Whenever someone gets behind the wheel of an automobile, they are in control of thousands of pounds of steel and electronics, which can cause severe injuries or death if the driver makes a mistake. However, driver distraction plays a role in many of today’s accidents, which could include a motorist eating, drinking, or making phone calls while operating a car.
A well-versed automobile collision attorney from Smith Hulsey Law could help you pursue damages when you have been hurt in a distracted driving car accident in Clarkesville. Let our knowledgeable lawyers advocate for you during this difficult time so you can focus on healing.
Distracted driving is a broad category that includes anything that causes the motorist to focus on anything other than driving. There are three types of distractions: visual, manual, and cognitive. Most distractions involve at least two of the three:
Texting and driving is one typical example of distracted driving involving all three types of distractions. The driver looks at the screen, uses their hands to navigate the phone, and thinks about the message’s contents. It is also an easy distracted driving case to prove as cell phones record activity, which can make it simple to show that a driver was texting, using social media, or playing on apps at the time of a wreck.
Professional drivers or people who drive frequently may be more prone to driving distracted because they spend a lot of time in their vehicles. Most distracted driving cases do not lead to accidents, which can give drivers a false sense of security about the safety of multi-tasking. However, distracted driving is likely to increase the risk of Clarkesville car accidents.
Georgia Code § 40-6-241 prohibits people from using cell phones or other wireless communication devices while driving. In addition to forbidding people from using their hands to operate these mobile devices, the law also forbids people from using any body part to operate them. The law does not explicitly address other types of distracted driving. However, Georgia does prohibit reckless driving, which it considers operating a vehicle in a way that disregards the safety of other people or property.
It can be challenging to prove driver distraction unless it is linked to using a mobile device. Our Clarkesville attorneys could use witness statements, photos, videos, police reports, and the driver’s admissions to demonstrate that the motorist was distracted during the wreck.
Driver distraction is as dangerous as driving under the influence. When you have been hurt in a distracted driving car accident in Clarkesville due to an irresponsible driver, our tenacious attorneys at Smith Hulsey Law could help you hold them legally accountable.
Our legal team is prepared to help you seek justice. Contact us today to schedule a consultation to discuss your potential case.
Smith Hulsey Law