We often do not think about the legal details and ramifications for our actions as we get behind the wheel of our automobiles. Driving is just a normal every day action for each of us. However, every time we turn the key to our car’s ignition we are signing a contract of sorts. Each and every driver on Georgia’s roadways holds a duty of care to others they may come in contact with while on the road. If one driver breaks that duty of care by acting negligently or carelessly, then they may be found liable for the accident they caused. Auto accidents come in many different forms and types, but as years go by, we are witnessing more and more distracted driving cases.
Distracted Driving is a Big Problem for Augusta Drivers
Each and every year, as Georgia roads become more and more congested, the number of people involved in serious car accidents increase. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), ten years ago there were more than 2,491,000 injuries relevant to car accidents throughout the United States’ roadways. Within that same time period, 41,059 individuals lost their lives due to traffic-related accidents. At the Augusta, Georgia law office of Ted A. Greve and Associates, we have experience representing Georgia drivers who were among those injured or killed on Georgia’s roadways. If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a serious auto accident caused by a distracted driver, please contact one of our Augusta car accident lawyers for a free initial consultation.
It is an unfortunate yet truthful fact that many of the auto accidents that plague our Georgia roadways every year are mostly preventable. Alcohol and drug use, excessive speeding, carelessness, driver fatigue, inexperience and rubbernecking are such some of the many different driver errors that can cause an auto accident. Ten years ago, NHTSA recorded speeding as a top factor in over thirty percent of all United State’s traffic accidents. Our legal team has helped many victims that have been injured by these unfortunate auto accident statistics. As times change, so does our country’s technology growth. With smartphones, tablets and other telecommunication devices now within everyone’s fingertips, more and more distracted driving cases are being fought through Georgia’s legal system. NHTSA is now stating that distracted driving is at an all time high, and is responsible for many of the auto accidents on our roads.
Distracted Driver Accidents in Augusta, Georgia
Since using a cell phone while operating a vehicle is dangerous and distracting, it is an activity that many states have banned. Some states ban the use of cellphones while driving all together, where others have less strict laws. In the state of Georgia, there is no ban on hand-held phones for drivers. However, Georgia does have restrictions in place for their novice drivers and school bus drivers. Texting while driving is not allowed in the state of Georgia. This is becoming a law that is enforced with much vigor. Georgia officers that catch someone texting while driving will usually write the driver a ticket for texting even if your vehicle is stopped while you are texting. Novice drivers, are considered drivers who are under the age of eighteen. This is a primary law in Georgia that does not allow novice drivers to use any hand held electrical device while operating a vehicle. Just as novice drivers are not allowed to use a hand-held device while driving, the same goes for school bus drivers.
These rules and laws may seem a bit strict, but there have been multiple studies that have shown that texting can be more dangerous than drunk driving. The diverting of one’s attention even for a matter of seconds away from the road can cause serious auto accidents. The federal government have even put in laws and regulations from the U.S. Department of Transportation to keep commercial truck and bus drivers from sending and receiving text messages while driving. This applies to any driver operating trucks and buses over 10,000 pounds.
Violators of these crimes may be subject to criminal and or civil penalties of up to $2,750. The law requirements in the state of Georgia state that every driver has a responsibility to exercise due care in operating an automobile on the roadways of this state. The law also prohibits drivers from engaging in any actions that can distract the driver from safely operating the vehicle. No one in the state of Georgia with an instruction permit or a class D license can operate a motor vehicle on any public road while using a wireless telecommunication device. This includes texting, searching the web, e-mailing and other cell phone activities. As time passes, technology continues to advance. Cars are now being equipped with interactive features such as GPS, satellite radio, navigation programs, etc. With these new features, comes greater chances of distracted driving accidents.
Reach Out to Ted A. Greve and Associates for a Car Accident Consultation
If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident due to the negligent acts of a distracted driver, contact our Augusta car accident lawyers to get a legal representative immediately. In Georgia, the injured party only has two years from the date of the accident to file a claim against the at fault party, so do not waste time to file a claim. Not only does Ted A. Greve and Associates fight for your rights and pursue compensation for your injuries, we represent our clients to make sure their offender is held responsible for there careless actions. We are understanding and want you to focus on your recovery after your accident. Let us do the heavy lifting in your Georgia auto accident case. Contact one of our auto accident attorneys for a free initial consultation and to go over any questions you may have regarding your recent auto accident involving a negligent or distracted driver.
