Distracted Driving Accidents
Any time you are behind the wheel of a vehicle and you take your eyes off the road you become distracted. Distracted driving can include a variety of actions. Whether you look away to speak with a passenger or you look down to change the radio setting, you are increasing your chances for an accident.
Distracted driving is a problem that plagues many states, including Georgia. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an estimated 421,000 people were injured in motor vehicle crashes involving a distracted driver in 2012. Choosing to drive distracted could have serious impacts on your life and the lives of other motorists and passengers.
Car accidents can result in a variety of injuries, including broken bones and head injuries, all of which are costly. If you have been injured in a distracted driving accident, it is important you contact a personal injury attorney. You should not have to pay for the negligence of another driver.
Atlanta Distract Driving Accident Attorney
If a driver is distracted or has impaired cognitive ability in any way, there is a major increase in the risk of an auto accident. If that driver’s negligence caused your injuries, you could be eligible for compensation. Contact an Atlanta distracted driver attorney at The Balams Firm.
ReShea Balams will work with you to get the best possible outcome in your case. She will work with tough insurance companies to get an appropriate settlement for your accident. If a settlement cannot be reached, she will take the at-fault party to court.
Call (404) 445-2005 to schedule a free case consultation. Balams represents clients throughout the Atlanta area, including Marietta, Decatur, Lawrenceville, Alpharetta, Buckhead, Johns Creek, Sandy Springs, East Point, Smyrna Brookhaven, Roswell, Milton and surrounding areas.
Information Center for Distracted Driving Cases
- Possible Distractions While Driving in Georgia
- Georgia Distracted Driving Laws
- Seeking Damages in Distracted Driving Cases
Possible Distractions While Driving in Georgia
In recent years texting while driving has become one of the most talked about versions of distracted driving. Text messaging requires visual, manual and cognitive attention from the driver, which makes it by far the most alarming distraction.
Five seconds is the average time your eyes are off the road while texting. When traveling at 55 mph, that’s enough time to cover the length of a football field blindfolded, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Although it is dangerous, it is not the only way a driver can lose sight of the task at hand. When you get behind the wheel of a car your job is operate the machinery safely. Any activity that distracts you then becomes a danger to yourself and those around you.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, examples of distracting driving include:
- Texting while driving
- Eating and drinking
- Operating a cell phone or smart phone in any manner, including headsets
- Talking to passengers
- Grooming
- Reading, including maps or other directions
- Using a navigation system, which could include an app on a cell phone
- Watching a video
- Adjusting the radio or using an MP3 player
Georgia Distracted Driving Laws
Several states are starting to implement laws to help reduce the number of distractions while driving. In Georgia, lawmakers have made it illegal to text while driving. The law applies to all motorists, whether they are bus drivers, commercial drivers or any other motorist. The texting ban is a primary law, meaning police can pull over a driver for texting alone without observing another infraction.
Georgia has a ban on cell phone use for some drivers behind the wheel. Novice drivers – those who are under 18 years old – and school bus drivers cannot use a cell phone while driving, which includes handheld and hands-free devices. However, other drivers 18 and older are permitted to use cell phones while driving.
Seeking Damages in Distracted Driving Cases
Distracted driving cases sometimes can be complex and overwhelming. After you are involved in a crash you may think you need to file a claim with the insurance company. However, an insurance company may try to offer you an unfair settlement for your injuries. You should consult with a personal injury attorney to make sure you are well represented.
You may be eligible to seek damages for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering or mental anguish. In Georgia, there is a two-year statute of limitations on personal injury claims so it is crucial you act immediately.
The Balams Firm | A Distracted Driving Lawyer in the Atlanta Area
Contact an Atlanta distracted driving attorney at The Balams Firm to discuss your auto accident case. If you have been injured because of another person’s negligence, you should not have to face the burden of medical bills. The party responsible for your injuries should be held accountable. Call (404) 445-2005 to schedule a free case evaluation.
