Approximately nine people lose their lives every day due to distracted driving accidents in the United States. This is according to the Center for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC). Any activity that takes away the attention of the driver qualifies as distracted driving. When the driver’s attention is not on the road, they are more likely to cause an accident.
Distracted driving makes the driver liable for any accident they cause. This is because driving while distracted is a breach of their duty of care to other road users. If you or your loved one has sustained injuries due to a distracted driving accident, you deserve compensation.
You may need to fight for your damages if the liable party’s insurance company refuses to accept your claim. That is where an Abbeville distracted driving accident lawyer comes in. A lawyer can help you seek the compensation you deserve by negotiating with the insurance company, proving your injuries are due to the accident, and expediting the litigation process.
Even if you are partly at fault for the accident, you can still receive compensation in Louisiana. In many cases, the insurance company may try to offer a settlement that is worth less than what you deserve. Legal representation can help you keep the insurance company from taking advantage of you.
Call (337) 777-7777 today and receive a free case evaluation.
Types of Distractions That Lead to Accidents
For you to win a claim against a distracted driver, you must prove how the distraction caused the accident. These are the main categories of distractions that may cause accidents:
- Visual
- Auditory
- Manual
- Cognitive
Visual Distractions
Visual distractions pertain to anything that takes the driver’s eyes off the road. This can include watching a passenger, reading a map, or using an electronic device. Visual distractions are quite dangerous because the driver is unaware of what is up ahead on the road. This makes it very easy to rear-end other vehicles or hit pedestrians crossing the road.
Auditory Distractions
Auditory distractions can also cause accidents because the driver’s attention is not focused on driving. Various noises and sounds—such children fighting in the back seat or loud music—can make it difficult for the driver to stay focused on the task at hand.
Manual Distractions
Manual distractions include activities that keep your hands off the wheel, such as texting, making a call, or eating while driving. These distractions increase the risk of causing an accident because the driver’s hands are not of the steering wheel, which reduces control of the car. In such a situation, the driver’s reaction time is significantly reduced if there is a risk of hitting another car or a pedestrian.
Cognitive Distractions
Cognitive distractions include anything that takes the driver’s mind off the road. Examples of cognitive distractions include talking on a cellphone, carrying on a conversation with a passenger, or focusing on a stressful situation that is not related to driving. Texting and making calls are some of the most common distractions that can cause accidents.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), texting or reading a text distracts drivers for approximately 5 seconds. This means that when traveling at a speed of 55 miles per hour, a driver would cross an entire football field in the time it takes to read a text. Distracted driving reduces the reaction time a driver has, which makes it much more difficult to prevent collisions with other drivers.
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ClientSteps to Take After a Collision
The basic instinct after suffering an accident is to leave as soon as possible, but there are a few steps you should take if you can in order to help you pursue compensation. If you have suffered an accident due to distracted driving, you should attempt to do the following as soon as possible in the aftermath:
- Contact the police
- Talk to any witnesses and get their contact information
- Call your insurance company
- Take photos of the damage
- Seek medical attention
If you were unable to take these steps after an accident, a car accident lawyer may be able to help. He or she can begin an investigation into the cause of the accident, starting with requesting the police report. A police report is one of the main pieces of evidence that can prove liability in an accident. An attorney may also locate witnesses of the accident to have them testify about the nature of the accident.
The insurance company has to conduct its investigation into the nature of the accident before settling any claim as well. A distracted driving lawyer can speak with the insurance adjuster on your behalf, as well as with the driver’s legal defense team and the judge if your case goes to court. An Abbeville distracted driving accident lawyer will talk to the police, the witnesses, and begin the negotiation process with the insurance company.
Call a distracted driving accident attorney from Laborde Earles Injury Lawyer today at (337) 777-7777.
I thank God for Digger & David. I don’t know what we would have done if it hadn’t have been for them.
Rick Smith | ClientGet a Free Case Evaluation from Laborde Earles Today
Knowing what to do after sustaining injuries from a distracted driving accident is often very confusing. Unfortunately, taking the wrong steps can negatively affect your ability to secure compensation. Let an Abbeville distracted driving accident lawyer advise you on what to do. Contact Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers today at (337) 777-7777 to get a free case evaluation.
