Driver distraction is one of the most common causes of accidents in Georgia.
Based on a study conducted in 2006 by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on the behavior of drivers, it was found out that 80 percent of accidents are caused by driver distraction.
The study further showed that those drivers who “frequently engage in the most distracting activities” are “more likely to be involved in an inattention-related crash or near-crash.”
Cellphone use has been found to be the most common form of driver distraction, which includes dialing, talking, and texting.
An online survey on drivers released in May 2008 showed that Georgia has the third highest rate for drivers who are texting while driving, with 37 percent admitted they actually do it.
In Georgia, a law against texting while driving has already been implemented since July 1, 2010.
The law states that, “A driver shall exercise due care in operating a motor vehicle on the highways of this state and shall not engage in any actions which shall distract such driver from the safe operation of such vehicle…”
The law further states that except in a driver emergency, no person who has an instruction permit or a Class D license and is under 18 years of age shall operate a motor vehicle on any public road or highway of this state while engaging in a wireless communication using a wireless telecommunications device.
Those who violated the law and are convicted will pay a fine of $150. If the driver got involved in an accident, he or she will pay double.
Although the law prohibits drivers from texting while driving, sometimes this cannot be avoided. The only downside of this is if they got involved in an accident and cause injury to another motorist or pedestrian.
If you got injured because of the negligence of a driver who is texting while driving, you need the help of a lawyer who is knowledgeable in injury and civil laws. You can file for a compensation for your injuries.
In Georgia, one lawyer who can help you go through the process of claiming your compensation is Atty. Allen Bodiford, a top-caliber lawyer who has more than 25 years of experience in Stockbridge.
Atty. Bodiford will help you file a personal injury case against the driver and he will make sure you will win the case and get your compensation, including loss of income and future medical treatments.
Atty. Bodiford owns the Bodiford Law group and employs a team of lawyers who are all expert in the Personal Injury Law. Together, these lawyers will make sure you get justice and you will get what is due you.
Bodiford Law Group serves clients in Conyers, Covington, Griffin, Jackson, Jonesboro, McDonough, and Stockbridge. For the right representation of your claims, call Atty. Bodiford now for a free consultation.
