Did a texting driver cause your accident in Dunwoody? You can probably bring legal action against them. If you weren’t at fault, you can file a personal injury claim to replace your costs.
You should not have to pay for another driver’s carelessness. Talk to a Dunwoody texting while driving accident lawyer about your options. An experienced lawyer will help you build a case and protect your rights.
Contact John Foy & Associates for a free consultation. Our lawyers have been helping injury victims for over 20 years. We’re one of the biggest injury firms in Georgia, and we’re not afraid to fight. Call (404) 400-4000 or reach out online to learn more during a FREE consultation.
Why Texting While Driving Is So Dangerous
Texting is second nature to most of us now. And it only takes seconds to read or type a text, so it must be safe—right?
Not while driving. If you’re behind the wheel, texting while driving is very dangerous. Even a second of distraction can cause a life-changing accident.
Even checking a text at a red light is unsafe. The phone is still taking your attention away from the road.
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Texting Distractions
Texting while driving combines three types of distraction:
- Visual: takes your eyes off the road
- Manual: takes your hands off the wheel
- Mental: takes your mind off of driving
Texting is the most hazardous type of distraction. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), reading or sending a text takes your eyes off the road for five seconds.
If you’re driving at 55 mph, you can travel the length of a football field in five seconds. Imagine the damage someone can cause with their eyes off the road for that distance. Of course, if you’re the victim of a texting while driving accident, you don’t have to imagine—you’re living the damage.
You have rights if a driver’s texting caused your accident. Save any evidence of the accident and your damages, and call a lawyer. Your lawyer will help build a strong case to hold the driver responsible.
Other Types of Distracted Driving
Texting is not the only driving distraction. Other common types of distracted driving include:
- Taking a phone call
- Talking to passengers
- Changing the radio or a music app
- Messing with GPS
- Eating or drinking
- Turning to look at an accident
- Daydreaming
Distractions are everywhere in our modern world. But drivers must be responsible and avoid them. If a driver’s distraction causes your accident, you can hold them accountable.
Texting while driving can lead to life-changing injuries. It can also cause tragic deaths. If a texting driver injured you or a loved one, don’t wait to get help. Talk to an experienced lawyer today.
We can help at John Foy & Associates. With over 20 years of experience, we know how to build successful cases. We’ll also prevent the other side from taking advantage of you. To learn more, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for a FREE consultation.
Texting While Driving Laws in Georgia
Texting while driving is illegal in Georgia. If you can prove that the driver was texting, that’s a clear sign of negligence.
Negligence is a legal term for carelessness. It’s also the most crucial word in a personal injury claim. To have a successful claim, you must prove that:
- The other driver was negligent in some way.
- The driver’s negligence led to your accident.
- The accident caused your injuries and other damages.
Since texting while driving is illegal, proving the driver’s violation will help your case.
Georgia Hands-Free Law
Georgia has a Hands-Free Law that took effect in July 2018. Under the law:
- Drivers cannot hold a phone in their hand while driving. They also cannot touch their phone to any part of their body while driving.
- Drivers cannot read, write, or send text-based messages. That includes texts, social media, or emails.
- Drivers cannot watch, record, or stream videos while driving.
- Streaming music is allowed only if the driver does not adjust the app while driving.
GPS systems are still allowed while driving. Drivers can still use talk-to-text to send a message.
If a driver is convicted of texting while driving, the penalties are:
- First conviction: $50 fine and one point on driver’s license
- Second conviction: $100 fine and two points on the driver’s license
- Third or more convictions: $150 fine and three points on the driver’s license
How to Prove the Other Driver Was Texting
The other driver might deny that they were texting while driving. If so, you’ll need a lawyer who can fight for you. Your lawyer will gather information to support your case by:
- Requesting the driver’s phone records
- Getting footage from a traffic camera or nearby security camera
- Making sure the driver preserves their cell phone and records
- Interviewing witnesses
- Inspecting the accident scene
- Getting electronic data on the driver’s car
Proving texting while driving is not always straightforward. But your lawyer will know where to start. They will utilize every option for gathering evidence of the driver’s carelessness.
At John Foy & Associates, we’ve helped many texting while driving accident victims prove the other driver’s fault. We’re here to help.
Talk to a Dunwoody Texting While Driving Accident Lawyer for Free Today
Texting while driving is the worst type of distracted driving. It’s also deadly. If you or a loved one were victims of this type of accident, don’t wait to get help. Our Dunwoody texting while driving accident lawyers know what to do.
You should not have to stress about the legal side of things. We’ll handle your case while you focus on healing. Our goal is to get you the fullest recovery possible for your medical costs, lost wages, and more.
Our attorneys bring over 20 years of experience to each case. Working with us is risk-free for you because:
- We don’t charge any upfront costs.
- We won’t charge you at all unless we win you a settlement.
- Our fee is simply a percentage of what you win.
- The consultation is completely free.
We are not afraid to fight aggressively for your rights. Call us today to discover your options during a FREE consultation.
Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for your FREE consultation.
(404) 400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
