The Growing Risk of Cell Phone Driver Distraction in Georgia
The growing use and dependence on cell phones and other mobile devices have increased the number of times that drivers become distracted on Georgia roadways.
Cell phones can distract car and truck drivers as well as motorcycle riders and cyclists. Even pedestrians can become distracted and walk into oncoming traffic.
Cell phone driver distraction can lead to serious injuries and death. If you’ve been injured in an accident that involved a distracted driver, consulting with an experienced attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve.
How Drivers Get Distracted by Their Cell Phones
Cell phone distractions cause drivers to take their attention away from the road, surrounding vehicles, pedestrians, and potential safety risks.
Many accidents caused by distracted drivers occur when they answer an incoming call or check their text messages.
Scrolling through social media, using a smartphone to stream music, and other actions can also lead to serious car collisions.
Distracted driving puts everyone at risk. A driver can run a stop sign or a red light. They can fail to notice a child darting into the road. Damaged roads may be overlooked, causing drivers to lose control of their vehicles.
Talking on the phone can reduce a driver’s awareness of their surroundings and slow down their reaction time. These and other factors can contribute to the accidents and injuries seen on Georgia roads.
The Injuries Resulting From Cell Phone Driver Distraction
The injuries that are caused by distracted drivers can range from minor bruises and scrapes to more serious head and spinal injuries to death. How fast a car is traveling, its size, and other factors can all contribute to the severity of injuries.
Distracted drivers operating large vehicles can cause serious damage to surrounding cars, motorcycles, and pedestrians.
Injuries can lead to permanent disabilities and the loss of income, among other damages. Common injuries include strains, sprains and broken bones.
Injuries to the head can lead to concussions and trauma to the brain. Whiplash and other neck injuries can lead to chronic pain that requires ongoing medical treatments.
Damage to the spinal cord can lead to complete or partial paralysis. Some injuries can cause internal bleeding and impact the internal organs.
Understanding the full extent of your injuries can help your attorney determine the true value of your case so that you can get the compensation you deserve.
Protecting Your Legal Rights Against Distracted Drivers
You can easily see how common smartphones are in today’s society, and many people spend hours looking at their cell phones.
The habitual use (and addiction) of cell phones continues to increase the risk of accidents caused by distracted drivers, which include young and older adults.
If you’ve been involved in an accident caused by a driver who was distracted by their cell phone, your attorney can help you gather the evidence you need to hold them accountable for your injuries.
Witnesses may see drivers using their cell phones just before an accident occurs. Your attorney can acquire phone records that indicate when a driver was using their cell phone, which can strengthen your case and help you get the compensation you deserve.
This is especially important when a driver or their insurance company tries to fight your claim. Demonstrating the reckless and negligent behavior of a driver can increase the likelihood that they’ll be found liable for your injuries and other damages.
Understanding how drivers can become distracted by their cell phones can help you stay safe on the roadways.
Having a personal injury attorney by your side helps you protect your legal rights so you can recover from your injuries and reclaim your quality of life.
