Driver distraction is one of the primary safety threats on our highways. According to a statistic cited by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “an estimated 400,000 people were injured in crashes involving a distracted driver” in 2018 alone.
If you were hurt in a crash with a distracted driver, you need financial compensation to pay your bills and support your loved ones. In this blog post, our Atlanta auto accident lawyers provide an overview of distracted driving accident claims in Georgia.
What is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving is the practice of driving a motor vehicle while engaged in another activity. The research is clear: Distracted driving is dangerous. A driver whose full attention is not on the road is at a far higher risk of ending up in a serious collision. Some of the most common examples of distracted driving include:
- Talking on a cell phone while driving;
- Texting and driving;
- Eating while driving;
- Putting directions into a GPS navigation devices; and
- Having an intense conversation with passengers.
Georgia Law: Distracted Driving is Negligent Driving
In Georgia, auto accident liability is based on fault. A negligent driver—or any other negligent party—can be held legally responsible for the damages that they caused through their carelessness or recklessness. Distracted driving is negligent driving in Georgia. All motorists have a legal obligation to keep their focus and attention on the road. When they fail to do so and an accident occurs, they can be held legally liable through a car accident injury claim. All suspected distracted driving crashes should be comprehensively investigated by an experienced attorney.
Recover Financial Compensation for a Distracted Driving Accident
In Georgia, distracted driving victims have the right to seek financial compensation for the full value of their damages. Unfortunately, the large insurance companies that handle most claims do not make the claims process easy on injured victims and their families. These big corporations are focused on settling claims for the minimum amount of damages possible—sometimes even denying compensation altogether. At Stewart Miller Simmons Trial Attorneys, our Atlanta car accident lawyers have the skills and tenacity to help you recover every dollar you rightfully deserve. Compensation may be available for:
- Vehicle repairs or replacement;
- Emergency medical treatment;
- Hospital bills and other healthcare costs;
- Loss of current and future wages;
- Pain and suffering;
- Disfigurement/scarring;
- Permanent disability; and
- Wrongful death of a family member.
Call Our Atlanta, GA Car Accident Attorney for a Free Consultation
At Stewart Miller Simmons Trial Attorneys, our Atlanta car accident lawyers are strong advocates for justice. If you were hurt in a distracted driving accident, we can help. Give us a call now or use our online contact form to set up a free, no-obligation initial consultation. With a law office in Atlanta, we handle distracted driving accident claims throughout the region, including in Marietta, College Park, Norcross, Douglasville, Brookhaven, Stone Mountain, and South Fulton.