According to 2022 statistics, distracted driving causes more than 400,000 injuries in the U.S. every year. Distracted driving is a threat to all road users. Almost 80% of all motorists admit to indulging in some distraction while driving. Since distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents across the nation, each state has enforced specific laws to prevent drivers from being distracted on the road.
The state of Georgia imposes a hands-free law to prohibit them from losing focus on driving. Unfortunately, despite the authorities’ best efforts, distracted driving is one of the leading causes of accidents. Suppose you suffered an injury or property damage in a distracted driving accident. In that case, you are welcome to contact our Augusta personal injury lawyer at T. Madden & Associates, P.C. We can get you justice by getting you maximum compensation for your suffering.
Generally, distracted driving is any activity performed behind the wheel that can interfere with the driver’s ability to pay attention to the road. If someone causes a car accident because they were distracted while driving, they could face drastic consequences, including injuries, property damage, fines, and penalties. Here are some of the most common causes of distracted driving:
Being lost in thought may not sound bad, but it can have devastating consequences for a driver. Unfortunately, it is not as uncommon and can happen to any driver. About 61% of distracted driving accidents result when a driver is daydreaming. Typically, drivers on long or monotonous trips often get lost in thought on the road. It can be challenging to prove a driver was daydreaming at the time of the accident; however, an experienced lawyer can prove that through cross-examination of the driver.
56% of road accidents in Georgia in 2019 were caused by distracted driving. Cell phones have become a necessity in our daily lives, but using them behind the wheel can be life-threatening. Hands-free cell phone use is just as hazardous because it takes the driver’s focus off the road. In many states, interstate truck drivers are prohibited from using cell phones while driving to limit the risk of collisions. The 2016 study by NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) states that 94-96% of all car accidents in the U.S. are a consequence of human error.
While conversing inside the vehicle is not prohibited anywhere, arguing or having an intense conversation can trigger emotions that take the focus away from driving. Therefore, to keep yourself and other motorists safe, it is best to refrain from conversing about things that demand significant attention while driving.
Sometimes a driver may bend down to pick up a dropped object inside the vehicle, such as a water bottle or cell phone. That minor distraction can have severe consequences, so it is best to park the car to pick up the object and then proceed with driving.
Using or adjusting the vehicle’s navigation system or audio controls is one of the leading causes of distracted driving accidents across the nation. Averting your eyes for even a moment on a busy road can lead to drastic consequences.
According to recent research reports, about 80% of all car accidents occur because drivers focus more on eating than on the road. Eating while driving can be hazardous, so you should take a break from driving to finish eating or drinking and then proceed with driving.
In Georgia, any activity preventing a driver from operating their vehicle safely is considered distracted driving. The law prohibits individuals from reading, writing, and using cell phones for calling, texting, or recording. School bus drivers are strictly prohibited from using even hands-free cell phones.
There are exceptions to the hands-free law in Georgia, such as dashboard and GPS use and permission for first responders and law enforcement agencies to use cell phones on duty. Music streaming apps on the vehicle’s audio system and the use of radio are permitted.
If a person is convicted of distracted driving, the fine is $50 for the first conviction, with one point added to their driver’s license. The fines and points penalty will be more on the second and third convictions. If a distracted driving accident results in severe injuries to another person or death, the court holds the authority to increase the penalties and suspend the driver’s license.
Very nice people who are there only to help you. He get u back your max amount for your settlement. The process is very fast. I give 5 stars.
Thank you!! Attorney T Madden and staff were wonderful!!
Great service. Took the time to explain every process to me. Felt very comfortable to contact them for any questions I had. I would recommend!
Very professional. Tiffany did a great job updating me on my son’s case. Would definitely recommend to anyone. They took great care of us.
They have been fantastic. No matter how busy they are they have time for you. Renee is very friendly and caring. Keeps you up to date with your case, good or bad. I never have to call them and if I do call the phone is always answered. If not they call you back ASAP. I recommend them to everyone.
I was represented by T. Madden and Nicholas Schnyder on my car accident case. They and their staff were very professional, willing to answer any and all of my concerns. If they were not available, I would receive a call back within a timely manner. I am very satisfied with how my case came out and I would highly recommend their services.
The warmth, dedication and empathy shown in my daughters case, put me at ease knowing I had placed her in good hands. Due to the professionalism and thoroughness shown by the staff, I would definitely recommend Attorney Madden to family and friends. My daughter was extremely pleased with her settlement.
This firm did an amazing job. In meeting the gang over the period of the case, I can honestly say that each and ever person I was in contact with was professional and extremely helpful. I am humble and graciously blessed for their work. Thank Terrance Madden and Associates.
Shanera and team work effortlessly to get a good settlement. They definitely understood the assignment when it came to our case. I would definitely use them again.
I will sincerely like to thank T Madden & Associates for the professional and awesome job that they done handling my case. They went to work right away, and answered any questions and concerns that I had. I was recommended by a friend and I highly recommend this office for you as well. One call and that’s all. Don’t hesitate!!
Excellent Experience!! I appreciate how they took charge of the insurance company and made them give me what I deserved. I highly recommend T. Madden & Associates, P.C.
