Distracted Driving Accidents
Monroe Distracted Driving Accident Attorney
Distracted Driving Accidents in Louisiana
Distracted driving is one of the biggest problems on our nation’s roads. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 2,800 people died in crashes involving a distracted driver in 2018 (the latest year for which data are available) and approximately 400,000 more were injured. According to data gathered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and reported on by KSLA, Louisiana ranked seventh deadliest in the nation for distracted driving accidents in 2019. Despite laws prohibiting it, distracted driving remains a serious issue throughout the state.
If you or someone you love was involved in an accident with a distracted driver, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Driving while distracted is a form of negligence, and motorists who engage in this type of behavior can be held legally responsible for the harm they cause.
Contact Parker Alexander online or call our office at (318) 625-6262 to speak to one of our Monroe distracted driving lawyers today about your rights.
Distracted Driving Laws in Louisiana
Louisiana has several laws against distracted driving. It is important that you know and follow these laws, not only to ensure your own safety but also to help keep others on the road safe.
Below are some distracted driving laws all Louisiana motorists should know:
- You may not read, write, or send text messages while driving
- You may not use social media (read, write, post, etc.) while driving
- Motorists under the age of 16 may not use handheld or hands-free wireless devices
- Motorists under the age of 18 may not use cell phones while driving
- Motorists with learner’s permits may not use cell phones while driving
- Motorists may not use cell phones while driving for the first year of having their licenses
- You may not use a cell phone or another similar device in an active school zone
There are some exceptions to these laws. Motorists in Louisiana may use navigational systems, including GPS devices, while driving. They may also use cell phones when legally parked or when reporting an emergency or criminal act, such as drunk driving. Additionally, you are permitted to use a cell phone when you reasonably believe your safety is at risk or when operating an emergency vehicle and using a cell phone is required by your job.
What Is Considered Distracted Driving?
Most distracted driving laws focus on cell phone use and texting—and for good reason. Texting while driving is one of the most distracting and dangerous behaviors a person can engage in on the road. But it is not the only example of distracted driving.
Driving distractions are typically categorized in three ways:
- Visual Distractions: Visual distractions include anything that diverts the driver’s eyes away from the road, including billboards, cell phones, and accidents.
- Manual Distractions: Anything that causes the driver to remove his or her hands from the steering wheel is considered a manual distraction.
- Cognitive Distractions: Cognitive distractions are those that take the driver’s attention and focus away from the task of driving.
Most driving distractions involve some combination of these three categories. For example, texting while driving involves all three: the driver’s eyes are off the road and on his or her cell phone, the driver’s hand(s) are off the steering wheel and holding the phone or typing out a reply, and the driver’s attention is on the text conversation, not the road.
Aside from texting while driving, other examples of common driving distractions include:
- Eating or drinking while driving
- Reaching for an object that has fallen between the seats
- Looking at a billboard or other objects along the roadway
- Talking to a passenger
- Daydreaming
- Looking at an accident (“rubbernecking”)
- Looking away to change the radio station
- Using a GPS or similar navigational device
- Grooming, including applying makeup or combing hair
- Attending to children or pets in the backseat
- Using headphones/earbuds while driving
Distracted driving is very serious and can even be deadly. Despite this, it is very common. If you were injured or if someone you love was killed by a distracted driver, we can help.
Damages in Distracted Driving Accident Cases
Because distracted drivers rarely have time to brake before causing an accident, these crashes tend to be extremely destructive. Distracted drivers frequently rear-end, side-swipe, or swerve into other motorists; in some cases, they may cause deadly head-on collisions.
At Parker Alexander, we understand that you are likely dealing with significant physical, emotional, and financial challenges in the wake of the accident. We know how important it is that you recover fair compensation for all your current and future losses, which is why we fight tirelessly to maximize your recovery. Our goal is to secure the compensation you need to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and future lost earnings.
Millions Recovered for Our Clients
With decades of experience, our Monroe distracted driving accident lawyers are prepared to advocate tirelessly for you. Our personalized approach to every case has helped us recover millions of dollars for our clients and has earned us a solid reputation within the local community.
We offer free, no-risk consultations and can travel to meet you in your home or at the hospital if needed. We also provide contingency fees, meaning you do not pay any out-of-pocket expenses or upfront fees.
If you were injured by a distracted driver, contact Parker Alexander today at (318) 625-6262 to request a free, no-obligation consultation.
