Distracted driving can get the best of any driver. It only takes a moment of distraction to change your life or someone else’s. If a distracted driver in Lake Charles caused your Lake Charles car accident, we could take legal action and hold them accountable for their negligence.
We would seek compensation for your medical bills and other accident-related damages to do this.
A Lake Charles distracted driving accident lawyer can advocate for you, so you don’t have to handle your claim or lawsuit alone. Instead, our team can work with you to determine your options based on your circumstances. Then, we can review your case at no cost to you.
Call today for a free consultation.
Driving Distractions Come in Many Forms in Lake Charles
Driving distractions can differ for everyone and depend on the situation. But, in a nutshell, anything that causes a driver to lose focus on driving is a distraction. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are three types of distractions: visual, manual, and cognitive.
Visual Driving Distractions
Visual distractions cause drivers to take their eyes off the road. If a driver looks at something other than the road, this might cause them to swerve into another lane or run a red light.
When motorists look in another direction for a few seconds, something could cross their path, or another driver could cut them off. In addition, they might not have enough time to stop if they do not notice approaching hazards.
Manual Driving Distractions
Manual distractions cause the driver to take their hands off the wheel. To drive safely, drivers must have both hands available for driving.
When motorists take their hands off the wheel, they are no longer in control of the vehicle and can easily cause an accident. Louisiana strictly forbids operating a vehicle on a public highway or right of way with an open container of an alcoholic beverage. If a drunk driver injured you or a loved one, a DUI accident lawyer serving Lake Charles will help you file a claim.
Cognitive Driving Distractions
Cognitive distractions cause the driver to take their mind off the road. These distractions do not necessarily happen during the drive. For example, a person might be having a bad day and lose focus on what they are doing. When a driver is cognitively distracted, their reaction times are slower than usual.
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Common Driving Distractions that Lead to Auto Crashes
Some distractions have visual, manual, and cognitive components; what distracts one person might not affect another.
This table provides a concise breakdown of various driving distractions, descriptions, and consequences they pose:
| Distraction | Description | Potential Consequences |
|---|---|---|
| Cell phones | Talking or texting are a common cause of distracted driving crashes. Negligent drivers might also use their cell phones to check their social media. | Increased risk of accidents due to diverted attention and delayed reaction times |
| Radio | Changing the radio station is a simple task. However, when you adjust the radio while driving, you often have to take your eyes off the road. Even taking your eyes off the road for a second could result in a severe accident. | Potential loss of focus and increased risk of accidents due to diverted attention from the road |
| Other crashes | When another accident occurs people often “rubberneck.” Rubbernecking can lead to several negative consequences on the road. First, it diverts the attention of drivers away from driving, causing them to lose focus on the traffic. This loss of attention can result in delayed reaction times to sudden changes in road conditions, such as slowing or stopped traffic. | Diverted attention from the road, leading to potential rear-end collisions and even fatal car accidents |
| Passengers | Other vehicle passengers can be a major cause of distraction. For example, turning around to look at children or get them something they want might result in a serious accident. | Diverted attention from the road and impaired ability to react promptly to changing traffic situations |
| Eating or drinking | Many people eat or drink while driving. They might be short on time or need a quick snack. However, this simple task might result in a crash. Food and drinks can spill while someone is driving, which might tempt them to look down or try to clean it up. | Diverted attention from the road, impaired control of the vehicle, and potential accidents due to spilled food or drink |
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Injuries Caused by Distracted Drivers
Injuries caused by distracted driving can be devastating and life-altering. Here are some of the most common injuries that occur in serious motor vehicle accidents:
- Whiplash and other soft tissue injuries: The sudden jerking motion of a collision can cause whiplash, a neck injury that causes pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. Other soft tissue injuries may include sprains, strains, and contusions.
- Broken bones: In a high-speed collision, bones can be fractured or broken, resulting in pain, swelling, and difficulty moving. Depending on the severity of the break, surgery and extensive rehabilitation may be required.
- Lacerations: Broken glass, sharp metal, and other debris from a collision can cause deep cuts or lacerations. These injuries may require stitches or other medical interventions to prevent infection and promote healing.
- Internal injuries: The force of a collision can cause damage to internal organs, leading to internal bleeding, bruising, or other complications. Symptoms may not appear immediately, but internal injuries can be life-threatening if left untreated.
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI): When the brain is violently jolted or penetrated, it can result in a TBI. Symptoms of this severe injury can include headaches, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, and loss of consciousness.
- Spinal cord injuries: When the spinal cord is damaged, it can lead to partial or complete paralysis. Symptoms can include loss of sensation or movement, muscle weakness, and difficulty breathing.
Distracted drivers may cause more serious injuries when they strike pedestrians. Fortunately, you can turn to a pedestrian accident lawyer in Lake Charles for help in these situations.
If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident, it’s important to seek medical attention right away, even if you aren’t hurting immediately after the collision. Many injuries may not present symptoms until days or weeks later, and delaying medical treatment can result in more severe complications.
