There are many ways a driver can become distracted on Johns Creek roads. They might be texting on their cell phone, watching a video, talking to passengers, or checking their appearance in the rearview mirror. Johns Creek distracted driving accident lawyers are dedicated to helping individuals injured in these types of crashes get compensation.
At John Foy & Associates, we have been representing accident victims for over 20 years, and we know what it takes to build a strong case. If you were hurt in a distracted driving accident, we can let you know your legal options and how to pursue compensation for your damages. The consultation is free, and we never charge a fee unless we win you money.
To get your FREE consultation, call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online today. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to take your call and schedule your consultation.
The Three Types of Distracted Driving
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are driving distractions can be divided into three main categories:
- Manual driving distractions;
- Visual driving distractions; and
- Cognitive driving distractions.
Each type of distraction diverts a driver’s attention from the most important task: driving.
Manual distractions remove a driver’s hands from the wheel, visual distractions remove their eyes from the road, and cognitive distractions remove their mind from the act of driving. Some distractions involve more than one (or all) types of distractions, which makes them especially dangerous.
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Cell Phones Cause Many Distracted Driving Accidents
Cell phone use is more common than ever before, and it’s a huge contributor to distracted driving accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving was involved in the deaths of 2,841 people in auto accidents in 2018. Using a cell phone while driving significantly increases the risk of injuries and death on the roads.
Using a cell phone requires all three forms of distracted driving mentioned above. It impairs a driver’s ability to keep their manual, visual, and cognitive attention on the road—and even just a few moments of this level of distraction can be deadly. Even just a few seconds of texting while traveling 55 miles per hour can take a driver the distance of a football field.
Georgia Texting and Driving Laws
In Georgia, it is illegal for a driver to hold or support a cell phone (or another electronic device) with any part of their body. That includes:
- Writing or checking text messages;
- Sending or checking email;
- Messing with a GPS system or app;
- Using a computer or tablet;
- Checking or posting on social media; and
- Opening or using any phone apps.
Drivers are also prohibited from watching or streaming a video or movie while driving. Talking on an electronic device is only lawful if the driver can do so using a hands-free device.
If the driver who caused your accident was distracted by their cell phone or some other electronic device right before they crashed into you, that can be important evidence to support your case. A Johns Creek distracted driving accident lawyer can help you gather this evidence and use it in your insurance claim for compensation.
Other Sources of Distracted Driving in Johns Creek
Besides using an electronic device, such as a cell phone, in Johns Creek, drivers can become distracted by:
- The radio
- Passengers
- Checking makeup
- Aggressive drivers
- Billboards or landmarks
- Books or magazines
- Pets or children
These are just a few examples. Drivers have a duty to carefully avoid dangerous distractions while operating a motor vehicle. If they fail in that duty, it’s a form of negligence and means they are likely liable for damages when an accident happens.
How to Build a Case After a Distracted Driving Accident in Johns Creek
If you were hurt in a crash caused by a distracted driver, you should not have to cover the costs of your medical bills, lost wages, property damage, mental anguish, and more. Thankfully, you probably have legal options available to you.
If another person caused your accident, you can file a personal injury claim with their insurance company. This claim should prove that:
- The driver owed you a duty of care.
- That duty of care was breached (by driving while distracted).
- The breached duty caused your car accident.
- You suffered injuries and other damages as a result of the accident.
Demonstrating that the driver was distracted (and that their distraction led to your accident) is not always easy. We highly recommend reaching out to a Johns Creek distracted driving accident lawyer who knows how to gather the right evidence and build a successful injury claim.
Information to Collect for Your Distracted Driving Claim
You can also begin compiling information that will help your case—often from just moments after the accident. Ways you can do that include:
- Contacting the police to report the accident (which will lead them to create an accident report);
- Taking pictures of your injuries, vehicle damage, and other evidence at the scene;
- Getting prompt medical treatment for your injuries;
- Getting the names and contact information for any eyewitnesses; and
- Keeping track of all medical bills, receipts, and other evidence of your costs from the accident.
You should also be careful what you say to the other driver’s insurance company. They will be looking for ways to reduce the value of your claim, so it’s best to talk to a lawyer first. Your lawyer can even communicate with the insurance adjuster for you.
Get a Free Consultation with a Johns Creek Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer Today
When a distracted driver causes an accident, they should be held legally responsible. You shouldn’t get stuck paying for damages (and bearing the burden of physical and emotional pain) for a crash you did not cause. At John Foy & Associates, we have spent the last 20 years helping injury victims get the compensation they deserve.
We’re here to help you, too. Contact us today and we’ll give you a FREE consultation to discuss the details of your case and your best legal options. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to get started for FREE today.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form