Cell Phone Accidents

It’s not a surprise to many motorists that cell phone use may increase the risk of an Atlanta distracted driving accident. Many motorists can share stories of how they saw a driver on a cell phone nearly cause an accident, and too many can relate how they or a loved one were actually injured in an accident involving a cell phone-using driver. Many states have banned or restricted texting and handheld cell phone use in an effort to protect drivers from these serious accidents.

However, recent research indicates that using a cell phone while driving increases the risk of accidents as many as four times over, even if the driver uses a hands-free device like a headset, and that going hands-free does not reduce the risk of an accident versus holding onto the cell phone.

Researchers believe this increased risk is because the human brain needs all of its processing power to focus on the many little tasks needed to operate a car safely. When part of the brain is occupied with a phone conversation, it is not paying attention to the road; therefore, the driver can easily miss something that then leads to a serious accident.

At The Law Offices of Wayne Grant, P.C., our skilled Georgia cell phone accident attorneys can help you through the difficult days after an accident. We will investigate your case thoroughly and strive to build an outstanding case on your behalf that holds any negligent parties accountable for their actions. To discuss your case with us confidentially and free of charge, call our office today at (404) 995-3955.

Soon after the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) banned commercial large truck drivers and bus drivers from using any hand-held cell phone while operating the vehicle, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) made its recommendation to the nation’s 50 states to ban all non-emergency, portable electronic devices, including hands-free for all drivers. The NTSB made this recommendation following the conclusion that the initial cause of a devastating accident in Missouri was caused by cell phone use.

What started as a rear-end collision turned into a fatal multi-car pile -up when the 19-year-old driver of a GMC Sierra pickup truck rear-ended a trailer-less Volvo truck-tractor. This initial crash was followed by two more as a 71-passenger school bus rear-ended the pickup truck and then was rear-ended itself by a second, 72-passenger school bus. This accident resulted in two deaths and 35 injuries. The driver of the GMC Sierra had sent/received 11 text messages in the 11 minutes preceding the accident.

Georgia currently has a texting ban for all drivers and an all-cell phone ban for school bus drivers and drivers under 18 years old. The texting ban, which was implemented earlier this year, is the latest cell phone law for the state. According to CBS Atlanta, there is both support and opposition to the NTSB recommendation in Georgia. While some residents have seen how cell phones distract drivers from attending to the task at hand, others feel it is an imposition on private rights. When asked about the likelihood of such a total ban being passed in Georgia, a State Senator responded with pessimism. It is believed unlikely that such a law would pass, but state lawmakers are open to discussing the bill for a total ban, if introduced. There are no plans to enact additional cell phone laws as of yet in Georgia.

Whether or not Georgia has a total cell phone ban does not mean a driver should casually use his or her cell phone while driving. It has been proven to cause serious accidents and, as such, a distracted driver who causes an injury accident may still be held liable for victims’ losses. If you or a loved one has been injured in a Georgia collision involving a cell phone, the experienced cell phone accident lawyers in Atlanta at The Law Offices of Wayne Grant, P.C., can help you pursue compensation from the at-fault party. To speak to one of our attorneys, call us today for a consultation at (404) 995-3955 or toll-free at (866) 249-5513.

Many distracted driver accidents in Georgia, and across the nation, are caused by drivers who insist on using their cell phone to talk, text, read, or go online, while they are driving. As cell phones became more and more popular, and distracted driving accidents became more prevalent, many states deemed it necessary to restrict cell phone use while driving.

As of July 2011, ten states have banned using a hand-held cell phone while driving, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). These states include California, Connecticut, Maryland, Delaware, New York, Oregon, New Jersey, Washington, Utah, and the District of Columbia. In addition, 30 states and the District of Columbia have restricted cell phone use by novice drivers. The District of Columbia and 19 states have also prohibited school bus drivers from all cell phone use.

Text messaging is probably the most dangerous activity performed on a cell phone while a person is driving. In recognition of this fact, 34 states and the District of Columbia have banned text messaging for all drivers. Seven states ban novice drivers from texting and three states ban school bus drivers from texting.

Georgia’s cell phone driving laws are as follows:

• Hand-held cell phone ban: NO
• Young drivers all cell phone ban: YES, all drivers under 18 years old
• Bus drivers all cell phone ban: YES, school bus drivers only
• Texting ban: YES, all drivers
• Type of violation: PRIMARY

Any cell phone use while driving in Georgia is considered a primary offense, which means that a law enforcement officer may cite a driver solely for the cell phone offense. If it was a secondary offense, a law enforcement officer would only be able to cite the driver for a cell phone violation if they are first being cited for a separate traffic offense.

Cell phone laws are in place to help keep a drivers’ attention on the road. If you or a loved one has been injured in a Georgia cell phone car crash caused by another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. At The Law Offices of Wayne Grant, P.C., our skilled Atlanta cell phone accident attorneys can help you understand your legal rights and determine the best course of legal action for your specific situation. Contact us today for a consultation at 404-995-3955 or toll-free at 866-249-5513.