Atlanta Distracted Driving Accident Attorney
Distracted driving is a greater problem today than ever before. More and more drivers feel that it is okay to text and drive or use their phones for other purposes while they operate two and four ton vehicles at 75 miles per hour. Doing something this dangerous in other areas of society would seem insane, yet because car-culture is so dominant in the US, distracted driving is considered a societal norm. However, if you were injured by a distracted driver, they should be held accountable for your damages. Atlanta distracted driving accidents attorney Christine Forsythe at The Forsythe Law Firm, LLC is here to help you seek justice.
The Three Forms of Distracted Driving
- Cognitive—The driver’s attention is taken away from the road, other vehicles and pedestrians, and the general task of driving. Research has proven that it is impossible to multitask. Therefore anything that causes a mental distraction from driving is actually momentarily forcing the driver’s brain to focus on that other thing, instead of driving.
- Physical—The driver’s hands or hand is removed from the steering wheel. For example, the driver reaches for an item in the seat next to them, or taps at their phone to make a call.
- Visual—The most dangerous form of distraction while behind the wheel is visual. The average text response takes the driver’s eyes from the road for five full seconds—at 55 miles per hour, this equates to driving an entire football field.
Top Six Examples of Distracted Driving
- Texting—Texting involves all three forms of distraction: visual, cognitive, and physical. Unfortunately, more drivers than ever feel comfortable texting, looking at texts, and responding to texts.
- Looking at a Phone for Any Reason—Using a phone for any reason, including typing in GPS locations, social media, taking pictures, and email, involves all three forms of distraction, and is incredibly selfish and dangerous.
- Talking on the Phone—Talking on the phone, whether using a hand’s free device or not, is a major form of cognitive distraction.
- Eating or Drinking—Eating and drinking requires taking at least one hand from the steering wheel, and usually the driver’s eyes from the road.
- Changing the Radio or Music—While it is perfectly legal to change the station, it is a form of distraction nonetheless.
- Daydreaming or Staring Out the Window—Drivers have an obligation to pay attention at all times and to follow all rules of the road. Failure to do so, even if the act is a simple daydream, is cause for liability if they cause a collision.
Damages in Distracted Driving Collisions
Victims in distracted driving crashes are entitled to compensation for the following damages:
- Medical bills
- Future medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Emotional distress including PTSD
- Loss of joy of life
- Property damage
Call an Atlanta Distracted Driving Accident Attorney Today
There is no excuse for causing a crash that harms another person. Irresponsible drivers should be held fully accountable for their victim’s medical bills, property damage, and much more. Call Atlanta distracted driving attorney Christine Forsythe today at The Forsythe Law Firm, LLC at 404.476.2717 to schedule a free consultation. She is confident in her ability to either negotiate a fair settlement, or win by jury trial in court.
