Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer in Lafayette

In Lafayette, distracted driving has been on the rise for some time: according to the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, 193 people were killed from 2016–2020 because of distracted driving, and in 2020 alone, distracted driving accidents injured 23,010 people.

If you’ve been involved in a car accident that involved distracted driving, you’re not alone. The distracting driving car accident lawyers at Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys understand that it takes much more than the minimum to account for everything you’ve been through, and for the hardships you’re still facing. 

That’s why we’ve dedicated ourselves to fighting for you and your rights and will help you procure the maximum amount we can for you to heal.

What is the Definition of Distracted Driving?

Distracted Driving Definition: any activity that diverts a driver’s attention from the task of driving, such as using a mobile phone, eating, or adjusting the radio. It’s a leading cause of traffic accidents and can result in serious injuries or fatalities.

When most of us hear the words distracted driving, we immediately think of someone texting, calling, or scrolling through social media while behind the wheel. Using your cell phone while driving is one of the worst ways to distract yourself.

However, any activity that takes a driver’s mind off the road ahead is considered a distraction, and drivers engaging in any of these are distracted drivers:

• Eating
• Personal grooming
• Adjusting the audio system
• Talking to passengers
• Rubber-necking
• and more

Types of Distractions Lafayette Drivers Face

Distracted driving is a significant issue on roads worldwide, and it doesn’t just involve texting. In fact, there are four main types of distractions that drivers experience while behind the wheel, each of which can lead to dangerous car accidents.

Visual distractions are those that take your eyes off the road, from turning to talk to a passenger to reading an attention-grabbing billboard. 

Manual distractions occur when your hands are occupied in an activity other than steering, such as reaching for dropped sunglasses or eating and drinking. 

Auditorily distractions include turning up the volume and singing along to the radio, which can be a pleasurable experience but dangerous if too loud or too engrossing.

Cognitive distractions can be the most dangerous since they often go unnoticed, such as drowsy driving, highway hypnosis, or stress.

While texting is especially dangerous because it combines visual, manual, and cognitive distractions, each type of distraction on its own can lead to severe accidents. Therefore, it’s vital for drivers to remain focused on the task at hand and avoid any activities that take their attention away from the road.

The penalty for the first violation of this statute is a $500 fine and for subsequent violations a $1,000 fine. These fines are doubled if the distraction leads to a collision.

How a Distracted Driver Can Impact Your Lafayette Personal Injury Claim

If you’re the victim of a distracted driving car accident in Lafayette, the law is on your side. The person who hit you while they were on their phone could face criminal penalties, but you’re also entitled to bring a civil suit against them or their insurance for the damages you’ve suffered.

To collect damages from a negligent driver, you need to prove that they caused the accident through their negligence—if they were caught texting and driving, that’s strong evidence of their fault. This means you’re more likely to receive the damages you seek.

Using a knowledgeable distracted driving accident attorney will increase your chances of success throughout the negotiating or litigation stage of your injury claim. The Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys have the knowledge and determination to track down proof that the other party was driving negligently, and we can obtain the money you need to recover from your injuries.

What to Do If You’re the Victim of a Distracted Driving Accident

If you or a loved one has been injured by a distracted driver, you could be facing medical bills, car repair costs, and the burden of lost work. While the law is on your side after such an event, finding the compensation you need to move on with your life is no sure bet.

Insurance companies are built to maximize their profits, not pay you what you deserve for your injuries. They’ll offer to pay out the smallest amount legally possible, which can leave you with the bill for most of your damages.

When you need a dedicated legal advocate for your injuries, call Gordon McKernan at 225.888.8888 for a free consultation. We’re dedicated to our Lafayette clients, so give us a call today. Plus, if we don’t win, you won’t owe us a dime!