Distracted driving endangers everyone on the road in Valdosta, GA. Distracted drivers may ignore changing traffic conditions, often striking other vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists. These accidents can result in severe injuries and property damage.
Fortunately, you can work with a Valdosta distracted driving accident attorney after a collision. The legal professionals at Bader Scott Injury Lawyers can help you review your options after a crash in Georgia.
Recoverable Damages in a Distracted Driving Accident Claim
What you can recover after a distracted driving accident depends on your injuries and other losses. The following are common damages we have recovered for clients:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
If you lost a loved one in a distracted driving accident, we offer our sincere condolences. To ensure you are able to grieve in peace, we want to help you recover the compensation you need to cover medical bills, funeral expenses, and other damages you sustained.
For a free legal consultation with a distracted driving accidents lawyer serving Valdosta, call (404) 888-8888
Protecting Your Right to Compensation After a Distracted Driving Accident in Valdosta
You have the legal option to seek compensation if someone else caused your accident in Valdosta. According to local regulations, under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33, you typically have two years to file a lawsuit before the statute of limitations expires.
Working with an injury lawyer allows you to start work on your claim quickly. A legal professional can help you get damages to cover your healthcare expenses, lost wages at work, vehicle repairs, pain, and suffering.
You may reach out to our team to settle your claim with the insurance company or to file a lawsuit in court.
Valdosta Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer Near Me (404) 888-8888
Steps to Take After a Valdosta Distracted Driving Accident
If you suffered injuries from a distracted driver in Valdosta, follow these steps after your collision to get help:
Pull Your Vehicle Off the Road
If you were in a vehicle at the time of your accident, make sure that you get it out of the flow of traffic. You can pull over to the side of the road or into a parking area if there is one close to the scene of your accident.
Contact the Police
Generally, you should report any car accident in Georgia. O.C.G.A. § 40-6-273 requires you to notify the police about accidents that cause injuries or anything more than $500 in property damage. Contacting the police also allows them to assess the scene of the collision and file an official report.
Gather Evidence About the Accident
You have the opportunity to collect evidence before anything moves at the scene of your accident, which can prove invaluable to your case. Use your phone or a camera to get pictures of:
- Your injuries
- The damage to your vehicle
- The placement of all vehicles in the accident
- The scene of the accident
Your distracted driving accident lawyer in Valdosta can review these photos while building your claim. We also recommend getting contact information from the driver and any eyewitnesses who saw the collision.
Seek Medical Treatment
Car accidents in Valdosta often result in serious injuries. You should seek medical care if you believe you got hurt, even if your injuries are not immediately visible. Sometimes, internal injuries take time to appear if you do not seek medical assistance.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer
Finally, make sure that you reach out to a lawyer for legal assistance in the aftermath of your distracted driving accident in Valdosta. A lawyer can review the facts of your case, handle all communication with insurance agents, and help you build a claim.
You can reach out to a lawyer immediately to get advice about the next steps in your case.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Understand the Dangers of Distracted Driving in Valdosta
Individuals who engage in distracted driving often cause accidents, injuries, and even fatalities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tracks the statistics related to distracted driving. According to the CDC, distracted drivers hurt around 400,000 people and killed approximately 2,800 just in 2018.
Accidents involving distracted drivers often include other vehicles. However, around 20% of these accidents involve people outside of a car, like cyclists or people walking alongside the road.
A quarter of fatal distracted driving accidents in 2018 involved drivers between the ages of 20 and 29. Younger drivers, including teenagers, become more distracted while driving than drivers from other age groups. These factors make distracted driving a matter of grave concern for everyone in Valdosta.
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Root Causes of Distracted Driving in Georgia
Drivers experience visual distractions when they take their eyes or attention off the road. They may also undergo manual distractions by taking their hands off the steering wheel. Even a few seconds of distraction can lead to an accident.
Drivers often experience distraction when they:
- Eat or drink
- Change the radio station
- Talk to a passenger in the vehicle
- Think about something else
Any of these factors can cause a distracted driving accident.
What is the Most Dangerous Type of Distracted Driving?
While distraction comes in many different forms, texting and driving is the most “alarming” type of distracted driving, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Texting requires you to look away from the road and take your hand off the wheel.
Drivers also focus on what they’re going to say or what they’re reading while they text, leading to cognitive distractions as well. These factors make texting and driving incredibly dangerous.
Georgia’s Laws on Texting and Driving
Georgia recognizes the dangers associated with texting and driving, especially as a form of distracted driving. Accordingly, the state made it illegal to text and drive with House Bill 673. This bill represents Georgia’s Hands-Free Law.
According to the law, drivers cannot use a handheld electronic device while driving in most cases. However, the state does allow drivers to use a device for GPS navigation. Drivers who ignore these regulations face fines and added points to their licenses.
Speak to Us After a Distracted Driving Collision
A Valdosta distracted driving accident attorney can put you first after a collision. Take charge of your future after a car accident by reaching out to our team at Bader Scott Injury Lawyers.
You can contact us at (404) 888-8888 to review your legal options.
Call or text (404) 888-8888 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form