Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer in Douglasville, Georgia
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of serious car accidents in Georgia. The results can be devastating when drivers take their attention off the road. Hartley, Rowe & Fowler, P.C. is here to help if you were injured in a car crash with a distracted driver. A Douglasville distracted driving accident lawyer from our team will fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Hartley, Rowe & Fowler, P.C. has decades of experience handling personal injury cases in Georgia. As your Douglasville car accident lawyer, we will guide you through every step of the legal process. We know how to build a strong case and are committed to protecting your rights after a distracted driving crash.
What Is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving occurs when a driver’s attention is taken away from the road by another activity. Even a brief moment of distraction can lead to a serious or even fatal accident. When drivers fail to give their full attention to driving, they are less likely to notice changes in traffic, react to hazards, or maintain control of their vehicle. This type of negligence is especially dangerous in busy areas like Douglasville, where traffic conditions can change quickly.
Common Driving Distractions in Douglasville, GA
There are three main types of distracted driving: visual, manual, and cognitive.
Visual distractions happen when drivers take their eyes off the road. Manual distractions occur when drivers take their hands off the steering wheel. Cognitive distractions involve taking your mind off driving, even if your eyes are on the road and your hands are on the wheel. Some distractions may fall into more than one category, making them even more dangerous.
Common examples of distracted driving include texting or using a phone, eating or drinking, talking to passengers, adjusting the radio or GPS, and reaching for items inside the car.
Texting while driving is one of the most dangerous distractions because it involves all three types: visual, manual, and cognitive. Even reading a short message can take a driver’s eyes off the road for several seconds, which is long enough to cause a serious crash.
Georgia Texting and Driving Law
In Georgia, texting and driving is against the law, and drivers who cause accidents while distracted can be held legally responsible. Under the Georgia Hands-Free Law, drivers are not allowed to hold or support a phone or electronic device with any part of their body while driving. This means holding a phone to talk, text, or browse the internet is illegal. However, drivers can use hands-free technology.
The Hands-Free Law specifically prohibits the following actions while driving:
- Holding or supporting a phone or electronic device with any part of the body.
- Reading, writing, or sending text messages, emails, or social media content. (Voice-to-text is allowed.)
- Watching or recording videos (except for GPS navigation and dash cams).
Drivers are permitted to use GPS and music streaming apps if they are controlled through the vehicle’s system or a hands-free device. Violating the Hands-Free Law can result in fines and points on your driver’s license.
How Can a Douglasville Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer Help?
A Douglasville distracted driving accident lawyer can be a valuable ally if you’ve been hurt in a crash caused by someone not paying attention behind the wheel.
Proving the Driver Was Distracted
lawyers understand Georgia’s traffic laws and know how to build a strong case to support your claim. One of the first things they do is gather evidence. This might include police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and even cell phone records to prove the other driver was distracted. By collecting all the important facts, your lawyer can help show clearly who was at fault.
Dealing With Insurance Companies
Insurance adjusters try to settle for as little money as possible. A skilled distracted driving accident attorney knows the tactics insurance companies use to underpay claims. They will review medical bills, repair costs, and other losses to calculate what your case is truly worth, and then negotiate for a settlement.
Representing You in a Lawsuit
If the insurance company won’t agree to a fair settlement, your lawyer can take the case to court. The lawsuit process is complicated. Your attorney will prepare legal documents, present evidence, question witnesses, and argue your case in front of a judge or jury.
Compensation in a Distracted Driving Accident Case
If you’ve been injured in a distracted driving accident in Douglasville, you may be entitled to several types of compensation. Our accident attorneys will work to secure full compensation for your damages.
Medical Bills
A distracted driving car crash can lead to significant medical bills, including emergency room visits, surgeries, physical therapy, and ongoing care. You may also face long-term medical costs if your injuries require extensive treatment. Our distracted driving accident attorneys will pursue compensation for your current and future medical costs.
This can include:
- Emergency room visits
- Ambulance fees
- Hospital stays and surgeries
- Diagnostic tests (X-rays, MRIs, CT scans)
- Follow-up doctor appointments
- Prescription medications
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Medical equipment (crutches, braces, wheelchairs)
- Chiropractic care
- Psychological counseling or mental health treatment
Lost Wages and Lost Future Income
You can recover money for lost wages if you’ve had to miss work due to your injuries. If you can’t work anymore or you earn less money because the accident left you disabled, you can pursue damages for lost future income.
