A distracted driver is as dangerous as a drunk driver in Cartersville. If a distracted driver caused your accident, you’re likely frustrated. You might wonder why the other motorist had to be so careless. Because of their distraction, you or a loved one suffered injuries. But thankfully, the law is on your side.
Our Cartersville distracted driving accident lawyers can help. At John Foy & Associates, we know the devastation of this type of crash. Modern technology has increased the number of distracted drivers. However, that’s no excuse for someone to cause an accident.
You have legal options. Call us today to discuss your rights during a FREE consultation. If you hire us, there is no charge unless we win your case. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to schedule your FREE consultation.
What Distracted Driving Means
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) defines distracted driving as “any activity that diverts attention from driving.” Drivers of any age can succumb to distracted driving behaviors.
There are many distractions in our current world. However, drivers must prevent themselves from becoming distracted on the road. A distracted driver is a dangerous driver. It’s also a type of negligence or carelessness.
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Types of Distracted Driving in Cartersville
There are three categories of distracted driving:
- Manual distractions that take your hands off the wheel,
- Visual distractions that eyes off the road, and
- Cognitive distractions that take your mind off the road.
Some types of distracted driving combine all three categories. Texting is the best example of this. Texting while driving distracts a driver in many different ways.
When someone reads or sends a text, it takes their eyes off the road for about five seconds. In just five seconds, a car can travel the length of a football field. If the driver is traveling above 55 mph, they’ll travel farther.
Even a moment of distraction can cause a devastating or fatal accident.
Examples of Distracted Driving Behaviors
Some of the most common types of distracted driving we see include:
- Texting while driving
- Eating or drinking
- Talking to passengers
- Managing children or pets in the car
- Talking on the phone
- Checking social media or email
- Adjusting the radio or GPS
- Getting lost in thought
In Cartersville, driving is a privilege—not a right. A responsible driver stays alert at all times behind the wheel. Drivers who allow themselves to become distracted are negligent.
When someone’s negligence leads to an accident, they are responsible for the damages. If a distracted driver caused your accident, you can seek compensation for your injuries.
John Foy & Associates can help. Our lawyers know how to build a strong personal injury claim after your accident. We’ll help you seek the fullest financial recovery possible. To learn more during a FREE consultation, call (404) 400-4000, or contact us online.
Damages that Are Available After Your Distracted Driving Accident
If someone else’s actions caused your accident, you probably have injuries. As the injury victim, you can seek recovery for your losses.
There are two main types of damages: economic and non-economic.
Economic Damages
Georgia law calls these losses special damages. Special or economic damages have a set dollar amount. To recover these losses, you’ll need to prove that they happened.
Economic damages include:
- Doctor bills
- Hospital bills
- Prescription medications
- Surgeries
- Testing procedures
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Property damage
You will need to save evidence of your economic damages. For example, keep all bills, receipts, and copies of records.
You’ll also need to consider future medical treatment as you heal. Your lawyer will help you add up all economic losses.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic losses are general damages in Georgia. These losses do not have set dollar amounts. They are about how your injuries impact your life.
Examples of non-economic damages include:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
- Disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Non-economic damages are difficult to demonstrate. You’ll need help from an experienced car accident lawyer. Thankfully, your lawyer will know how to put a dollar amount on your non-economic injuries.
Your lawyer will calculate the full value of your damages. From there, you’ll know how a fair settlement should look.
What Georgia Law Says About Distracted Driving
The Hands-Free Georgia Law (HB673) began in July 2018. Under this law, drivers should not:
- Hold or support a phone or electronic device with any part of their body.
- Write, send, or read any text-based messages.
- Watch, record, or broadcast videos or movies.
Any distracted driving behavior puts others at risk. Under Georgia law, everyone has a “duty of care” to act in a way that doesn’t cause harm. Distracted driving violates that duty of care.
What to Do After a Distracted Driving Accident in Cartersville
After a distracted driving accident, it’s vital to protect your rights. You should not have to pay for the at-fault driver’s actions. However, you’ll need to make sure you have a strong case.
After the accident, here are some steps to take:
- Call the police. Tell the officers if you suspect the other driver was distracted. Make sure the police create an accident report.
- Exchange information. Get the other driver’s contact information and insurance information.
- Talk to any witnesses. Ask for their names and contact information. Your lawyer will reach out to them later.
- Take pictures. Photograph your injuries and vehicle damage. Also, snap photos of the entire accident scene.
- Get medical attention. See a doctor as soon as possible. If you wait too long, it will hurt your case.
The other driver’s insurance company will look for ways to pay you less. To protect your rights, call an experienced car accident lawyer today. Your lawyer will guide you through the best steps to build your case.
Get a Free Consultation with a Cartersville Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer Today
A distracted driving accident can turn your world upside down. But don’t get stuck paying for what you didn’t cause. At John Foy & Associates, we’ll help you seek recovery for medical costs, lost wages, and more.
We have been in practice for over 20 years. We only work for injury victims—never the other side. Plus, we do not charge a fee unless we win your case.
To get a FREE consultation, call (404) 400-4000, or contact us online.
(404) 400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
