Distracted driving has become a major risk in today’s fast-paced world. With drivers constantly engaging in activities that divert their attention away from the road, countless Georgia residents are often victims of distracted driving accidents. From texting and talking on the phone to eating, self-grooming, using in-car technologies, and other distractions, the risks of accidents, injuries, and even fatalities have significantly increased.
Distracted driving is most dangerous because, most times, road users do not realize that their attention is divided. When your concentration on the road is even slightly divided, you risk causing harm to yourself and other road users, be it drivers or pedestrians. You also risk being sued for damages in civil matters or prosecuted where the damage is as severe as manslaughter.
That’s why having a skilled attorney by your side is crucial — someone who understands the intricacies of Atlanta’s legal system and is dedicated to providing guidance and fighting for your rights.
If you or a loved one have been involved in a distracted driving accident in Atlanta, contact the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm. We are committed to serving as your advocates and helping you navigate the complexities of distracted driving injury cases. With our extensive knowledge and expertise in this area of law, we will work tirelessly to seek the compensation you deserve. Schedule a free, no-obligation case review when you contact us online today!
The Importance of Hiring an Experienced Atlanta Distracted Driving Accident Attorney
The Importance of Hiring an Experienced Atlanta Distracted Driving Accident AttorneyIf you’ve been involved in a distracted driving accident in Atlanta, Georgia, you might be in a stressful and confusing place. Whether you were the distracted driver or a victim, you’ll find yourself going through a series of concerns, ranging from physical injury to emotional distress — not to mention the high costs of medical bills. It is a precarious position, one that could get even worse when the other party refuses to accept liability for causing the accident that injured you.
In these difficult times, hiring an experienced and reputable Atlanta car accident attorney who specializes in distracted driving cases provides you with someone who can protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve. Insurance companies are notorious for undervaluing claims and trying to avoid accepting liability on behalf of their policyholder; we fight back, with our knowledge of the law and our experience of having successfully resolved cases similar to yours.
Some benefits of hiring an Atlanta distracted driving accident lawyer from our firm include:
- Assistance finding medical care and vehicle repairs at no up-front cost
- Help with all stages of the insurance claims process, including submission of your claim and negotiation of a reasonable settlement
- Guidance on distracted driving laws and the law enforcement process in Atlanta
- Accurate valuation of all your damages, including the total costs of lost income and the projected value of future medical care
- Counsel you can rely on, with legal assistance and answers when you need it most
Common Types of Driver Distractions
As a responsible driver, it is essential to be aware of the various distractions that can compromise your focus on the road. Contrary to what most people think, distracted driving is not limited to a single behavior. Instead, it encompasses a range of actions that can have serious consequences.
Understanding these distractions and their potential consequences is key to promoting safer driving habits. And it’s not just about you! You can only correct your Uber driver or another distracted driver when you truly understand what distracted driving is. Thus, our goal is to help you understand the common types of distractions that drivers face daily.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving can be grouped into three main categories.
Visual Distractions
Visual distraction is one of the most significant types of distracted driving. It occurs when you take your eyes off the road to engage with something else.
Visual distractions can come in many diverse forms, including directing your eyes to text messages, a social media feed, in-car display screens, roadside attractions, beautiful scenery, digital billboards, other passengers, and similar subjects. This action not only serves to divert your attention, it also impairs your ability to react quickly to changing traffic conditions.
The most common visual distraction is rubbernecking: the urge drivers feel to turn away from the roadway ahead to observe unusual events on the side of the road, especially when it comes to a recent accident. This act can cause major slowdowns on highways, and even contribute to the likelihood of another crash.
Cognitive Distractions
Cognitive distractions involve the driver’s mental focus on the driving tasks at hand. Driving is very much a mental exercise as much as it is visual and tactile. Unlike visual distractions that take your eyes off the road, cognitive distractions affect your ability to concentrate and process information while behind the wheel. Once your mind wanders away from the road, you risk causing an accident, or becoming involved in one as it unfolds.
There are so many ways one can experience cognitive distractions while driving. The most common example is conversing with or engaging passengers while driving, making it challenging to focus your mind on the road fully. Other cognitive distractions include daydreaming, ruminating on stressful situations, fatigue or sleepiness, trying to multitask, and listening to loud music.
Manual Distractions
Anything that takes your hands off the steering wheel or vehicle’s controls is a manual distraction. Manual distractions include:
- Using your mobile device.
- Eating or drinking.
- Reaching for objects.
- Engaging in grooming or personal care.
- Adjusting in-car controls.
Manual distractions are a significant concern because they not only take attention away from the road but also the driver’s ability to steer, brake, or respond quickly to potential hazards. So while you may feel the need to adjust vehicle settings, choose the next song, air drum, dance, eat or reach for something other than the steering or brake, you should resist the urge and wait till you’re no longer in motion.
Injuries Caused By Distracted Driving — Some Statistics
Distracted driving has resulted in rampant injuries and property damage, affecting thousands of Georgians each year. The issue is so prevalent that, in 2022, Georgia Distracted Driving Observational Survey reported that nearly 17% of all drivers were observed to have been distracted in some way. It thus follows that at any point in time and in any location on Georgia highways, at least 1 of 6 drivers are driving distracted.
