Lafayette Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer

Lafayette Distracted Driving Accident Attorney

Distracted driving is a dangerous behavior many people engage in on the road. Whether it’s eating, getting ready, or using your cellphone, partaking in any other activity while driving can lead to serious injuries and even fatalities. If you’re involved in a crash, talk to a Lafayette distracted driving accident lawyer from Cox Law Firm. Our attorneys know what it takes to protect you and help you recover the compensation you’re owed.

Distracted Driving Accident Cases in Louisiana

In 2024, there were 59,010 injuries and 753 fatalities recorded in Louisiana traffic accidents. It’s true that poor infrastructure and heavy traffic volumes can increase the risk of road accidents. In fact, Louisiana ranks among the top 10 for the most dangerous roadways, largely due to road conditions.

That said, driver behavior and decisions are the driving factor behind traffic accidents. Distracted driving is the most common unsafe behavior drivers engage in on the road, simply because it encompasses anything you do other than operating the vehicle. Common activities people engage in behind the wheel include:

• Applying makeup
• Brushing hair
• Eating and drinking
• Engaging with others in the car
• Getting dressed
• Navigating with a GPS or a map
• Searching for items in the vehicle
• Smoking
• Talking or texting on cellphones
• Using the stereo

In a single year, distracted driving accidents caused 3,275 fatalities across the United States. When you’re behind the wheel of a vehicle, your sole task is to drive. Many people try to juggle multiple tasks while operating a vehicle, not realizing how much of their attention is actually being occupied.

Distracted driving can lead to serious accidents that result in severe injuries or even fatalities. If you’re injured in a distracted driving accident, you can file a claim to hold the at-fault driver accountable for your injuries. A Lafayette distracted driving accident attorney can help you through the claims process.

Louisiana’s New Texting and Driving Law

To better enforce safer driving habits, Louisiana lawmakers expanded laws pertaining to hands-free driving. The “touch law” prohibits the use of cellphones while driving. If you’re caught using your phone while driving in Louisiana, you can face fines up to $100, or $250 if you are in a construction zone or school zone.

There are a few exceptions to this law. Drivers may use their phone for:

• Hands-free calls
• Hands-free navigation
• Reporting emergencies

Even with more precautions in place, distracted driving remains a leading cause of traffic accidents. If you’re injured in a crash on a local roadway, it’s wise to reach out to a Lafayette personal injury attorney to help you file your claim and secure a fair settlement for your losses.

About Our Lafayette Distracted Driving Accident Attorneys

Cox Law Firm brings 135+ years of combined experience navigating complex injury claims. We’re passionate about civic duty, and as a local law firm, we’re passionate about our communities, too. We’re comfortable navigating challenging negotiations and have extensive litigation experience, too. No matter where your case goes, we’re there to represent you.

FAQs

Is Louisiana a No-Fault Accident State?

Louisiana is not a no-fault accident state. It is considered an at-fault state for accidents, meaning anyone found at fault can be held liable for damages. Under Louisiana’s modified comparative fault laws, injured parties can file to recover damages as long as they are not the majority party at fault.

If you are partially at fault in an accident, you can expect your total settlement to be reduced by that percentage of fault.

What Are the Biggest Distractions on the Road in Lafayette?

The biggest distractions on the road in Lafayette include cellphones, stereos, other passengers in the vehicle with the driver, and external stimuli from everything happening in the world around you.

There is a lot to pay attention to when you’re behind the wheel, and drivers still choose to try to multitask. It’s imperative to give your undivided attention to driving to stay as safe as possible on the road.

How Much Can I Recover in a Distracted Driving Accident Case in Lafayette?

How much you can recover in a distracted driving accident case in Lafayette ultimately depends on how seriously you were injured and whether or not you were partially at fault for the accident. It’s imperative to gather evidence that establishes fault and demonstrates the scope of your injuries.

You can recover economic and non-economic damages from a distracted driving accident case to cover your direct financial losses and more intangible losses, such as disability, disfigurement, and pain and suffering.

What Happens If the At-Fault Driver’s Insurance Does Not Cover the Damages in Lafayette?

What happens if the at-fault driver’s insurance does not cover the damages in Lafayette is your own uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. If you allocate uninsured, you may not be able to file to recover damages up to a certain limit under Louisiana’s “no pay, no play” law. It’s important to understand Louisiana’s distracted driving laws to recover the appropriate damages for your losses.

Hire a Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer to Discuss Your Case in Lafayette

Navigating the claims process in the wake of a serious accident can be complicated and confusing, especially if you’re trying to do everything on your own. You don’t have to represent yourself in a distracted driving accident case. Instead, you can hire a personal injury lawyer to represent you throughout the claims process.

Our team at Cox Law Firm has been navigating personal injury claims throughout Southwest Louisiana since 1969. We have in-depth knowledge of Louisiana’s distracted driving laws and experience representing our clients’ interests in and out of the courtroom. You can count on our skilled attorneys to be there for you throughout your case.

If you’re ready to talk to a lawyer about your case, come and visit us in our office in Lake Charles. You can find us in the historic Wachsen-Williams House on Broad Street downtown. Contact the office to set up an appointment with a member of our team today.