Property Damage
If your vehicle was damaged, you can claim compensation for repairs or the fair market value of a totaled car. A Douglasville distracted driving accident lawyer will use repair bills and other records to support your claim.
Pain and Suffering
You can seek financial compensation for the physical and emotional pain and suffering caused by the accident. This can include physical discomfort, emotional distress, anxiety, and a reduced quality of life.
Pain and suffering damages are meant to cover the accident’s impact on your daily life. You may have trouble sleeping, enjoying hobbies, or maintaining relationships because of the trauma. Even if your physical injuries heal, the emotional impact of the crash can last much longer.
What to Do After a Distracted Driving Car Crash in Douglasville
If you’re involved in a distracted driving accident in Douglasville, GA, it’s important to know what steps to take to protect yourself and your legal rights.
Report the Collision to the Police
Always call the police right away, even if the accident seems minor. A police officer will come to the scene, make a report, and document what happened. This report can be very helpful later when dealing with insurance companies or if you need to go to court. Be sure to tell the officer if you think the other driver was distracted, such as texting or using a phone.
Exchange Information With the Distracted Driver
Get the other driver’s name, address, phone number, insurance details, and license plate number. Try to stay calm and polite, but don’t admit fault or argue. If you believe the other driver was distracted, make a note of it, but let the police handle the official investigation.
Take Pictures and Talk to Witnesses
Use your phone to take clear pictures of the accident scene, all vehicles involved, any damage, and road conditions. If there are any witnesses, ask for their names and contact information. Their statements can be very helpful in proving that the other driver was at fault.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel okay, it’s a good idea to see a doctor after an accident. Some injuries, like whiplash or concussions, don’t show up right away. Having a medical record also helps prove that you were hurt in the crash, which is important for a car accident claim.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Reach out to your insurance company as soon as possible to report the car wreck. Stick to the facts. Don’t guess or give opinions. Let your auto accident lawyer handle any complicated questions if needed.
Call a Car Accident Lawyer
Reaching out to a Douglasville car accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and what steps to take next. A lawyer can guide you through the legal process, deal with the insurance companies, and help you seek fair compensation for your injuries and damages. Having an experienced attorney on your side can make the process less stressful.
Common Questions About Distracted Driving Car Accidents
How much does a Douglasville distracted driving accident attorney cost?
At Hartley, Rowe & Fowler, P.C., we represent auto accident victims on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay any upfront fees or out-of-pocket expenses. Instead, your Douglasville distracted driving accident attorney only gets paid if you recover compensation.
Our fee is a percentage of the settlement or damages awarded. This ensures we are motivated to fight for the maximum recovery possible.
How long do I have to file an auto accident lawsuit in Georgia?
In Georgia, the statute of limitations sets a two-year deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit after an auto accident in most cases. If an accident victim dies, the deadline for a wrongful death lawsuit is two years after the victim’s death.
You should contact a Douglasville distracted driving accident lawyer as soon as possible to build a strong case.
What if you are partially at fault for a wreck with a distracted driver?
In some situations, both drivers share responsibility for a collision. For example, maybe you were speeding, but the other driver was distracted.
In Georgia, the law follows a rule called comparative negligence. This means that if you are partially at fault in a car accident, you can still recover money if you are less than 50% at fault. You don’t qualify for compensation if you are 50% or more at fault.
The amount you receive will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. For example, if you’re found to be 20% at fault and your total damages are $10,000, you would receive $8,000.
Contact Our Douglasville Distracted Driving Accident Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a distracted driving accident, don’t wait to get the legal help you need. The experienced team at Hartley, Rowe & Fowler, P.C. is here to stand by your side and fight for the compensation you deserve. Our Douglasville distracted driving accident lawyers understand how overwhelming it can be to deal with injuries, medical bills, and insurance companies all at once. We’ll take care of the legal process so you can focus on your recovery.
Our trusted Douglasville car accident lawyers have helped countless clients throughout the area get justice after serious crashes. We offer personalized attention, honest advice, and aggressive representation in every case.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. Call 678-825-6004 or complete our online form to get started.
