Fulton County Cell Phone/Texting While Driving Truck Accidents Lawyer
As useful as they are, cell phones have no place in the hands of anyone operating a motor vehicle – especially those driving tractor-trailers, which can cause serious damage in an accident. Georgia law recognizes this danger and expressly prohibits the use of cell phones by those behind the wheel.
If you were harmed in an accident caused by a truck driver who was using a cell phone, you may be entitled to compensation. Reaching out to a Fulton County cell phone/texting while driving truck accident lawyer as soon as possible is essential. A well-versed truck accident attorney can help you determine whether you have a viable case.
Recent Cell Phone Ban in Fulton County
In July 2018, a sweeping cell phone ban went into effect in Georgia. The law includes the following provisions:
- Drivers cannot touch a cell phone;
- Calls may be made only with the use of a speakerphone, headphone, or connection to the vehicle or electronic watch;
- Drivers cannot read, write, send, or post any emails, text messages, and social media or internet content, although voice-activated services that convert a driver’s spoken words into written text are permitted;
- Drivers cannot watch or record videos; and
- Navigation and music streaming applications can be used, but only when they are activated while the driver is parked.
Commercial motor vehicle operators, including truck drivers, are subject to additional restrictions. These include restrictions on starting or ending a call and reaching for a cell phone if it requires them to remove their seat belt.
Cell Phone/Texting While Driving Truck Accident Injuries and Costs
Given the size and weight of a fully loaded semi-truck, a collision with another motor vehicle, bicyclist, or pedestrian is likely to cause very serious injuries. Many truck crashes cause crushed bones, spinal cord damage, internal bleeding, organ trauma, and traumatic brain injuries. These injuries can lead to temporary or permanent disfigurement, paralysis, and brain damage.
Further, medical care can be expensive. Bills from the ambulance company, hospital, doctor’s offices, rehabilitative therapy clinics, home care nurses, and pharmacies add up. This financial stress can trigger or exacerbate depression and anxiety, as well as impede the physical healing process.
A Fulton County cell phone/texting while driving truck accident attorney could help injured victims recover compensatory damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life. In rare circumstances, punitive damages, which are meant to punish the defendant may also be applicable if the conduct of the truck driver was illegal. Skilled lawyers could advocate strongly for punitive damages if they apply.
Contact a Fulton County Cell Phone/Texting While Driving Truck Accidents Lawyer
A truck accident can radically change the lives of everyone involved. When the crash could have been avoided but for a trucker or trucking company’s blatant disregard of the law, then the consequences may be even more upsetting.
While a financial award cannot undo the damage, it can alleviate a significant economic burden. Consulting with an attorney as soon as possible is important, so call today to learn more about your options.
