Distracted driving is a serious road hazard that is not going away anytime soon. As dangerous as drunk driving, but harder to catch or prove, driving distracted has become second nature for far too many drivers, but that does not mean they are getting any better at it. There have always been distractions that caused serious accidents, but it has ramped up to a new level with device use. If you have been hurt by a distracted driver, whether the distraction was high-tech or no-tech, an experienced Georgia car accident lawyer can help you recover the full compensation you deserve.
Common Distractions
Distracted driving is a choice. When you are hurt in a crash caused by a distracted driver, it was not just an unfortunate and unavoidable accident, it was caused by a selfish and negligent choice on the part of the distracted driver. That driver can be held liable for your financial losses and your suffering.
Examples of common distractions include:
- Device use including texting, talking on the phone even hands-free, using GPS, making videos, taking selfies, checking social media
- Adjusting the stereo
- Adjusting vehicle settings, such as climate control, mirrors, and seat position
- Reaching for items in the floorboard or back seat
- Looking for items in a purse, bag, or briefcase
- Personal grooming, including shaving, putting on makeup and fixing hair
- Attending to children
- Interacting with passengers
- Eating and drinking
- Rubbernecking
- Daydreaming
Proving Distracted Driving
Proving distraction can be challenging, but an experienced car accident attorney knows what types of evidence to collect. When device use is involved, cell phone records are the first place to go. Social media accounts may also reveal that the driver was active on social media at the time. Other drivers and witnesses may have taken photos or videos of the distracted driver. There may be traffic camera footage and footage from other cameras in the area that show the driver’s behavior. We still use good, old-fashioned witness testimony. And, distracted drivers often reveal the distraction themselves in statements made after the crash, or on their social media accounts after the crash.
To learn more about compensation for your Georgia distracted driving accident, call Robbins Law, PC, at 800-772-5555 or contact us online today to schedule your free consultation.