Drivers in Johns Creek are not allowed to text while driving, but some motorists still choose to use their phones behind the wheel. This is incredibly dangerous, and the consequences can be devastating if an accident happens. If you or someone you loved was injured because a driver was distracted in this way, contact a Johns Creek texting while driving accident lawyer today.
At John Foy & Associates, we can let you know your legal options and help you build a strong claim for compensation. We have been helping injury victims get the financial recovery they deserve for over 20 years, and we’re not afraid to fight for your rights. To get a FREE consultation and case evaluation today, call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
Texting While Driving Laws in Johns Creek
Georgia’s hands-free law was passed in July of 2018, which prohibited drivers from:
- Having a phone in their hand (or touching any body part) while talking on it and driving.
- Writing, reading, or sending text messages, social media content, emails, or other internet communications while driving.
- Watching videos (except for GPS video) while driving.
- Recording videos on their phones or electronic devices (except for dashcams) while on the road.
Drivers are still allowed to use talk-to-text—as long as they are not touching their phones—and to listen to streaming music without video. However, drivers should not touch their phones to control streaming music while driving. That must take place before the driver is on the road.
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Penalties for Texting While Driving in Johns Creek
For the first conviction of texting while driving, the driver will face a fine of $50 and one point on their driver’s license. After the first offense, a driver can have the charge dropped if they show they got a hands-free device.
For a second conviction, the driver will face a $100 fine and two points on their driver’s license. A third or further conviction will put three points on the driver’s license, and they will face a fine if the conviction happens within 24 months of the first conviction.
Drivers should be very careful to follow texting while driving laws. Besides potentially facing the penalties listed above, a texting driver puts others on the road at high risk. If the driver’s distraction leads to an accident, they are responsible for the damages.
How Texting Causes Distracted Driving
Distracted driving refers to any activity that takes your attention away from the task of driving. Texting (or doing anything else on your phone) while driving is one of the worst examples because it combines all three types of distracted driving:
- Manual distractions (removing your hands from the wheel);
- Visual distractions (removing your eyes from the road); and
- Cognitive distractions (removing your mind from the road).
To send a text message, you must use each form of attention. Although many of us can send or read texts within seconds, that’s more than enough time for an accident to occur.
Distracted driving facts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that sending or reading a text takes your eyes from the road for around five seconds. During that time, a vehicle going 55 miles per hour can cover the length of an entire football field.
Damages Caused by Texting While Driving Accidents
An accident caused by a texting driver can lead to damages like:
- Medical bills
- Medication costs
- Lost wages
- Vehicle repair (or replacement) costs
- Mental anguish
- Pain and suffering
These are all damages you may be able to recover through filing a personal injury claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. If you lost a loved one in a texting while driving accident, you may be able to file a claim for wrongful death damages like medical costs, lost wages, loss of consortium, and funeral costs.
A Johns Creek texting while driving accident lawyer can look at your case and help determine the full value of your damages. Many accident damages, such as pain and suffering, are very difficult to calculate, which is where a lawyer can be invaluable.
To discuss your legal options during a FREE, no-risk consultation, call us today at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
What to Do After an Accident Caused by Texting and Driving
After your accident, there are some things you can do to begin building your case. Here are some actions we advise doing at the scene if you’re able.
Report the Accident
Any accident in Georgia resulting in injuries, death, or more than $500 in property damage should be reported to the police. Call 911 and let the dispatcher know that you were involved in an accident.
When officers arrive, let them know that you saw the other driver texting (or you suspect that they were).
Exchange Information
Although officers will request information from all drivers, it’s a good idea to also exchange information with the other driver while you wait for the police. That includes:
- Full names
- Phone numbers
- Insurance policy information
- Driver’s license numbers
- License plate numbers
Talk to Witnesses
If anyone else saw your accident happen, talk to them and ask what they saw. They might have also noticed the other driver on their phone right before the accident occurred. Get any witnesses’ names so that your lawyer get statements from them.
Take Pictures
Use your phone or a camera to snap pictures of the entire accident scene, your injuries, and your vehicle damage. Don’t be afraid of taking too many pictures to help set the scene. Your lawyer can let you know afterward which ones are most helpful to your case.
After leaving the scene, you should also see a doctor as soon as you can—unless you needed emergency medical attention. If your injuries are serious or life=threatning, you should get medical attention right away.
It’s also very important that you reach out to an experienced texting while driving accident lawyer in the Johns Creek area. At the very least, scheduling a consultation is a good idea so you know where you legally stand and know how to protect yourself.
Get a Free Consultation with a Johns Creek Texting While Driving Accident Lawyer Today
If you were hurt in an accident caused by a texting driver, call John Foy & Associates today. We have over 20 years of experience helping injury victims win the compensation they deserve. We are not afraid to stand up to the insurance company and protect your rights.
Our attorneys work on contingency, so we do not collect a fee unless we win you money. Plus, the initial consultation is FREE. To get started with your FREE consultation, call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online today.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form