Leading Legal Defense for Victims of Distracted Driving in Atlanta, Georgia
Distracted drivers are a serious threat to us all. For example, those who text and drive have significantly slower reaction times and are unable to quickly react to changes in road conditions. If you have been injured in a serious car accident by a distracted driver, you should contact us to discuss the specifics of your case and learn more about your rights and options under Georgia law.
At Ponton Law, our Atlanta distracted driving accident attorney is an aggressive, justice-focused advocate for victims and families. If you or someone you know was hurt in a crash with a distracted driver, we are here to help. To set up a free, no-obligation consultation with a Georgia auto accident lawyer, please call us at (404) 418-8507 or contact us directly online.
What is “Distracted Driving?”
All motorists have a responsibility to keep their focus and attention on the road at all times. Distracted driving occurs anytime a driver is not fully engaged in the act of driving. It is dangerous driving and it is negligent driving. Distracted driving can occur when a driver:
- Is using a cellphone (voice calls or texting);
- Reaches for a purse, drink, or other items;
- Disciplines a child or attempts to control a pet; or
- Has their attention otherwise taken away from the act of driving.
Know the Law on Distracted Driving in Georgia
In Georgia, drivers have a legal obligation to operate their automobile in a safe manner. Along with other things, this means avoiding distracted and inattentive driving. Additionally, Georgia has a law restricting the use of cell phones while driving. As explained by the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety:
- Drivers cannot touch phones while driving, including for the purposes of texting, talking, or GPS use; and
- Drivers cannot write or read messages even if they have hands-free technology—they must use voice-to-text.
Distracted Driving is a Growing Problem
Alarmingly, distracted driving is on the rise. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 3,142 people were killed in distracted driving accidents in 2020 alone. Many tens of thousands more people sustained serious injuries in crashes with distracted driving.
The use of cell phones has become a particularly serious issue in recent years. Texting while driving can significantly impact a driver’s ability to respond to conditions on the road. You should never engage in texting and driving, and if you are injured by someone who was distracted by a text, they should be held responsible for those injuries.
Other forms of distracted driving can be just as dangerous as texting and driving. Anytime a driver’s attention is diverted from the road, he or she has become distracted and the risk of an accident increases. Driving while distracted is a choice and if someone chooses to drive distracted, they should be held liable for the harm they cause.
The Impact of Distracted Driving
Distracted drivers have reduced response times to changes in road conditions. There is no such thing as multitasking when it comes to driving. When traveling at high speeds, spending even a second or two looking at a text or otherwise being distracted can mean traveling for hundreds of feet essentially blind.
Each year, thousands of accidents are caused by distracted drivers leading to millions of dollars in property damage. Even more seriously, distracted drivers cause serious bodily harm and even death to others using the roadways.
Distracted drivers are more likely to cause injuries to themselves and others and they are more likely to strike pedestrians or bicyclists.
However, most distractions are easily avoidable. Allowing oneself to become distracted is a choice. No text is worth risking the health and lives of others. No distraction is so important that it cannot wait until the vehicle has been stopped safely. If someone chooses to drive while distracted and causes injuries to you or your family they should be held liable.
Helping You Hold Negligent Parties Accountable
Whether you’ve been injured by a driver who was texting and driving, eating and driving, or who was distracted in another way, we can help you hold them accountable. Georgia is a fault-based auto accident liability state. A negligent motorist can be held responsible for a crash. Distracted driving is a form of negligent driving. Do not let them justify their actions. Your injuries and recovery deserve compensation.
All suspected distracted driving crashes in North Georgia should be comprehensively investigated by a top Atlanta auto accident attorney.
Recovering Compensation through a Distracted Driving Accident Claim
Following a crash with a distracted driver, you need money to pay bills. Insurance companies cannot be relied upon to look out for your family’s financial well-being. The right lawyer can make all of the difference. Our Atlanta distracted driving accident lawyer is committed to helping injured victims maximize their financial support. You may be entitled to recover financial compensation for:
- Vehicle repairs;
- Emergency room care;
- Hospital bills;
- Health care costs;
- Lost wages;
- Diminished earning power;
- Pain and suffering;
- Loss of life enjoyment;
- Disability;
- Disfigurement; and
- Wrongful death.
How Atlanta Auto Accident Lawyer James T. Ponton Can Help
James T. Ponton is a personal injury lawyer with the skills and experience to handle distracted driving accident claims. When you reach out to our Atlanta office, you will have an opportunity to consult with a Georgia distracted driving accident attorney who can:
- Listen to your story and answer questions about the distracted driving claims process;
- Thoroughly investigate your distracted driving accident;
- Handle the legal paperwork and represent you in the settlement process; and
- Take action to help you get justice and full financial compensation.
Contact Our Firm Today
At Ponton Law, our Atlanta distracted driving accident lawyers have the professional skills and legal expertise to protect your rights. We have the resources and know-how to handle distracted-driving accident claims. If you are in need of assistance holding negligent drivers accountable for your injuries, contact our firm today. From our Atlanta office, we serve communities throughout North Georgia.