The frequency of distracted driving accidents is quite high in McDonough and across Georgia. If you or someone in your family has been injured in a car accident in McDonough, GA caused by a distracted driver, you are entitled to claim compensation from the responsible party. You need to file a distracted driving lawsuit to claim compensation for your injuries.
Filing a personal injury claim against a distracted driver is quite a complex process. You need to prove the negligence of the at-fault party to obtain maximum compensation for your injuries. That is where you need to hire the best McDonough distracted driving accident lawyer to handle your claim. Georgia has its own share of personal injury lawyers, but all of them are not created alike. Your extensive research is crucial to selecting the best personal injury lawyer to file your case.
The Weinstein Firm is your trusted partner when looking for the best distracted driving accident lawyer in McDonough to handle your case. When your life has been turned upside down due to the negligence of another party, you don’t have to suffer the consequences alone.
The Weinstein Firm is committed to assisting clients like you obtain maximum compensation for your injuries and decreased quality of life. We want to stress how important it is to obtain the help of a trusted legal professional when you are filing a personal injury lawsuit. Call The Weinstein Firm today at 770-HELP-NOW for a free case review with a McDonough car accident lawyer.
What is Distracted Driving?
According to Georgia’s law, distracted driving is described as performing any activity while driving that could distract the driver from safely operating the vehicle.
A distracted driver can be any driver who isn’t focused on the road ahead when driving. He or she may be texting, calling, or performing some other activity while driving that takes his/her attention off the road ahead even for a moment. Distracted driving is illegal in the state.
The state of Georgia prohibits:
- Reading, writing, and sending text messages while operating the vehicle
- The use of handheld mobile phones.
- Viewing or recording video while driving the vehicle.
- Posting on social media or reading social media posts.
- The use of hands-free devices by school bus drivers.
- Any other form of distraction while operating the vehicle.
Types of Distracted Driving
Anything that takes the driver’s attention away from the road ahead is a distraction. There are three basic types of distractions when driving a vehicle such as:
Visual – Visual distraction is caused when a driver takes their eyes off the road while driving the vehicle. For example, the driver may check the GPS navigation system, try to change a CD or radio, search for temperature controls or a mirror, or try to find a lost item on the floor while operating the vehicle.
Manual – Manual distractions are caused when the driver takes their hands off the steering wheel while driving the vehicle. For example, the driver may take his/her hands off to eat, drink, smoke, adjust the radio, check the mobile phone, or set a destination in the GPS.
Cognitive – Cognitive distractions are when the driver takes his/her focus or concentration off the road when driving the vehicle. For example, the driver may talk to other passengers, drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, road rage, stress, and fatigue.
Laws Regarding Distracted Driving in Georgia
The following activities are prohibited while driving a vehicle in the state of Georgia:
- Reading, writing and sending text messages while operating the vehicle.
- The use of handheld mobile phones.
- Viewing or recording video while driving the vehicle.
- Posting on social media or reading social media posts.
- The use of hands-free devices by school bus drivers.
- Any other form of distraction while operating the vehicle.
The fines and penalties for distracted driving in Georgia are as follows:
- The first conviction involves a $50 fine plus one point on the driver’s license.
- The second conviction involves a $100 fine plus two points on the driver’s license.
- The third and subsequent convictions involve a $150 fine plus three points on the driver’s license.
What Damages Can Victims Get From A Distracted Driving Accident Claim in Georgia?
The victim needs to prove the at-fault party’s negligence to claim damages for his/her injuries. The types of damages claimed by the victim may vary in each case. The nature & severity of the injuries, the victim’s involvement in the accident, and many other factors come into play when determining the types of damages claimed in a distracted driving case. But most cases involve two basic types of damages as economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages include out-of-pocket expenses, lost wages, and medical bills. Non-economic damages are damages that don’t have a precise economic measurement and may include mental distress, pain, suffering, and permanent disfigurement.
You may also be entitled to punitive damages depending on the negligence of the responsible party. Punitive damages are designed to punish the reckless behavior of the at-fault party. Your lawyer is the best person to evaluate your claim and advise on what types of damages you could claim for your injuries.
How Long do I Have to File a Claim in Georgia?
Georgia’s statute of limitations come into effect two years from the date of the accident. You should file the claim before this date to obtain compensation for your injuries.
Why Do I Need a Lawyer?
You need a distracted driving accident lawyer to prepare and file a strong case to obtain your rightful compensation. Our lawyers have extensive experience in filing personal injury cases and negotiating with insurance companies. We will negotiate with the insurance provider to get you the maximum amount of compensation. If not, we are prepared to take your case to trial to get you the rightful compensation.
Hire the Best McDonough Distracted Driving Accident Lawyers
When you have been injured in a car accident in McDonough, GA because of a distracted driver, you are entitled to claim compensation for your damages. Hire the best McDonough distracted driving lawyer to handle your lawsuit. Call The Weinstein Firm today at 770-HELP-NOW to get a free consultation and let our leading Georiga personal injury lawyers help you obtain maximum compensation for your injuries.
