When drivers read or send text messages behind the wheel, they place themselves and other motorists in a hazardous situation. Texting and driving puts everyone at risk of severe or fatal car crashes. Those impacted by these accidents deserve justice for the harm they should have never experienced.
Most states strictly prohibit the use of handheld communication devices while driving. However, many drivers ignore the risks and continue to text while driving. After a texting while driving car accident in Mount Pleasant, talk to an attorney about your options for holding the negligent party accountable. A skilled lawyer at Geel & Gentry, LLC could help you pursue the compensation you need.
Distracted driving is a major cause of severe and fatal car crashes nationwide, with texting being among the most dangerous types of distraction. There are three primary groups of driving distractions—texting while operating a motor vehicle falls under all of them.
Manual distractions involve the driver using their hands to do something else and taking one or both hands off the steering wheel. Anything from changing the radio station to texting can be a manual distraction.
When visually distracted motorists take their eyes off the road, an accident could occur within seconds. Visual distractions could include looking at passengers, inputting information into a GPS, and reading a text message.
Anything that takes a driver’s attention and focus away from operating the vehicle lawfully and safely is a cognitive distraction. Daydreaming, road rage, and thinking about text communications are all cognitive distractions.
Our attorneys in Mount Pleasant could further explain the risks of texting while driving and help you determine whether you have a case for compensation.
South Carolina traffic laws prohibit texting while operating a motor vehicle. According to the South Carolina Code § 56-5-3890, reading, composing, or sending any form of text communication while driving is unlawful. Text-based communication involves cell phone text messages, instant messages, SMS messaging, and email from any form of communication device.
The penalty for a first offense of texting while operating a car is $25, and subsequent offenses are $50. Texting while behind the wheel is also a primary driving offense; if a police officer witnesses a motorist texting, they have the authority to make a traffic stop.
When a negligent driver causes an accident because they were texting, those involved have the legal right to seek compensation to cover their damages. The lawyers at our firm could help hold the texting driver accountable for the accident and pursue the compensation you need for your losses.
Texting while driving is dangerous and inexcusable. Most states have regulations to prohibit this behavior and reduce the number of severe crashes. Sadly, drivers continue to act recklessly and cause tragic accidents, often harming innocent people.
Contact a hardworking lawyer to learn more about your legal options after texting while driving car accidents in Mount Pleasant. Call Geel & Gentry, LLC today to schedule your free consultation.
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