When we hear about distracted driving, we usually think of cell phones, but Georgia considers anything that draws a driver’s attention from the road a driving distraction. This includes eating, drinking, adjusting a radio, or texting.
Georgia’s 2018 Hands-Free Law prohibits cellphone use while driving. However, hands-free technology can be used if it does not require a touch to activate. Consult a lawyer when you are involved in a distracted driving truck accident in Richmond Hill. Our seasoned tractor-trailer collision attorneys can help with your distracted driving claim.
Georgia is an at-fault state, requiring injured parties to prove that the truck driver was responsible for the crash. They must demonstrate that the incident resulted from the trucker’s negligence by establishing the following:
Our experienced Chattahoochee Injury Law attorneys examine traffic laws, police reports, and driving conditions before developing a strategy to achieve the best possible outcome.
Evidence may go beyond documentation to include expert opinions and accident reconstructionists.
Police reports are the official accident record and include any issued citations. If the truck driver is cited for distracted driving, the citation can be used as evidence.
Medical records include hospital stays, doctor visits, and emergency services. They begin when injured parties seek medical attention after a truck accident, which everyone should do, even if no injury is apparent.
Doctors can check for injuries and provide treatment to mitigate their impact. Medical records may include diagnostic results, treatment plans, and medications in a patient’s electronic health record.
If possible, collect contact information from witnesses. A personal injury attorney can help gather witness statements to support at-fault claims. Witnesses may have pictures or videos of the accident scene that could be used as evidence.
Traffic cameras can provide visual evidence of a distracted driving truck crash in Richmond Hill. Depending on where it happened, they can document the weather and road conditions at the time or the accident itself.
Following a distracted driving truck wreck in Richmond Hill, injured parties can seek compensation for measurable economic losses and noneconomic damages for pain and suffering. However, they must file within two years or risk having their case dismissed and compensation no longer available.
Economic compensation covers medical expenses such as emergency room visits, physical therapy, and hospital stays. If injured parties cannot return to work, they may also receive compensation for lost wages.
Economic compensation can include future earnings if the injury results in permanent impairment. Documented out-of-pocket expenses cover transportation costs, changes in living arrangements, and property damage.
An accident’s emotional and psychological impacts fall under pain and suffering compensation. Changes in social relationships or quality of life can add to the physical trauma of a truck crash.
Distracted driving truck accidents in Richmond Hill can be overwhelming. If serious injuries result, the stress of dealing with the legal system can complicate recovery.
A knowledgeable and skilled personal injury law firm, such as Chattahoochee Injury Law, can help you negotiate a settlement or file a lawsuit if necessary so you can focus on recovery. Call today to schedule an appointment.
