Distracted driving can come in many forms, and one of the most dangerous distractions is texting. When a driver takes their eyes, hands, and attention off the road to send or read a message, the risk of a serious accident increases dramatically. Those involved may face severe injuries from what is typically a completely preventable accident.
Despite public awareness and stricter laws, texting while driving car accidents in Augusta remain prevalent. Understanding how these auto accidents happen, as well as how Georgia law discourages this behavior and addresses liability concerns, is a great way to strengthen your personal injury claim. The legal guidance you need is available at Barrios Virguez Attorneys: Accident & Injury Law.
What Is Georgia’s Hands-Free Law?
Once a driver’s attention is diverted, they may fail to notice stopped traffic, changing signals, or pedestrians entering crosswalks. If they are sending or reading a text message, their eyes have left the road, their hands have left the steering wheel, and they are no longer considering their next driving decision.
Under Georgia’s Hands Free Law, drivers are strictly prohibited from holding or supporting a wireless device while operating a vehicle (Georgia Code § 40-6-241). Violating this law may result in a fine or points on a driver’s license. In civil cases, traffic citations alone do not automatically establish liability, but they can support a finding of negligence.
When traveling at highway speeds, a car can cover the length of a football field in a matter of seconds. In Augusta, traffic patterns vary, and texting-related crashes often result in rear-end collisions, side-impact crashes, and accidents involving pedestrians.
Types of Accidents & Common Injuries
Rear-end collisions are common when a driver is distracted and fails to notice slowing or stopped traffic. If a driver misses traffic signals or fails to yield at an intersection, side-impact or T-bone crashes may occur. Texting drivers in Augusta may also drift into another lane or oncoming traffic, causing head-on collisions or sideswipes. Each type of accident presents its own liability and injury considerations.
Those injured in these accidents may suffer from broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, internal organ damage, or spinal cord injuries. Because distracted drivers may not slow down before impact, the force can be immense. Some injuries may impair the ability to work and engage in daily activities for years to come.
In Georgia, injured parties may seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering resulting from the accident. The amount of compensation available depends on the severity of injuries, available insurance coverage, and fault allocation.
How Do You Prove a Driver Was Texting?
Proving a driver was texting at the time of a crash can be challenging and requires supporting evidence. Phone records can show text messages sent or received near the time of the collision ,and witness statements may confirm a driver was seen using their phone before impact.
Traffic camera footage, dashcam recordings, and vehicle data may also be useful. Statements made by the driver at the scene and afterward to law enforcement can also help to establish causation between the distraction and the accident.
Insurers frequently dispute personal injury claims relating to texting while driving accidents in Augusta. They may argue there is insufficient proof of the driver’s distraction or dispute that texting caused the crash. This tactic highlights the importance of collecting evidence early and communicating carefully with all parties.
Need Help Proving Fault for a Texting While Driving Car Accident? Contact Our Team of Seasoned Lawyers in Augusta Today
Texting while driving car accidents in Augusta involve complex evidence and aggressive defenses brought by insurance companies. A skilled personal injury attorney from Barrios Virguez can help you defend what matters.
Let us investigate the crash, work with experts, and speak directly with insurers so you do not have to. If you have been injured in one of these car accidents, call today for a free consultation.
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