When you are driving on the roads in Macon, you expect other drivers to pay attention. Unfortunately, distracted driving is a serious problem in Middle Georgia. A driver looking at a phone for just five seconds at 55 mph travels the length of a football field without looking at the road. When a driver chooses to text, eat, or fiddle with the radio instead of driving, they put everyone else at risk.

If you or a loved one has been injured by a distracted driver, you have the right to seek justice. A Macon distracted driving accident lawyer can help you hold the at-fault driver responsible. We handle the legal stress so you can focus on healing. Our team fights to get you the compensation you need for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

What Is Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving is any activity that takes a driver’s attention away from driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are three main types of distraction: visual (taking your eyes off the road), manual (taking your hands off the wheel), and cognitive (taking your mind off driving).

Common examples of distracted driving we see in Macon include:

• Texting while driving: This is one of the most dangerous distractions because it involves visual, manual, and cognitive attention.
• Talking on the phone: Even with hands-free devices, a conversation can pull focus away from traffic.
• Using apps or GPS: Programming a navigation system or checking social media while the car is moving.
• Eating or drinking: Spilling hot coffee or trying to unwrap food can lead to a loss of vehicle control.
• Talking to passengers: Turning around to check on children or arguing with a passenger.
• Grooming: Applying makeup or shaving in the rearview mirror.

Georgia’s Hands-Free Law

To combat the rise in accidents, the state passed the Georgia Hands-Free Law (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-241). This law makes it illegal for drivers to hold a phone or stand-alone electronic device with any part of their body while driving. This includes when you are stopped at a traffic light or stop sign.

Under this law, drivers cannot:

• Hold a phone to their ear.
• Read or write texts, emails, or social media posts.
• Watch videos or record videos (unless it is a dash cam).

While drivers are allowed to use voice-to-text features or talk using a hands-free device, the safest choice is always to focus solely on the road. If a driver violated this law and caused your crash, it serves as strong evidence of negligence.

How Distracted Driving Causes Crashes in Macon

Macon and Bibb County see heavy traffic on highways like I-75 and I-16, as well as busy local roads like Eisenhower Parkway. When a driver is distracted, they cannot react in time to changing traffic conditions. This often leads to specific types of crashes:

• Rear-end collisions: The distracted driver fails to notice traffic has stopped ahead.
• Lane departure crashes: The driver drifts into another lane or off the road while looking down.
• Intersection accidents: The driver runs a red light or stop sign because they aren’t watching signals.
• Pedestrian accidents: Distracted drivers often miss seeing people walking in crosswalks or parking lots.

These accidents often result in serious injuries, including whiplash, fractures, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), and spinal cord injuries.

Proving the Other Driver Was Distracted

One of the biggest challenges in these cases is proving that the other driver was actually distracted. They might deny it and claim they were paying attention. This is where an experienced Macon distracted driving accident lawyer becomes essential.

We investigate the crash thoroughly to find proof of distraction. Evidence we may use includes:

• Police Accident Reports: Officers often note if a driver admitted to looking at a phone or if a witness saw them texting.
• Cell Phone Records: We can subpoena records to see if the driver was sending texts or making calls at the exact moment of the crash.
• Witness Statements: Bystanders or other drivers may testify that they saw the at-fault driver looking down or eating.
• Video Footage: Traffic cameras, security cameras from nearby businesses, or dash cam footage can capture the driver’s behavior.
• Vehicle “Black Box” Data: Many modern cars have event data recorders that show if a driver braked or steered before impact.

Compensation for Distracted Driving Victims

If you were injured because of someone else’s negligence, you should not have to pay for their mistake. In Georgia, you can file a claim to recover “damages,” which is the legal term for the money you are owed.

Common types of compensation include:

• Medical Expenses: This covers ambulance rides, emergency room visits, surgeries, doctor appointments, and physical therapy.
• Lost Wages: If you missed work to recover from your injuries, you can be reimbursed for that lost income.
• Pain and Suffering: This compensates you for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
• Property Damage: Money to repair or replace your vehicle.
• Wrongful Death: If a loved one was killed in a crash, family members may file a wrongful death claim for funeral costs, loss of companionship, and the value of the deceased’s life.

Why Choose a Local Macon Attorney?

Hiring a local attorney offers distinct advantages. We know the local court system in Bibb County and how local judges and juries view these cases. We are familiar with the specific roads and intersections where accidents happen frequently in Middle Georgia.

Furthermore, we understand the tactics insurance companies use to minimize payouts. They may try to offer a quick, low settlement before you know the full extent of your injuries. We handle all communication with the insurance adjusters to ensure your rights are protected and you receive the full value of your claim.