Many people carry on phone conversations using Bluetooth technology while driving, especially now that integration is a standard feature in so many newer vehicles. But is talking on Bluetooth while driving dangerous?
The truth is that conversations – even those engaged in through hands-free technology – can still divide a driver’s attention and increase the risk of collisions.
Alabama Distracted Driving Laws and Bluetooth Use
Under Alabama’s hands-free law, it’s illegal to hold your phone or other wireless electronic device while driving in Huntsville and throughout Alabama. Drivers may only make or receive calls using hands-free technologies like Bluetooth, speakerphone, voice commands, or dashboard-mounted systems. They may not hold their devices while driving.
Simply touching the cell phone more than once or swiping to initiate a call may constitute a violation of the law. Police can issue fines and points on your license if they catch you using handheld devices or engaging in other distracting activities like texting or watching videos while behind the wheel.
Is Talking on Bluetooth While Driving Considered Distracted Driving?
While Alabama law allows drivers to make Bluetooth calls, a court may still regard talking hands-free as distracted driving if it takes your attention away from the road.
The law defines distracted driving broadly to include any activity that impairs a driver’s focus. Mental distractions, such as a tense or emotional conversation, can be just as dangerous as physical ones.
If a driver becomes less aware of their surroundings during a Bluetooth call on a hands-free device, that behavior could factor into a distracted driving claim after a crash.
Can I Sue a Driver Who Was Talking on Bluetooth During the Crash?
Yes, you may be able to sue a distracted driver who was talking on Bluetooth at the time of a crash, but you would need to prove that the conversation contributed to their distracted driving.
Even though hands-free calls are legal, they can still interfere with a driver’s attention and lead to unsafe behavior. It is not necessary to show that the at-fault driver violated the hands-free law.
An experienced car accident lawyer from Morris, King & Hodge, P.C., can help you gather evidence to support your claim, including phone records, witness statements, and traffic camera footage that show the driver’s distraction. We can also calculate the full scope of your losses, deal with insurance companies, and build a case that supports your right to compensation while you focus on healing.
Contact a Distracted Driving Lawyer at Morris, King & Hodge, P.C., Now
If another driver hit you because they were distracted by a Bluetooth conversation, you may be entitled to compensation for the injuries, expenses, and other losses their inattentiveness caused.
Turn to the team at Morris, King & Hodge, P.C., for the legal support you need. Our distracted driving accident lawyers in Huntsville have served clients statewide for 60 years and secured over $168 million in verdicts and settlements for injured people in Alabama. Contact us 24/7 for your free case review.
