The Risks, Dangers, and Legal Options
Distracted drivers are all around us on the road. We’ve all seen them. It’s so common you may not think anything of it, but the unfortunate reality is distracted driving takes lives. Distracted drivers are not safe drivers. If a driver is not completely focused on driving, an accident can quickly occur.
Distracted driving accidents can change your life. That’s why it is in your best interest to talk to an experienced attorney about getting help for your injuries. A Louisiana distracted driving accident lawyer can make all the difference.
What are the four types of distracted driving?
Distracted driving happens when something takes your attention away from driving. There are four types of distractions:
- Visual – Causes a driver to take their eyes off the road
- Auditory – When a driver listens to something not related to driving
- Manual – Causes a driver to take their hands off the wheel
- Cognitive – When a driver’s mind wanders away from driving
For instance, a driver may take their eyes off the road to adjust the radio or look at a pedestrian on the sidewalk. These are examples of visual distractions. Passengers talking too loudly can divert your attention from driving and become an auditory distraction. Eating and reaching around your vehicle for something are both examples of manual distractions. Being consumed by your thoughts and daydreaming may seem harmless but are both examples of cognitive distractions.
Why is distracted driving so dangerous?
Distracted driving is a risky driving behavior known to lead to fatal accidents. All it takes is a few seconds for a crash to occur. You put yourself, your passengers, and other road users at risk. You may think you can quickly respond to a text, but your reaction time slows down at that very moment. There is no way for a driver to react and avoid a crash to the best of their ability if they are not 100 percent focused on driving.
A driver’s reaction time is twice as slow if they have their phone in their hand. The second you look down could be the second a pedestrian can walk in front of your car or a traffic light turns red.
Can you text and drive in Louisiana?
Texting while driving is one of the most dangerous ways of driving distracted. It combines nearly every category of distracted driving, and although alarming it is also common.
In the state of Louisiana, it is against the law to text while driving. Drivers are prohibited from reading texts, sending them, and using social media on their phones. Fines for texting and driving can be up to $1,000 depending on the offense. In some cases, a driver can also face a license suspension. Moreover, a texting driver can be held legally liable for an accident they cause.
Although there are many different types of distracted driving, texting, and driving is a big part of the problem. 1 out of every 4 car accidents in the United States is caused by texting and driving. Drivers and passengers involved in texting and driving accidents frequently suffer severe injuries, especially if a texting driver drifts into the oncoming lane and causes a head-on crash or runs a red light and T-bones another vehicle.
Can you use your phone while driving in Louisiana?
When it comes to using your phone to make a phone call, the laws are a bit complicated. In Louisiana, using a handheld cell phone to make a phone call is only illegal if:
- The driver is under the age of 18,
- The driver has a learner’s permit, or
- The driver is driving in a school zone during school hours
There is currently no law specifically prohibiting adults with full licenses from using their cell phones while driving in Louisiana. There is also no law specifically prohibiting other forms of distracted driving, like eating and drinking or talking to passengers. However, drivers always have a legal responsibility to exercise care behind the wheel, and they can be held accountable when they don’t meet that responsibility.
You need an experienced New Orleans car accident attorney by your side
If you were hit by a distracted driver, you need legal representation to fight for compensation for your injuries. An attorney who has already dealt with cases like yours will know exactly what to do from start to finish. Your attorney will work aggressively to hold the distracted driver accountable for your accident. While they are working on your case, you are free to focus on your health.
Seeking medical attention and contacting a lawyer are the two most important things you should do after a distracted driving accident. The sooner you call an attorney, the sooner they can begin working on your case while you focus on healing. Distracted drivers need to be held liable for their actions and you deserve justice.
If you or a loved one was involved in an accident with a distracted driver in Louisiana, you deserve to be compensated for your injuries. Schedule a free consultation with an experienced car accident attorney in your area today.
