Distracted driving is a growing problem on Stonecrest roads. Texting, talking on the phone, and checking email while driving happen too often. With the rise of modern technology, there are many distractions drivers must avoid behind the wheel.
Distracted driving can easily lead to an accident. Our Stonecrest distracted driving accident lawyers can help if you or a loved one were injured. Call John Foy & Associates today to get started.
Distracted driving can cause severe injuries and costly damages. We’re here to help you seek financial compensation for what you’ve lost. To learn more during a FREE consultation, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
Types of Driving Distractions
A driving distraction is anything that takes a driver’s attention away from driving.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are three types of distractions that drivers face:
1. Visual Distractions
A visual distraction removes a driver’s eyes from the road. These distractions can include:
- Looking at a phone screen
- Viewing one’s own face in a car mirror
- Looking at something outside of the car
- Viewing a GPS screen
Visual distractions prevent a driver from watching for potential hazards. Something dangerous can happen before the driver has time to see it and react.
2. Manual Distractions
Manual distractions involve a driver’s physical body. These distractions take a driver’s hands from the steering wheel.
Examples of manual distractions include:
- Sending a text message or email
- Picking up a cell phone
- Eating or drinking something
- Changing the radio or a music app
- Reaching for something in the car, such as in the backseat or floorboards
Manual distractions prevent a driver from reacting quickly. With their hands off the steering wheel, they cannot move the car quickly to avoid an accident.
A manual distraction can also affect a driver’s entire body. They might take their foot off the gas, accidentally hit the brake, or start speeding while focused on the manual distraction.
3. Cognitive Distractions
Cognitive distractions remove a driver’s mind from the task of driving. Types of these distractions include:
- Daydreaming
- Getting lost in a conversation
- Listening to music or a podcast
Cognitive distractions make it difficult to focus on driving. A mentally unfocused driver is not alert enough to avoid accidents. Getting lost in one’s thoughts is an underrated cause of some crashes.
Some distractions combine all three types. For example, texting while driving is a visual, manual, and cognitive distraction. This combination makes texting while driving one of the worst kinds of driving distractions.
A distracted driver can cause an accident in many ways. If you suspect distraction caused your collision, you have legal rights. You can seek compensation for your damages through a personal injury claim.
Georgia Distracted Driving Laws
Georgia has a hands-free law that took effect in July 2018. Under this law, drivers should not:
- Hold or support a wireless communications device with any part of their body
- Record, watch or play a video or movie
- Write, send or read any text-based messages
The hands-free law helps drivers avoid common distractions related to cell phones and other devices. Cell phone use often contributes to mistakes that lead to accidents.
Drivers under the age of 18 should not use a cell phone at all while driving. Also, school bus drivers must avoid cell phone use while driving and loading or unloading passengers.
Despite the laws, some drivers still choose to give in to distractions. Unfortunately, this can lead to severe accidents in Stonecrest. If you or a loved one were injured, you have legal rights.
Compensation After a Distracted Driving Accident
Georgia is a fault state. That means the at-fault driver in an accident is liable for the costs. If a distracted driver caused your accident, you have a right to pursue compensation.
The at-fault driver’s insurance company usually pays for the accident costs. However, the injured party must file a claim to recover any damages.
Typical car accident damages include:
- Doctor and hospital bills
- Prescription medication costs
- Physical therapy or rehabilitation
- Future medical bills
- Lost wages
- Loss of future income
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
You will need to back up each of your damages after the accident. That includes saving medical bills, receipts, and more. For pain and suffering, you will need to put a value on your non-economic losses.
A distracted driving accident lawyer can help calculate all of your damages. For pain and suffering damages, they’ll use a formula to determine the value of your non-financial damages.
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Negotiating a Fair Settlement
Insurance companies do not like to pay much for accident claims. After your crash, the insurance adjuster might reach out to you. You might even get a quick settlement offer, but don’t accept anything without talking to a lawyer.
Insurance agents will look for ways to reduce what they must pay. Common tactics include:
- Convincing you to accept much less than you deserve
- Downplaying your damages
- Questioning the seriousness of your injuries
- Taking a long time to respond to your claim
- Asking you for a recorded statement
The insurer might try to use anything you do or say against you. For that reason, it’s best to consult with a lawyer immediately. A lawyer can protect your rights and help you decide on the best course of action.
Insurance companies are more likely to make a fair offer if you have a lawyer. If you have an attorney, it tells the company you’re willing to fight for what you deserve. At the very least, it’s a good idea to schedule a consultation and learn your best options.
Talk to a Stonecrest Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer
Distracted driving causes too many accidents in Stonecrest. If you or a loved one were injured, you have legal rights. John Foy & Associates can help protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Our firm has been helping accident victims for over 25 years. We only work with accident victims, never insurance companies. We also do not get paid unless we win you a settlement or court award.
Contact the “Strong Arm” today to get the legal help you need. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for a free consultation.
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