You can ask any Georgia car accident attorney and they’ll tell you – distracted driving is one of the biggest causes of car accidents in Atlanta. Despite the fact that people know it’s dangerous, they text and drive all of the time. In fact, in a recent study, more than 40% of all drivers in Georgia admitted that they text while driving. Whether they’re reading a text or sending a message, it can be really dangerous. Taking your eyes off the road for just a few seconds is like driving across a football field with your eyes closed. Anything can happen during that short time.
Sadly, a lot of people who choose to text and drive end up getting into a car accident. If your eyes aren’t on the road, there’s no way you can drive safely. Some of these accidents cause only minor injuries. However, many others result in the fatality of the driver or a third party. No text is so important that it has to be read while you’re behind the wheel. And, if a text is that important, pull over and look at the text on the side of the road. It doesn’t make sense to risk your own life or the lives of others so you can look at your cell phone.
If you or your loved one are hurt or even killed in a texting and driving accident, you need to talk to a Georgia car accident attorney as soon as possible.
Texting is Not the Only Distraction While on the Road
While more than 40% of all Georgia motorists admit to texting and driving, that doesn’t mean this is the only source of distraction. There are all kinds of things that cause drivers to take their eyes and minds off the road. Some of these include:
- Eating or drinking
- Putting on makeup or grooming
- Talking on the phone
- Looking at other cars or scenery
- Daydreaming
- Searching for something in the car
- Dealing with children or other passengers
Any of these things can distract you. In fact, daydreaming is said to be one of the most common distractions. When your mind starts drifting to thoughts about work or your social life, you pay less attention to the road.
How Can Your Georgia Car Accident Attorney Prove Texting and Driving?
In order to prove the other driver was at fault, your Georgia car accident lawyer needs to prove negligence. Even if the defendant was texting and driving, that doesn’t automatically make them responsible for the crash. For example, if you hit someone from behind, it may not matter that they were texting and driving. Your attorney still needs to prove that the defendant was negligent.
In order to prove negligence, your Georgia car accident attorney needs to show the following:
- The other driver owed you a duty of care
- They breached this duty
- You were injured
- Your injuries were caused by the defendant’s breach
Unless you can demonstrate these four things, you won’t be able to collect damages from the other driver.
Call and Schedule Your Free, Initial Consultation with a Georgia Car Accident Attorney
If you’re injured due to a texting and driving accident, you need help. Even if your injuries aren’t that serious, you may still need medical treatment. The last thing you’ll want to do is deal with insurance companies. That’s why you should call and schedule your free consultation with a Georgia car accident attorney. It’s a good idea to talk to one as soon as possible after your car wreck. This way, the crash is still fresh in your mind. It also ensures that you won’t miss the two-year statute of limitations in Georgia.
When you meet with your Georgia car accident attorney for the first time, they’ll ask you a bunch of questions about the crash. They’ll also answer any questions you may have. Once they have a moment to review your case, they’ll give you an idea of what it may be worth.
They’ll also tell you whether they’re willing to represent you. After the meeting is over, you get the chance to decide what you want to do. You have every right to represent yourself. However, you have a much better chance at getting the money you deserve if you have an attorney. This way, the insurance adjuster and the defendant’s lawyer will take you more seriously.
Call and schedule your free, initial consultation today.
