Houma Distracted Driver Accident Lawyer

Experienced Distracted Driver Accident Attorney in Houma

A Houma distracted driver accident lawyer can explain your legal options after crashes caused by texting drivers, mobile device use, eating behind the wheel, navigation system adjustments, and other distractions. Victims injured in distracted driving crashes continue to suffer life-changing injuries throughout Louisiana, particularly on busy highways and industrial shipping routes near Houma.

About Blake Jones Law Firm, LLC

Blake Jones Law Firm serves clients across Louisiana and the Gulf Coast with personal injury and maritime litigation. The firm takes pride in handling serious accident and wrongful death claims, including distracted driving accidents, trucking collisions, offshore injuries, industrial accidents, and catastrophic injury cases.

Houma distracted driver accident attorneys and support staff bring significant experience handling high-value injury claims to every distracted driver accident case. We remain dedicated to guiding clients through the claims process and advocating for recovery of economic damages, non-economic damages, and other compensation connected to the carelessness of others.

Claims for damages in Houma may be filed in the Terrebonne Parish court. The Terrebonne Parish Courthouse is located at 7856 Main Street, Houma, Louisiana 70360. Reviewing distracted driver accident laws and the legal claims process can provide valuable information to those injured in serious collisions.

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Understanding Distracted Driving

Anytime a driver’s attention is diverted from operating a vehicle, distracted driving can occur. Texting while driving is one of the most common forms of distraction. However, any activity that removes a driver’s eyes, hands, and focus from the roadway can increase the risk of a crash. Distracted driving can be divided into three categories:

• Visual distractions. This occurs when a driver takes his or her eyes off the road.
• Manual distractions. This happens when a driver takes their hands off the steering wheel.
• Cognitive distractions. This happens when someone’s mind is not focused on driving.

Texting while driving is dangerous because it requires visual, manual, and cognitive attention from the driver. Taking eyes off the road to send or read a text message could cause a driver to travel the length of a football field without looking at the road.

Federal and state laws in Louisiana prohibit many forms of cellphone use and texting while driving. Evidence that a driver violated these laws by texting or using a cellphone can help prove negligence in a distracted driving accident case. Phone records, video surveillance, and witness testimony may be helpful in determining if a driver was distracted immediately before a collision.

In Louisiana, 811 people died in crashes in 2023, and 178 people died as a result of distraction or inattention. In Louisiana, there were 3,625 serious injuries from crashes in 2023, of which 1,149 were caused by distracted or inattentive driving.

What to Do After a Distracted Driving Accident

The moments and hours after a distracted driving accident can be overwhelming. While collecting evidence and alerting the proper channels can seem like a challenge, not doing so might compromise your health and your legal options.

Victims should seek medical attention immediately, even if they feel fine. Concussions, neck injuries, and internal bleeding can be difficult to identify immediately after an accident. Medical records can also provide evidence of injuries caused by the crash.

Reporting the accident to law enforcement is also advisable. Police officers typically file an accident report, which may include witness information, driver statements, and key details about the crash. Establishing fault for a crash can be difficult without a police report.

If possible, photos of vehicle damage, injuries, roadway conditions, and nearby vehicles can be helpful evidence. Contact information for witnesses can also prove valuable if their statements may support your claim. Cellphone records and in-vehicle record systems may show whether a driver was texting, browsing the internet, or otherwise distracted before an accident. Preserve any evidence you can without jeopardizing your safety.

Hire a Distracted Driver Accident Lawyer

Many victims seek out a distracted driver accident lawyer because distractions can be hard to prove. Drivers are not likely to admit they were texting or otherwise distracted immediately before a crash. Insurance companies may also deny liability or argue that injuries are not as serious as they seem.

Attorneys can investigate cellphone records, request video surveillance, review accident reconstruction reports, and assess witness testimony to determine if distraction caused a crash. If trucks or commercial drivers are involved, additional evidence, like electronic driving logs and onboard computer systems, may need to be reviewed. When you hire a distracted driver accident lawyer, they can look into this evidence.

FAQs

Can Hands-Free Driving Still Be Considered Distracted Driving?

Yes. Driving while using hands-free technology can still result in cognitive distraction. A driver who is on a phone call, sending a voice-to-text text, or otherwise distracted by something mentally demanding may take longer to react or may not notice changing traffic conditions. Even if certain activities are illegal under Louisiana laws when done handheld, drivers who use technology hands-free are not necessarily free from claims of negligence post-accident.

How Do Investigators Determine if a Driver Was Distracted?

Analysis can include cellphone logs, video, witness testimony, event data recorders, electronic social media exchanges, or physical evidence from the crash scene. Police officers sometimes record distracted-driver behavior witnessed at the scene or confessed to by drivers in crash reports. Logging devices used in commercial fleets can monitor driver behavior and vehicle movement before a collision.

Can Distracted Driving Accidents Happen at Low Speeds?

Yes. Parking lots, intersections, school zones, and stop-and-go traffic are common sites of distracted driving crashes because some people feel they don’t have to be cautious at low speeds. Injuries such as neck injuries, back injuries, fractures, and pedestrian injuries can occur in low-speed crashes. Taking your eyes off the road for just a few seconds may not allow you to stop in time to prevent a crash.

Can a Passenger’s Actions Contribute to a Distracted Driving Accident?

Yes. Passengers can distract drivers by fighting with them, playing videos, using GPS, or causing chaos in the car. The driver is still liable for operating the car safely, but passenger behavior could be considered during a crash investigation if it contributed to the driver not paying attention or taking evasive action.

Contact Blake Jones Law Firm, LLC Today

If you were involved in a distracted driving accident, Blake Jones Law Firm, LLC can help you in the legal process to seek compensation. Contact us today for a consultation.