North Georgia Distracted Driving Accident Attorney

Distracted Driving Accidents in the State of Georgia

Distracted driving claimed 2,841 lives in 2018 alone, and this grim statistic does not even begin to account for all the people who have been injured by this dangerous behavior. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 9 people are killed and more than 1,000 are injured in crashes that involve a distracted driver every day.

If you or someone you love has become a victim of distracted driving, you know the gravity of these troubling statistics. You also know that every number above represents a real person, and if you are considering legal action, you probably want an attorney who understands this.

Luckily, you’ve found the Pritchard Injury Firm. Our firm is led by our attorney, Zach Pritchard, and our legal team is dedicated to you – not your case, not the numbers.

Call us at (470) 577-8152 for the compassionate legal assistance you need.

Types of Distracted Driving

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) defines distracted driving as “any activity that diverts attention from driving.” This can include texting and driving (see below), talking on the phone, eating and drinking, personal grooming, adjusting the radio or air conditioning, programming your navigation system, wrangling children and pets, and even having an involved conversation with your passenger.

As defined by the CDC, there are 3 main types of distraction:

• Visual distractions occur when you take your eyes off the road
• Manual distractions happen when you take your hands off the wheel
• Cognitive distractions involve taking your mind off the task of driving

The worst distracted driving behaviors involve all 3 types of distraction. For example, consider texting and driving…

Texting and Driving

Texting and driving is by far the most dangerous form of distracted driving. You must take your eyes off the road to read a text message, take your hands off the wheel to send a reply, and your mind is not focused on driving at any point in the process. On average, sending or reading a text takes your eyes and attention off the road for 5 seconds. If you are traveling at 55 mph, this is like driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed – while you are surrounded by other cars, trucks, bicyclists, motorcyclists, and sometimes pedestrians.

Georgia Phone Use Laws

Texting and driving is illegal in Georgia and has been since the passing of the Hands Free Georgia Law (HB673) in 2018. Pursuant to section 40-6-241(c) of the Official Code of Georgia, drivers may not:

• Hold a cell phone or any other electric device while behind the wheel
• Write, send, or read any text-based communication while operating a motor vehicle
• Watch, record, or broadcast a video or movie while driving

Violations can lead to fines ranging from $50 to $150 and points on your license. Nevertheless, the most severe consequences occur when cell phone use causes accidents, injuries, and fatalities. If you have been injured or bereaved by someone using their phone behind the wheel, our Georgia distracted driving accident lawyer can help.

Call Pritchard Injury Firm Today

Our mission at Pritchard Injury Firm is to provide individuals and families with both the highest quality of legal help available and a professional, stress-free experience. What you are going through is hard enough, and we do not want to make it any worse. In fact, our founding attorney, Zach Pritchard, is deeply involved in the local community and wants to help residents like you thrive in any and all situations. We are here to make it better.

Call us at (470) 577-8152 or contact us online to get started with a free consultation today.

Who Is Liable for Distracted Driving Accidents?

Rarely is liability as cut and dry as it is in distracted driving accidents. If someone hits you while sending a text message, they are liable for your accident. The key to winning your case, of course, will still be proving the driver was distracted at the time of your car accident. With the help of an attorney, you may be able to subpoena cell phone records, take witness statements, and collect other types of evidence to help you do so.

In some cases, accident reconstruction specialists may even be able to show exactly what happened using tire marks, debris, and other forensic evidence from the accident.

What About the Person Who Sent the Text?

Generally speaking, the person who texted the driver cannot be held liable for your accident. There may be an exception, however, if the person who sent the text knew the recipient was driving and likely to respond.

Still, this may be challenging, if not impossible to prove. Read more about the case that inspired this question on CNN Business.

How An Attorney Can Help

As we discuss above, proving distracted driving can be challenging, but it is the key to establishing liability in your case. Retaining an attorney can give you access to the legal resources you need and ensure you do not have to endure the legal process without a dedicated advocate on your side.

In summary, hiring our legal team can help you win your case, which can help you account for:

• Medical bills
• Physical therapy and rehab
• Missed wages
• Pain and suffering
• Changes to your earning potential
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Rest assured, we will fight for all the damages you are entitled to. The person who harmed you should never have been distracted behind the wheel, and we will help make sure you do not have to face the consequences of their actions alone.