Driver sued over using Snapchat now faces criminal charges

JONESBORO, Ga. (AP) – A teenage driver accused in a lawsuit of causing a collision in Georgia while using the Snapchat app’s “speed filter” is now facing criminal charges.

News outlets report a Clayton County judge signed arrest warrants Wednesday for 19-year-old Christal McGee, charging her with felony serious injury by vehicle, among other charges, following the conclusion of a police investigation.

Clayton County Solicitor Tasha Mosley says McGee was speeding on a rainy road in September, when she crashed into driver Wentworth Maynard, who spent weeks in a coma and suffered brain damage.

Maynard and his wife filed a lawsuit in April against McGee and Snapchat, saying the app’s filter tempted McGee to speed.

Citing court records, WSB-TV reports McGee admitted going 90 mph, but denied using Snapchat at the time of the crash.