Distracted driving is a danger on Georgia’s roadways. From 2017 to 2018 distracted driving convictions in Georgia greater than doubled. During that time period, distracted driving convictions increased by nearly 11,000 convictions. The hands-free driving law in Georgia that went into effect last year is not limited to texting while driving. The distracted driving law now extends to prohibit drivers from holding a cell phone in their hands while driving or having a cell phone touching any part of their body while driving.
Several Georgia counties in the northern part of the state and in the northeast account for the top number of distracted driving convictions in the state. The new distracted driving law is the result of a growing concern regarding distracted driving-related injuries, deaths and car accidents. Victims of distracted drivers have legal recourse to pursue a claim for damages against a negligent or distracted driver if they have been harmed in a car accident.
A distracted driver may be liable to compensate victims for their physical, financial and emotional damages including medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering damages. Because of the dangers caused on the roadways by distracted driving, it is important for drivers to avoid any driver distraction but is also important for victims of distracted drivers to understand the legal protections available to help them with the recovery process following an unexpected car accident.
Legal protections include personal injury claims for damages to help victims through the difficult road ahead after a car accident. It is of utmost importance for victims and their families to be familiar with the legal resources available to them.
