Decatur Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer
Driving is an action that requires full focus and attention on the roadway. However, many motorists drive while distracted. This is because we live busy lives, so many of us try to multitask. This often means driving while performing other activities.
One of these activities is using smartphones. Smartphones have made our lives easier in many ways, but they are dangerous when used while driving. In fact, they can delay a driver’s reactions as much as driving drunk at the legal limit. Reading and answering texts and emails while driving leads to serious and even deadly car accidents. That’s because these activities take your eyes off the road for an average of five seconds. At 55 miles per hour, that’s the same as driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed.
In fact, in 2019, more than 3,100 Americans were killed in distracted driving accidents. If you or a loved one was a victim of a distracted driving accident, seek legal help from the Decatur distracted driving accident lawyers at Shiver Hamilton Campbell. We can help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries and other damages.
Types of Distractions
Texting while driving is one of the most common and most serious distractions. However, there are many other ways in which a person can be distracted while driving. They include the following:
- Changing the radio station
- Eating or drinking
- Reading
- Talking to a passenger
- Tending to children or pets
- Reaching for an object inside the vehicle
- Looking at something outside of the vehicle
- Grooming (applying makeup, brushing hair)
- Daydreaming/thinking about something
These distractions can be categorized into three main groups:
- Visual. This involves looking at something other than the road.
- Manual. This is when your hands are on something other than the steering wheel
- Cognitive. This is when the driver is thinking about something other than driving.
Distracted Driving Laws in Georgia
Georgia’s distracted driving law makes it illegal for motorists to physically hold a stand-alone electronic device or wireless telecommunication device. This restriction applies to smartphones, tablets, and other electronic devices. The law does allow hands-free electronic device use while driving, so drivers can talk on the phone if using voice-operated technology such as Bluetooth.
There are a few exceptions to this law. Georgia’s distracted driving laws do not apply to:
- Police officers, firefighters, and other first responders performing official duties.
- Public utility workers or contractors responding to an emergency.
- Motorists who are using their phone to report criminal activity, medical emergencies, fires, or traffic accidents
Contact Our Decatur Distracted Driving Accident Lawyers Today
Driving while distracted is no minor incident. Taking your hands off the wheel or your eyes off the road can result in serious and even fatal accidents.
If you have been injured in a distracted driving accident, the Decatur lawyers at Shiver Hamilton Campbell can help. We can help you file a claim and hold the negligent driver accountable for their actions. Schedule a free consultation by calling (877) 215-6111 or filling out the online form.
