Car accident involving cell phone use reaches $5.2 settlement

Another reason not to drive and use your cell phone at the same time - besides devastating the many lives of the victims and their families in the case of an accident - it can cost you big time.

A $5.2 million verdict was recently reached in Fulton County, GA, in a personal injury case involving a car accident caused by cell phone use behind the wheel. The case was set for trial on March 17, 2008, but settled out of court. Injury Board reports.

"According to the complaint filed in 2006, an employee of International Paper Co. rear-ended Debra Ford, while talking on her cell phone. Her cruise control had been set at 77 mph in a 70 mph speed limit zone. The impact of the car accident caused Ms. Ford's car to overturn, which pinned her arm between the vehicle and the pavement. The plaintiff's arm had to be amputated just below the shoulder.

Georgia's cell phone statue states that drivers are not to do anything distracting while behind the wheel."

emily | 1:21 PM | Cell Phones while driving/flying/sailing |
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