Teen in jail, Snapchat speed filter blamed for 107 MPH crash

A 19-year-old girl is in jail after allegedly causing a 107 MPH car crash outside of Atlanta, GA, while using Snapchat to record her speed.

Snapchat has a filter that allows users to record how fast they're traveling when they take photos or videos with the app.

As personal injury lawyers who handle car accidents on a daily basis, we can't help but see the Snapchat speed filter as inherently dangerous, and as an accident waiting to happen. In a society already marred by distracted driving, this filter seems to contradict every effort to deter cell phone use behind the wheel. While representatives of the app claim that the speed filter includes a warning not to use it while driving, that seems contradictory to its very function and offers little comfort to the families of those who have been hurt in other accidents involving a speeding, distracted driver.

The girl in question, Christal McGee, denies the allegations that she was using the Snapchat speed filter at the time of the crash, though a passenger in her vehicle reportedly claimed that the driver had reached 113 MPH on the speed filter before they collided with the other car.

After the crash, McGee took a Snapchat photo of her bloodied face in the ambulance with the caption “lucky to be alive.” The driver of the other car suffered brain injuries and is suing McGee and Snapchat after spending five weeks in intensive care. The lawsuit is currently on hold pending further investigation.

You Can Prevent This from Happening to You

If you or someone you love has been hurt because of another driver's reckless behavior, the best course of action is to consult a lawyer to make sure you will be fairly compensated for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The car accident lawyers at Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys offer free consultations, so you risk nothing by speaking to a lawyer at our firm. We will simply answer your questions, review the details of your unique situation, and help you determine what to do next. If you sign on with us, we never collect a fee unless we win your case.