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Compensation After a Lake Charles Distracted Driving Collision
An auto accident attorney in Lake Charles, LA, can help you determine fair compensation for your damages.
If you were injured in a distracted driving accident in Lake Charles, you might qualify for a range of damages. The cost of a car or truck accident can include more than just financial losses.
For example, the other driver’s negligent actions may entitle you to the following:
- Medical expenses: Medical costs for treatment, including emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medication, rehabilitation, and ongoing care
- Vehicle damage: The cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle, including rental car costs and any necessary towing and storage fees
- Other property damage: The cost of repairing or replacing any other damaged property, such as personal belongings or a fence
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical and emotional pain and suffering caused by the accident, such as chronic pain, depression, anxiety, or PTSD
- Loss of income: Compensation for any income you lost due to the accident, including wages, bonuses, and benefits
- Decrease in salary: A decrease in your earning capacity since the accident
- Lost quality of life: Compensation for the loss of enjoyment of life, such as the inability to participate in hobbies, travel, or spend time with loved ones
- Emotional distress: Money to cover feelings of shock, fear, anxiety, depression, guilt, and anger.
- Loss of consortium: A claim for the loss suffered by a spouse due to the severe or catastrophic injury of their significant other
- Wrongful death: Compensation for a loved one’s burial and funeral expenses and the loss of their companionship
One of our experienced personal injury attorneys who handle motor vehicle accident claims can review your case and explain the damages that may be available based on the circumstances of the crash and the severity of your injuries.
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Why Choose the Legal Professionals at Our Lake Charles-Area Law Firm?
If a distracted driver in Lake Charles has injured you, you need a skilled and experienced legal team. We can help you navigate the complex legal process and recover compensation for your injuries.
Here are a few reasons why Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers is the best choice for your personal injury case:
- Experienced attorneys: Our personal injury attorneys have over 250 years of combined experience, and we’ve helped clients recover over $600 million in settlements and verdicts. Our team has the knowledge, skills, and resources to fight for your rights and help you recover the maximum compensation available in your case.
- Personalized attention: We understand that every case is unique, so we take the time to get to know our clients and their needs. We’ll work closely with you to understand the full impact of your injuries and develop a personalized legal strategy to help you achieve your goals.
- Free consultation: We offer a free consultation to every potential client, so you can speak with one of our attorneys and better understand your legal options. We’ll explain the strengths and weaknesses of your case and provide honest, straightforward advice on how to proceed.
- Contingency-fee representation: We work on a contingency-fee basis, which means you don’t pay anything unless we win your case. This lets you focus on your recovery while we work hard to get you monetary compensation.
- 24/7 availability: Accidents can happen anytime, so we’re available 24/7 to answer your call. We’re here to provide support and guidance during this challenging time.
Allow a distracted driving accident lawyer in Lake Charles, LA, to fight for your rights and future.
Accident Victims Must File Their Distracted Driving Before the Statute of Limitations Expires
According to the Louisiana Civil Code (CC) § 3492, you generally have a year after your accident to file a lawsuit against the responsible party. Therefore, if you were in a Lake Charles car accident within the last year, you might still have time to file your case before the statute of limitations expires.
Try to file as soon as possible because doing so may give your legal team enough time to gather evidence to build a strong case. Evidence may include:
- Police report: A police report is a detailed account of the accident. It contains information such as the date and time of the collision, the location, the parties involved, and any witnesses. It may also include the officer’s opinion on the cause of the accident. The police report can be used as evidence in your case and help establish liability.
- Photographs: Photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and injuries can be used to show the collision’s severity.
- Video surveillance: Surveillance footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras can provide valuable information about the accident and the at-fault driver’s actions.
- Eyewitness statements: Witnesses who saw the accident can provide testimony to support your case.
- Expert testimony: Experts such as accident reconstruction specialists, medical professionals, and engineers can provide testimony to help establish the accident’s cause and the severity of your injuries.
- Dashcam footage: If you have a dashcam in your vehicle, the footage can be used to show what happened during the accident and identify the at-fault party.
- Doctor statements: Statements from your doctors and other healthcare professionals can be used to document the extent of your accident injuries and their long-term impact on your life.
- Mechanic or body shop statements: Statements from your mechanic or body shop can help prove the extent of the damage to your vehicle and the repair costs.
Our Lake Charles personal injury lawyers need time to gather evidence on your behalf. So allow our team to review your case at no cost to you.
A Lake Charles Auto Accident Lawyer Can Help You With Your Case
You do not have to fight this battle on your own. Let a Lake Charles distracted driving accident lawyer help you fight for fair compensation that covers more than just medical bills. The team at Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers can advocate for you when you need it the most.
Our team can be your primary contact between the responsible party, the other lawyer, and the insurance companies. Don’t let an insurance company settle for less than your injury or wrongful death claim is worth. Contact us today to get started with a free case evaluation.
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