing because you are missing work due to your accident. All this information can highlight the economic losses you incurred after your accident.
Reach Out to a Texting and Driving Accident Attorney in Augusta
Find an attorney that possesses a wealth of experience in these cases. This lawyer understands the challenges that can arise in a texting and driving lawsuit and knows how to address them. Most importantly, the lawyer will advocate for you and put you in the best position to secure the most damages possible.
File Your Texting-While-Driving Accident Lawsuit
You have up to two years from the date of your accident to request damages from any at-fault parties. Ultimately, your attorney will make sure your lawsuit is filed shortly after your accident. This helps you avoid the risk of running out of time to pursue compensation in court.
Consider Settlement Options
The defendant in your lawsuit may present you with one or more settlement proposals over the course of your litigation. You are under no obligation to accept any of these offers but should evaluate them carefully. If you get a settlement proposal that meets your expectations, you can approve it and close your case.
Prepare for Your Trial
Your lawyer will teach you everything you need to know about the trial process. Prior to your trial date, your attorney can answer any questions you have about what will happen in court. Your attorney can even present you with questions you may receive if you take the stand.
Go to Trial
When your case goes to trial, you and the defendant can share your side of the story. A judge or jury will review all of the information provided. Lastly, a decision will be rendered, and you will find out if you are awarded damages.
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Move Forward with a Qualified Augusta Texting and Driving Accident Lawyer Today
John Foy & Associates offers legal help to injury victims by connecting you with a knowledgeable Augusta texting and driving accident lawyer. We can review your case and begin working with you right away. To get started, please contact us today.
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