Based on this trend, the Georgia Traffic Safety Facts have revealed that in 2021, 54% of all motor vehicle traffic crashes were caused by at least one driver confirmed or suspected to be driving distracted. Also, 29% of all serious injury crashes involved at least one suspected or confirmed distracted driver.
Legal Penalties and Consequences for Distracted Driving
Like other traffic offenses, the consequences of distracted driving can be severe, leading to accidents and injuries for the affected parties. But your distracted driving does not have to result in an accident for you to face repercussions. It is a serious offense in Georgia that comes with legal consequences that could significantly impact your driving record, insurance rates, and every personal freedom.
To curb the menace of distracted driving, the state of Georgia passed the Hands-Free Georgia Act on July 1, 2018. The law prohibits drivers from using handheld devices while driving a vehicle. It also restricts Georgia drivers from reading, writing, or sending text and emails, interacting on or with social media, and watching or recording videos on phones while on the road. This law applies to all drivers, including personal car owners, as well as drivers of public transport, commercial vehicles, school buses, and others.
If you’re caught flouting the provisions of the Hands-Free Georgia Act, you will be liable on a first conviction to pay $50, and 1 point will be assessed against your driver’s license. On a second conviction, the penalty is $100 and 2 points and 3 points, and $150 on your third conviction.
You could face criminal charges where distracted driving causes an accident resulting in injury or death. These charges could include vehicular manslaughter, reckless driving, or other related offenses, carrying severe penalties such as fines, license suspension, and even a jail sentence.
Preventing Distracted Driving
Distracted driving poses a significant risk to drivers, passengers, and pedestrians alike on Georgia roads, and it needs to be curbed. Indeed the government has done an admirable job in preventing distracted driving by enacting and enforcing the Hands-Free Georgia Act and other traffic-related regulations.
However, preventing and eradicating distracted driving can only be achieved by taking proactive measures collectively. Drivers, passengers, and driving coaches all play vital roles in promoting safe and focused driving practices. Here’s how each group can contribute to preventing distracted driving.
Drivers
As a driver, your primary duty is to stay focused on the road. You should prioritize safe driving practices and avoid distractions as much as possible. Refrain from eating, conversing, or using mobile devices while driving. You could also utilize hands-free phone and navigation options to minimize the need for manual interaction while on the road. If you love listening to music or the radio while driving, create a playlist and set up your device before starting your journey. Ditto for setting up navigation: always plan your route before you start driving, and affix your phone in a safe, secure location not directly supported by your own body.
Passengers
Passengers can also prevent distracted driving by encouraging the driver to stay focused and alert. Offer to help your driver with manual interactions when necessary, and speak up when they begin to engage in risky behaviors that could impair their ability to focus. Also, refrain from engaging in activities that could divert the driver’s attention. Do not start or encourage heated conversations, dancing, or other distracting activities.
Your input can make a significant difference in preventing accidents.
Driving Mentors and Coaches
The person who teaches a young teen to drive are their first and most influential contact with the world of driving. Whether you are a parent, guardian, or professional driving instructor, the example you show goes a long way in influencing the driving patterns of your driving pupil. Educate new drivers, therefore, about the dangers of distracted driving and demonstrate a high focus during practice sessions. Also, remember to teach them how to manage passenger interactions, and encourage using hands-free and in-car technologies. Finally, model good behavior by avoiding distractions and staying focused during the entire trip when you have young drivers as passengers.
Remedies Available To Victims Of Distracted Driving Accidents
If you have been a victim of distracted driving, you can claim the damages you have suffered through a personal injury claim. Damages are monetary losses and other forms of suffering, which can be recovered by victims of distracted driving accidents and other common causes of wrecks. A personal injury claim is filed against the liability insurance of the responsible party (or parties).
The damages available for your case differ depending on the type and severity of harm you have suffered.
Common forms of damages include:
- Medical treatments, including both past treatments and future ones made necessary by the accident
- Lost wages, compensating victims for a reduction or lapse in earnings while they recover.
- Loss of domestic services the victim performed, such as cleaning and childcare, which can be replaced by professional services.
- Pain and suffering endured by the victim as a result of their injuries and their inability to participate in normal life activities during their recovery period.
- Punitive damages are available in cases that proceed to a lawsuit and jury trial, creating an example out of individuals who commit egregious acts of endangerment.
Reach Out To Our Atlanta Distracted Driving Acacident Law Firm
At the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm, we are here to help you navigate the complexities of distracted driving cases. We are a team of skilled attorneys with a deep understanding and expertise in the relevant traffic-related laws, regulations, and legal processes specific to Atlanta. We are well aware of your legal rights in every situation, and we use our knowledge and experience to advocate firmly in your favor throughout your case’s timeline.
When you employ our legal services in your distracted driving case, we will assess the situation and provide a free consultation. And when you commit to us, we will meticulously investigate the accident, establishing liability and the full extent of damages you have suffered.
We understand that distracted driving cases can be complex and tricky to litigate. Consequently, we will employ a nuanced approach, making sure to flex the full extent of our abilities and talents in order to bring your case the maximum chances of success. In and out of court, we will fight for your best interests, ensuring that you do not settle for less or be liable for more than is reasonable given the damages you have suffered.
Our firm has a history of obtaining millions in successful personal injury claims, and we have testimonials from our clients to prove it. Let us help with your distracted driving case in Atlanta! Schedule your 100% free, confidential case review with a local distracted driving collision attorney when you complete our contact form today.
