Baton Rouge Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer

Louisiana Texting and Driving Laws

Texting and driving is illegal and a primary offense in Louisiana. When an infraction is a primary offense, police don’t need another reason to pull you over or give you a citation for violating the law. It is against the law to read, write, or send a text or to access, read, or post on social media while driving.

Louisiana law does not explicitly address driving and talking on a cell phone. However, drivers with learning permits or an intermediate license may only use a cell phone hands-free. Drivers younger than 18 can’t use a phone at all. Furthermore, it is illegal for anyone to use their phone in a school zone.

There is typically strong evidence available to hold a driver liable if they causes an accident while engaging in any of the abovementioned behaviors. The Baton Rouge personal injury lawyers at Joubert Law Firm will use this evidence to recover compensation from the negligent driver for damages such as medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and more.

Distracted Driving Accident Statistics

Smartphones make it easy for us to stay connected to the world. But that connection poses a serious risk when someone checks their phone while driving. In fact, the National Safety Council finds that cell phone usage contributes to 1.6 million auto wrecks annually.

Operating a motor vehicle is a complex task requiring a driver’s full attention. Activities that distract a driver from driving increase the risk of a distracted driving accident. The National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) claims drivers take their eyes off the road for approximately five seconds when sending or reading text messages. Five seconds seems like a minuscule amount of time; however, a car going 55 mph travels a football field length in just five seconds. And if a driver is texting, it’s like driving that distance wearing a blindfold.

Common Types of Accidents Due to Distraction

As South Louisiana car accident attorneys, our team at Joubert Law Firm has seen our fair share of accidents caused by distracted driving behaviors. Among them are:

Head-On Collisions

Also known as a frontal impact collision, a head-on collision is a type of wreck that happens when one vehicle crashes head-on into a solid object or another car. Distracted driving and frontal impact collisions are closely connected. The impact force is so severe that it often crushes the face and its inner bones – even when airbags deploy. These types of motor vehicle accidents are also notorious for causing catastrophic injuries such as a Traumatic Brain Injury.

Side-Impact Collisions

Side-impact or “T-Bone” collisions result when a vehicle strikes another perpendicularly. The two cars essentially form a T shape in the wreck, with one vehicle running directly into the side of the other vehicle. This accident type usually occurs at intersections when an inattentive driver doesn’t yield when turning or running a red light or stop sign.

Rear-End Collisions

When a vehicle collides with the car in front of it, it’s considered a rear-end collision. According to NHTSA findings, most accidents are rear-end collisions, making up about 29% of wrecks nationally. Like the other accident categories, distracted driving is a significant factor in rear-end crashes. All it takes is one look down for the driver in front of you to come to a stop without you realizing.

Common Injuries in Distracted Driving Accidents

The three types of accidents discussed cause various injuries ranging from minor to life-threatening. Injury severity depends on several factors, including seat belt use, airbags, where the vehicle was struck, and if the accident was low-or-high speed. No matter how severe your injuries are, it’s crucial that you see a doctor immediately.

Penetration injuries and impact injuries typically occur in car accidents. A person receives impact injuries when they collide with the car’s interior during impact. Loose objects inside the car and shattering glass cause penetrating injuries like lacerations and scrapes. Other types of common car accident injuries include:

• Abdominal injuries
• Broken bones
• Burns
• Chest injuries
• Facial trauma
• Internal bleeding
• Internal organ damage
• Lacerations
• Leg, ankle, and knee injuries
• Neck and back injuries
• Soft tissue injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
• Whiplash

Most minor injuries resolve themselves within a few days to a few months. However, more catastrophic injuries may cause permanent scars or a lifelong physical disability. Regardless, you should always be assessed by a medical professional after such an event to rule out any potentially serious or lasting injuries.

Representation for Your Injuries Caused By a Distracted Driver in Baton Rouge

Retaining an experienced and skilled attorney is typically the best course of action you can take after a serious accident. Louisiana drivers injured by distracted motorists may be able to seek compensation with an injury claim, meaning the other party’s insurance company may be required to pay for the damage their client caused.

Let the personal injury lawyers at Joubert Law Firm help you through this difficult situation so you may focus on your recovery. Our caring and compassionate attorneys work tirelessly on your behalf to get you the compensation you need to pay for your medical treatment and other costs associated with the wreck. We provide a free case evaluation, so contact a Baton Rouge distracted driving lawyer from our firm as soon as possible.