Anything that takes a driver’s focus off the road is considered a distraction, not just a person’s cell phone. This can include looking at their GPS, fiddling with the music, or staring at a passenger beside them. It is common knowledge that distracted driving can have dangerous repercussions.
When you or someone you love gets hurt because of a distracted driver, do not hesitate to contact a knowledgeable car accident attorney about filing a lawsuit. The effects of these incidents can be severe and result in a mountain of unexpected bills. Reach out to the team at Tomeny | Best when you have experienced a distracted driving car accident in Prairieville.
Louisiana’s Texting and Driving Laws
Cell phone usage is one of the most common distractions leading to car crashes. Like many other states, Louisiana has laws that make it illegal to use cell phones while driving. Every motorist in Louisiana is banned from any activity that necessitates looking at a cell phone while behind the wheel of a vehicle. It is a primary offense to text and drive, meaning a police officer can pull someone over for that act alone.
Drivers are also forbidden from using a wireless device to access, read, or post on social media. Additionally, people holding an intermediate or Class E learner’s license cannot make a call while driving unless it is using a hands-free device. Minors may not use wireless devices to make or receive calls or texts or for any other reason while driving.
There are certain exceptions to these laws. For example, drivers are allowed to text when they are officially parked. Other exceptions are:
- A first responder performing their duties
- Using a cell phone to report illegal activities
- Requesting emergency assistance
- When attempting to “prevent injury to a person or property”
No one should suffer preventable harm because of a distracted driver’s poor decisions. After a crash, it is important to hire an attorney who is familiar with distracted driving laws for Prairieville motorists.
Proving Negligence in Distracted Driving Cases
To shape a strong case, an injured person and their attorney must prove four elements of negligence. The first element is that the defendant owed a genuine duty of care to the injured motorist. The second element is that they violated that duty. The third and fourth factors are that the driver acted in a manner that caused the plaintiff’s injuries.
In distracted driving cases, this means that a lawyer must show that the driver owed a duty of care to obey traffic laws and not endanger others on the road and that the driver’s failure to uphold this standard directly caused an accident and injuries. When your Prairieville attorney can successfully prove that the other side is negligent, you are likely to receive fair damages in your distracted driving accident case.
Reach Out to a Prairieville Attorney After a Distracted Driving Car Accident
When you suffer harm due to someone else’s negligence on the road, it can feel unjust and unfair. Many drivers continue to use their phones instead of focusing on the road in front of them despite knowing their actions put everyone else in danger. Long-term consequences can result from someone being distracted for just a few seconds.
After a distracted driving car accident in Prairieville, an experienced attorney could help you seek accountability and pursue the maximum compensation that you are entitled to. Call Tomeny | Best now.
