You need to exercise skill and a high level of attention to drive a vehicle safely. However, personal injury lawyers are well aware that some teens and adults do other things, such as drinking beverages and using electronic devices, while operating their vehicles. These and other driving distractions lead to serious injuries or fatalities, so here’s what you should know about this type of driver negligence.  

A Guide to Distracted Driving Accidents and Personal Injury

What Is Distracted Driving?

The US Department of Transportation describes distracted driving as an activity that could divert a driver’s attention away from the primary task of driving. Examples of distracting activities include talking or texting on smartphones, eating or drinking, applying makeup, and combing hair.

How Do Personal Injury Lawyers Prove Driver Distraction?

Under Georgia’s Hands-Free Law, drivers cannot have a phone touching their hand or another part of their body while talking on the phone and driving. No hands-free reading, writing, texting, or watching videos is allowed while driving. Convicted violators pay a $50 fine and receive a point on their license for a first offense.

Personal injury and car accident lawyers can use proof of conviction, a driver’s admission of guilt, or evidence of conduct to show a driver was distracted. Useful evidence includes cellphone records showing exact times when a driver sent emails, texts, made or received phone calls. Evidence at the scene, such as skid marks, nature of the impact, eyewitness accounts, and security camera footage, also help prove a distraction.   

What Should You Do If You’re Injured by a Distracted Driver?

If you’re in an accident, make a police report at the scene and tell the officer what you observed, such as seeing the driver putting on lipstick, talking on the phone or to a passenger, drinking, or smoking. Get the driver’s contact and insurance information and take pictures of the scene. Contact a personal injury attorney to learn your rights and help preserve evidence, preferably before you talk to your insurance company.    

If you suffer personal injury in an accident with a distracted driver, an experienced attorney can help you prove your claim and obtain fair compensation for you. The skilled car accident lawyers at Stow, Garvin & Glenn offer individuals throughout north Georgia vigorous advocacy backed by more than 60 years of combined personal injury law experience. Get the legal advice and representation you need to recover financially while you recover physically. Call (770) 534-5265 to request a free consultation, or visit their website for more information about the services the law firm provides.