Texting While Driving Car Accidents in Columbus
Car accidents caused by a driver who is texting and driving are a new public safety concern across the country. The need to feel constantly connected and the temptation to multitask behind the wheel result in significant distraction. Just a second of distraction is enough time for a driver to cause a serious collision and injuries.
At Bence Law Firm, LLC, we help people who were injured in texting while driving car accidents in Columbus. If you were harmed in such a crash, you need the help of an aggressive car collision attorney. Call David Bence today to learn more.
State Texting While Driving Laws
Georgia’s Hands-Free Law makes it illegal to write, read, or send texts, emails, social media posts, or other internet data while driving. The law applies to all handheld devices, including phones, tablets, and GPS units, and in all circumstances, including at red lights or in stopped traffic. The only exception is calling 911.
Getting caught texting while driving in the state comes with real consequences, including points on your license and fines. Beyond tickets, Columbus drivers who cause crashes while texting can be sued in civil court. If a crash causes serious injuries or death, prosecutors may even file criminal charges such as reckless driving or vehicular homicide.
Why Texting While Driving Is So Dangerous
Driving and texting can lead to Columbus car wrecks because it mixes all three kinds of distractions at once: your eyes leave the road, your hands leave the wheel, and your mind drifts away from driving.
On average, reading or sending a text takes about five seconds. At highway speed, that is like driving the length of a football field with your eyes shut. Texting drivers usually do not even hit the brakes before impact, which makes crashes more severe. Their reaction time slows so much that while a focused driver can stop within approximately 120 feet while driving 55 mph, a texting driver needs far more distance.
Where Texting Crashes Happen Most
Some areas in Columbus see many more texting-related car crashes than others. On I-185 and Veterans Parkway, for example, the problem is high speeds mixed with distraction. In busy downtown intersections, rear-end wrecks happen when someone is distracted by their phone.
School zones are another hotspot for these accidents, especially at drop-off and pickup times. Parking lots around shopping centers also see plenty of smaller accidents. Even highway ramps cause trouble when people are looking down at their phones instead of obeying traffic signs.
How Can You Prove Someone Was Texting During the Crash?
Our Columbus car accident attorney knows how to uncover the truth in texting and driving car crashes. We act quickly to secure key evidence before it disappears, such as:
- Phone records indicating when texts were sent
- Witness statements regarding the driver’s behavior
- Police notes from the crash scene
- Video or camera footage
- Phone data tracking recent app use
With this evidence, we could build a strong case that proves the other driver was distracted and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Serious Injuries Caused by Texting Crashes
When a Columbus driver is texting while driving, they often fail to brake or swerve, leading to full-speed collisions. These high-impact crashes can cause life-changing injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Whiplash
- Soft tissue injuries
An attorney will account for all injuries in a claim for compensation.
Get Help After a Texting While Driving Car Crash in Columbus
Texting accidents can change lives in seconds, leaving victims with overwhelming bills and stress. At Bence Law Firm, LLC, we handle texting while driving car accidents in Columbus and know how to prove negligence to fight for the compensation you deserve.
In this state, you only have two years to file a personal injury claim. Acting quickly is critical. Call or contact us online to speak with David Bence and explore your legal options today.
