If you’ve been injured in a distracted driving accident, get in touch with H Groves Law. As Gainesville’s most trusted car accident lawyers, we have successfully represented clients in many types of accidents, including those involving distracted driving.
Our Gainesville distracted driving accident lawyers will fight to get you the best possible outcome for your case. We know that this can be a difficult time for you and your loved ones, so we will work tirelessly to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Call us today at (770) 329-1868 for a free consultation!
What Is Distracted Driving?
It’s not uncommon to hear about car accidents caused by distracted driving. Distracted driving is any activity that takes away a driver’s attention from the road. The most common examples include texting, talking on the phone or to passengers, eating, drinking, and even adjusting the radio.
With the advent of smartphones, distracted driving has become a major problem on our roads. In 2019, there were 3,100 people killed and 424,000 injuries in distracted driving accidents in the United States.
In Georgia, it is against the law to use cell phones or any other electronic gadgets while driving. Known as the Hands-Free Act which went into effect in 2018, drivers are only allowed to use hands-free devices while behind the wheel.
Despite the law, many drivers continue to text and drive, putting themselves and others at risk. If you’ve been injured in a distracted driving accident, you need an experienced car accident lawyer on your side.
At H. Groves Law, we have successfully represented many clients injured by distracted drivers. We will fight to get you the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Types of Distracted Driving
There are three main types of driving distractions.
Visual
Visual distractions take the eyes of the driver off the road. This can include looking at a GPS device, looking at a child in the backseat, or rubbernecking (looking at an accident or something else on the side of the road).
It’s easy to see how taking one’s eyes off the road, even for a few seconds, can be dangerous. This can lead to serious accidents, including head-on collisions.
Manual
Manual distractions are those that take your hands off the wheel. This can include fiddling with the radio, adjusting your GPS, eating, drinking, or applying makeup. Even something as simple as changing the song on the phone is considered a manual distraction.
Doing these seemingly small things can be dangerous because it prevents drivers from being able to react quickly to a potential hazard.
Cognitive
Cognitive distractions are those that take the driver’s mind off the road. This can include daydreaming, being lost in thought, or being preoccupied with something else. Even conversations with passengers can be distracting. It’s important to stay focused on driving in order to avoid accidents.
Laws Regarding Distracted Driving in Georgia
As mentioned, the state of Georgia has laws against using cell phones and other electronic devices while driving. The Hands-Free Act went into effect in 2018 and prohibits drivers from using their hands to hold a phone or any other electronic device while behind the wheel.
This law does make exceptions for making emergency calls to 911, using hands-free devices, and using a phone while lawfully parked.
Drivers who violate the Hands-Free Act can be fined $50 for a first offense, $100 for a second offense, and $150 for a third conviction. Additionally, the first offense carries a one-point penalty on the driver’s license, the second a two-point penalty, and three points for the third offense.
What Compensation Can I Claim for a Distracted Driving Accident in Georgia?
If you’ve been injured in a distracted driving accident, you may be wondering what kind of compensation you could receive. Georgia is an at-fault state when it comes to car accidents, which means that the person who caused the accident is liable for the damages. In a distracted driving accident, this would be the driver who was distracted at the time of the accident.
Victims of distracted driving accidents can seek compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. If you’ve been in a distracted driving accident, it’s essential to speak with an experienced car accident lawyer to discuss your legal options.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim in Georgia?
It’s important to act quickly after a car accident if you plan on filing a claim. In Georgia, victims have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim for personal injury. If you don’t file your claim within this time frame, you could be barred from recovering any compensation.
This may seem like a long time, but it’s important to remember that these cases can take months or even years to resolve. It’s best to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible to begin gathering evidence and building your case.
Why Do I Need a Gainesville Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer?
While it is possible to file a claim on your own, it’s not recommended. These cases can be complex, and it’s important to have an experienced lawyer on your side. At H Groves Law, our distracted driving accident lawyers will be able to handle all the legal aspects of your case, so you can focus on your recovery. We will work tirelessly to get you the compensation you deserve.
Distracted driving cases aren’t always straightforward. It’s possible for the at-fault driver to refuse to admit fault or to argue that the victim was also distracted at the time of the accident. This is why it’s so important to have a lawyer who knows how to build a strong case and who will fight for you.
Schedule a Free Consultation Today!
If you’ve been injured in a distracted driving accident, we are always ready to help. At H Groves Law, our car accident lawyers have years of experience handling these types of cases. We will work tirelessly to get you the compensation you deserve.
Schedule a free consultation with our distracted driving accident lawyers in Gainesville today. We will review your case and answer any questions you have. Contact us today at (770) 329-1868 to get started.
