Although distracted driving is commonly associated with the use of a smartphone, many other types of distractions can cause someone to end up in an accident while driving.
If another driver was distracted while driving and hit your car, causing an injury to you or your passengers, they may owe compensation in a personal injury lawsuit. If you can produce proof of their negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, pain, suffering, and more.
At the Morris Bart law firm, we represent victims of distracted driving in Slidell. We can take up your fight for justice while you concentrate on recovering from your injuries.
Call us today for a free consultation at (800) 537-8185. the Morris Bart law firm works on a contingency-fee-basis, so you will not pay any up-front fees to hire us.
Why Is Distracted Driving So Dangerous?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, distracted driving can be broken down into three categories of distraction:
- Cognitive distraction: any time a driver’s primary focus is not on the road because they are thinking about other issues
- Manual distraction: if a driver takes one or both hands off of the steering wheel to engage in another activity
- Visual distraction: when a driver’s eyes leave the road at any time, even for a quick glance at a distraction
Texting and driving can be an especially dangerous action because it involves all three categories of distraction. Many more in-car activities count as distracted driving, including:
- Eating while driving
- Grooming behind the wheel
- Handling an unrestrained pet
- Engaging or arguing with passengers, including young children
- Using a GPS system, radio, or adjusting the climate controls
- Being worried, preoccupied, or daydreaming
- Staring at what is happening in the car next to you
“Rubbernecking” an earlier accident or distraction on the side of the road
According to the CDC, even glancing away from the roadway for a few seconds is extremely dangerous, as a car traveling at 55 miles per hour would travel the length of a football field in five seconds.
Traveling so far in such a short amount of time means the distracted driver may not have time to react to a pedestrian crossing the road or another driver stopped ahead while waiting to make a turn.
Because of the dangers of distracted driving, many states have banned texting and driving. Louisiana, for instance, enforces a $175 fine for a driver’s first texting while driving violation. Subsequent offenses will cost the driver $500 for each occurrence.
For a free legal consultation with a Participating in Other Distracted Driving Accident lawyer serving Slidell, call 800-537-8185
Proving that the Other Driver Was Distracted
You may be wondering how you will prove that the driver responsible for your accident was distracted, but the good news is that this may not be necessary.
Proving liability in car accident personal injury cases requires evidence of driver negligence. Driver negligence can be as simple as a violation of traffic law, such as:
- Running a red light or stop sign
- Failure to yield or rear-ending the car in front of them
- Drifting into another lane or oncoming traffic
- Not using a signal to change lanes
- And more
If you can produce evidence of a traffic law violation such as these, you may have sufficient proof of driver negligence. The court may not need additional evidence that the driver violated traffic law because they were texting, eating lunch, or holding their dog.
If the other driver was ticketed by police for distracted driving at the scene of the accident, this evidence could be used in your case, but you may still be able to prove driver liability without it.
Compensation in a Distracted Driving Case
If you can establish the liability of the negligent driver who caused your injuries, you may be able to recover compensation via settlement negotiations with their insurance company or in a lawsuit in court. This compensation may include:
- Medical costs
- Estimated costs of future treatment
- Lost wages or reduced earning capacity
- Damage to your vehicle
- Pain and suffering
- And more
To discuss what specific compensation may be available in your case, contact the Morris Bart law firm for a free consultation at (800) 537-8185.
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We Are Ready to Work for a Fair Settlement for You
When another driver is using a cell phone, performing personal grooming, or watching a movie on an in-car entertainment system, this driver is behaving in a very dangerous manner. If a distracted driver caused your injuries in Slidell, the Morris Bart law firm can help you seek compensation.
While you concentrate on your recovery, our Slidell distracted driving lawyers can:
- Identify the liable party and gather evidence in your defense
- Handle all communications with the insurance companies, lawyers, and other parties on your behalf
- Answer your questions and provide consultation throughout your case
- Negotiate for a fair settlement based on the evidence we produce
- Take the case to court if the insurance company does not make you a fair offer
Contact the Morris Bart law firm, at (800) 537-8185 for a free consultation. We are ready to defend your right to receive a fair settlement from the other driver’s insurance company.
the Morris Bart law firm operates on a contingency-fee-basis. This means our clients pay no up-front fees for representation. Our payment only comes out of the compensation our clients may receive at the conclusion of their case.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
