How to Get Compensation for a Rear-Ended Accident When the At-Fault Driver Was Texting
Is texting while driving illegal in Georgia?
Yes. In Georgia, we have enacted a law called the Hands-Free Georgia Act, which is an important law designed to help keep everyone safe on the road. This law makes it illegal to write, send, or read any messages, including texts, emails, or social media posts while you’re driving.
Breaking this law is considered a misdemeanor. The punishment for a misdemeanor is a fine not to exceed $1,000 or by jail time not to exceed 12 months or both.
What is the “following too closely” law in Georgia?
Here in Georgia, there is a law which requires us to keep a safe distance between vehicles on the road. This distance gives us time to react if the car(s) in front of us suddenly slow down or stop. The distance between you and the car in front of you should also take into account things like our speed, how much traffic there is, and the condition of the road.
If you drive too closely to the car in front of you, it’s considered negligence. This means that if you’re involved in a rear-end collision, it’s very likely that you’ll be held responsible and liable for damages.
Can I be held liable if I rear-end a vehicle that stopped suddenly?
Probably. Even if the car in front of you stops unexpectedly, the following driver (you) still have the responsibility to stop in time to prevent an accident. In certain situations, the law may be more lenient in placing the responsibility because of a doctrine called the sudden emergency rule and it may help you in defending a rear-end collision. Nevertheless, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
What insurance coverage is required for Georgia drivers?
In Georgia, we try to make sure everyone is protected in case of an accident. For this reason, there’s a minimum amount of liability insurance coverage we are required to have. It’s $25,000 per person for injuries, $50,000 per accident if multiple people are hurt, and $25,000 for any property damage.
Additionally, you might want to consider adding even more protection such as uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. That way, if you’re ever in a more serious accident, you and your loved ones will have better financial support.
