Distracted driving habits have become a serious concern. Over 1,507 people died in Georgia car accidents in 2019, and 76 percent of fatal crashes were caused by unsafe behaviors like distractions, according to the Georgia Department of Transportation (DOT). The state has passed a hands-free law, Georgia Code § 40-6-241, in 2018 that regulates the use of hands-free phones, GPS, and streaming music. It is now illegal to have a phone in your hand while you are driving. However, drivers still violate the law and endanger others by allowing themselves to be distracted.
If you suffered injuries in a car accident caused by a distracted driver, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. A Roswell distracted driving accident lawyer can help you build a claim and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. Call the team from Bader Scott Injury Lawyers at (404) 888-8888 to review your case for free, and we can let you know about your possible legal options. If you hire us, we offer assistance on a contingency-fee-basis, so you pay no attorney’s fees unless you collect a negotiated settlement or court award.
Types of Distracted Driving
Smartphone use behind the wheel is a leading cause of distracted driving accidents, but there are other distractions that may lead to incidents. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) breaks distracted driving into three categories:
Visual Distractions
As the name implies, anything that diverts your eyes from the road can be a distraction. According to the CDC, if you were to divert your attention from the road for five seconds while traveling 55 mph, by the time you look back you will have traveled the length of a football field. Visual distractions include:
- Looking down at your watch
- Turning to a passenger in the car with you
- Checking your face in a mirror
- Watching something on the side of the road
Manual Distractions
This form of distraction takes your hands off the wheel of the vehicle. It is possible to drive a vehicle with one hand, but this distraction splits your attention between operating the vehicle and the thing you have put in your off-hand. Common examples of manual distractions include:
- Eating a breakfast sandwich
- Applying make-up
- Disciplining children in the backseat
- Controlling a pet
Cognitive Distractions
A cognitive distraction occurs anytime you are not actively aware of your driving and the situation around you. If you fail to process changes in the road, this could lead to accidents quickly. Examples of cognitive distractions include:
- Daydreaming
- Worrying about something at work
- Planning the night’s meal
- Organizing a vacation
A Roswell distracted driving accident lawyer can assist you following an accident if you are looking to recover the compensation you may be entitled to. For a free case review, call the team from Bader Scott Injury Lawyers at (404) 888-8888.
For a free legal consultation with a distracted driving accidents lawyer serving Roswell, call (404) 888-8888
Services That Bader Scott Injury Lawyers Can Offer You
If you hire Bader Scott Injury Lawyers, we can help you in a number of ways. Our team is able to explain any confusing legal jargon and laws that may affect your case. We are also able to:
- Investigate your accident: we can collect any medical records and police reports; as well as take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and property damage. We can also review videos, speak with eyewitnesses, and identify all the liable parties for your injuries.
- Consult with experts: if it is necessary, we can speak with experts that can assist your case in the fields of medicine, accident reconstruction, life care, physical therapy, and finance.
- Calculate all losses: we can determine every economic and non-economic expense that may affect your life following the accident. We can calculate the wages you have lost from missed work, and what you may lose if you are unable to continue working in the future. We can determine how your injuries will affect your life moving forward, and help set a price for your pain and suffering.
- Represent you through the process: we can help handle every aspect of building your claim and presenting it to the at-fault party’s insurance provider. We can also negotiate on your behalf with the insurance company and represent you in court.
Roswell Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer Near Me (404) 888-8888
The Statute of Limitations for a Distracted Driving Car Accident
Georgia law places a deadline known as the statute of limitations on the amount of time you have to file a lawsuit for a car accident. Per Georgia Code § 9-3-33, you have two years to file a lawsuit for the compensation you may be entitled to. This deadline can be important for two reasons:
First, if you are unable to obtain a fair settlement from the at-fault driver’s insurance company, you could take your case to court. If you are outside the statute of limitations, you may not be able to pursue this compensation.
Second, you will need time to build a case. Two years may seem like a long time, but it can go fast. Consider contacting a lawyer sooner rather than later to help ensure your eyewitnesses and physical evidence is more accessible.
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How a Roswell Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer can Help
If you have suffered injuries in a distracted driving accident, call Bader Scott Injury Lawyers at (404) 888-8888 for a free case evaluation with a member of our team. A Roswell distracted driving accident lawyer can assist you with investigating your accident, filing your claim, and pursuing the compensation you may be entitled to. We can help you calculate all your losses and ensure you receive a fair settlement. Our team works on a contingency-fee-basis, so you pay no attorney’s fees unless you win a negotiated settlement or court award.
Call or text (404) 888-8888 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form