Thank you so much to T. Madden and Associates. Your promptness, diligence and professionalism in handling my case was awesome. The end results was more than I could imagine. Thank you Attorney Madden, Rick Polk and Maya. God Bless!
I will like to publicly thank Mr. Watson, Mr. Madden, and Mr. Rick the dedication to he me handle my case and respect to me was outstanding. I mentioned that I wanted to publicly thank them because I want potential clients to know that this is a real review on behalf of a great team.
Professional and knowledgeable. Provides you with honest answers and the best possible advice towards your case.
T. Madden & Associates P.C. is the best in the business. They settled my case and I’ve received a large settlement.
It was good service , the office was friendly and my case was quick and efficient.
Mr. Madden is A1!! The staff is professional always knowledgeable of your case.
Suffered injuries with a semi-truck, called this law firm. They took care of my case. Great people.
Great personal injury attorneys! Excellent service! Thank you for helping resolve my situation successfully (and promptly).
So glad to have found T Maddison and associates. I had a car accident and they assisted me in getting a great compensation. Thank you to the whole team.
Staff are incredibly attentive and welcoming from front to end. This group is very professional with the sensitive nature of my needs.
Tasha and Rick where amazing made sure to keep me updated when they had information. Also, they were great enough to stay open later for me. Thank you!
T Madden and Associates are awesome. They got me what I felt was a great settlement. I highly recommend them to anyone injured in a car accident that isn’t their fault!
Madden & Associates was recommended to me by a friend and they really hit it out of the park dealing with my vehicle crash lawsuit. Communication was always transparent, honest and responsive. I was always treated with respect and dignity and my worries we’re always addressed without being condescending (which I have dealt with in the past with other lawyers). Thank you Madden for showing up for me when I needed it the most. Highly recommend!
I thank you Terance Madden for not only being professional, courteous and knowledgeable, but also your experience. I really appreciate your passion for work and your compassion for your clients. You worked so hard for me. The dedication of your staff to getting a positive outcome for me, was extremely unique. You will never find a better attorney than Terance Madden and Associates. I hope I never need an attorney again, but if I do I will only contact T. Madden & Associates.
I had a case that was taking care of By T. Madden & Associates. Very professional and efficient. I didn’t have to lift a finger. All info was provided to me in a timely manner. I appreciate the courteous service. I recommend them any day.
I used TMAPC services for my car accident and the service was phenomenal! I’d definitely use them in the future.
These guys are life changing, thanks for helping me out with the truck crash, I really needed the money and you all got it for me”
T Madden & Associates was the best they gave me and my son the best service a person could ask for. They was very friendly sn I didn’t have to call them about anything they called me. If I was the have another accident hoping that I don’t I will definitely let them handle my case again
Attorney Madden handled my motorcycle accident and got me an amazing settlement fairly quickly and it was life changing. Thanks again.
Personal injuries due to another person’s actions suck!! I called this firm because I was referred. I am grateful. My initial call was answered by Natasha. She was kind and professional. Once my case was settled, I was contacted by Dee to come by and pickup my check. I would recommend calling this firm if you need personal injury help.
T.Madden & Assoc. Is a professional, outstanding, and honest law firm which is something that is rare. Their customer service skills and knowledge is impeccable!
T. Madden & Associatees is the best decision I could have made. They resolved my collision (auto accident) efficiently and with great results. They provide great service and I like how they give back.
Simply Amazing! I am very pleased with the way T. Madden & Associates handled my daughter’s auto injury case. T. Madden came highly recommend from a friend at church and he did not disappoint. They went to work on her case like she was family. The entire staff was always helpful.
My nephew was involved in a car accident, this firm handles his case with professionalism and gave my sister the confidence she needed to trust things would be fine. Thank you for your hard work, reassurance and time.
T Madden & Associates were great! No one wants to need a lawyer, but if you do, you want someone to make everything easy. And, they made it easy, I made one phone call and they took care of the rest. They gave updates on the progress which was reassuring. I highly recommend them to everyone.
Being injured in an auto accident makes you eligible to file a claim or sue the driver responsible for causing the injuries. In Georgia, an individual injured in a crash must file a lawsuit two years from the day of the accident. If they do not file a claim within that timeline, they can be unable to receive any compensation once the statute of limitations runs out.
It is unlikely that a driver would directly admit to the police that they were distracted and caused an accident, making it more difficult to prove liability in a distracted driving accident. However, if you hire experienced attorneys, they could use their legal expertise to obtain sufficient evidence that proves the driver’s negligence and supports your claim. When your attorney gathers evidence to create a strong case and serves it in court, it increases your chances of getting a favorable verdict.
T. Madden & Associates, P.C has an answer for all of your legal questions! We are a Personal Injury firm, so we handle many types of injury cases from auto collisions to wrongful death! If you or someone you know is injured, T. Madden & Associates, P.C. can help.
We are proud to offer free case reviews to anyone who may have questions before getting started. Additionally, if we do take on your case, we promise we won’t charge you a penny unless we recover compensation for your claim.
Please contact our Atlanta attorneys online or by calling 833-PAID-123 to get started today.