Lafayette Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 3,522 people were killed because of distracted driving in 2021. Thousands more were injured in these entirely preventable car accidents.

Were you or a loved one injured in a distracted driving accident in Lafayette, LA? If so, you may have a claim for financial compensation for the medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering you have experienced because of another person’s negligence. 

Reach out to a Lafayette distracted driving accident lawyer at Kenny Habetz Injury Law for help. We offer a free consultation, so contact us today at (337) 399-9000 to schedule yours.

How a Lafayette Car Crash Lawyer Can Help After a Distracted Driving Crash

How a Lafayette Car Accident Lawyer Can Help After a Distracted Driving Crash

Since 2010, Kenny Habetz Injury Law has helped accident victims recover fair compensation after they were injured because of the negligence of others. We have successfully recovered millions of dollars on behalf of our clients. 

Kenny Habetz knows what it takes to win cases and the importance of building a strong foundation. He has been recognized as a:

  • National Trial Lawyer Top 100 Trial Lawyer and Top 40 Under 40
  • Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum member
  • Expertise Best Car Accident Lawyer and Best Personal Injury Lawyer in Lafayette, Louisiana 

When you hire our personal injury law firm after a distracted driving accident, you can count on us to: 

  • Thoroughly investigate the car accident 
  • Gather evidence of the other driver’s distraction, such as cell phone records
  • Compile documentation that shows the full extent of your damages.
  • Negotiate a settlement on your behalf and take your case to court if necessary

Contact us today to take advantage of your free case review and to learn more about how a Lafayette car accident attorney can help. 

What Is Distracted Driving?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that distracted driving is anything that takes your attention from driving, your hands off the steering wheel, or your eyes off the road. 

Common examples of distracted driving include:

  • Texting and driving
  • Talking on a cell phone
  • Eating or drinking
  • Talking to passengers
  • Tending to children or pets in the vehicle
  • Adjusting controls in the vehicle 
  • Fiddling with the stereo, entertainment, or navigation system

While texting and driving is the most common example of distracted driving, it is not the only way that drivers can be distracted. 

What Are the Dangers of Distracted Driving in Lafayette, LA?

Driving is a complex process that requires multiple senses. Drivers who have driven for several years often take for granted the need for undivided attention to this task. 

Drivers who are distracted are more likely to cause a car accident. They may be looking away from the road and cannot stop in time once they notice a hazard. 

For example, a driver who is sending or reading a text message takes their eyes off the road for five seconds, which is more than enough time to cause a catastrophic accident. The CDC reports that any non-driving activity a driver engages in increases their risk of crashing. 

Louisiana’s Distracted Driving Law

Recognizing the hazards of distracted driving and texting while driving, in particular, Louisiana lawmakers passed the state’s distracted driving law

This law makes it illegal for a driver to write, send, or read a text-based communication by using a wireless communication device while operating a motor vehicle on any public road or highway in Louisiana

How Can I Prove Fault in a Distracted Driving Accident Case in Lafayette?

Distracted drivers rarely admit their wrongdoing and accept full responsibility for the accident. An experienced Lafayette distracted driving accident attorney can conduct a thorough investigation to prove that the other driver was responsible for the collision. 

Your lawyer may take steps such as:

  • Interviewing witnesses
  • Reviewing traffic camera footage
  • Examining accident scene photos
  • Requesting video footage from nearby surveillance cameras or dash cams
  • Obtaining information about the vehicle that is stored electronically

We will work tirelessly to hold the careless driver accountable for the harm they caused. 

What Is My Lafayette Distracted Driving Accident Claim Worth?

Every car accident case is different, so it can be difficult to determine the potential value. Various factors may affect the value of a case, including: 

Liability 

Louisiana is an at-fault state for car accidents, meaning that the party who is at fault for the accident is responsible for the financial damages they cause. The clearer liability is in a case, the more likely the insurance company will offer to settle the case for a fair amount because there may not be a valid defense to raise if the case goes to trial. 

However, if it is unclear how the accident happened, the insurance company may deny the claim or make a low settlement offer. 

If you contributed to the accident, Louisiana law reduces your compensation by your degree of fault. Therefore, if you were partially negligent, your case may be worth less than if you were not. 

Severity of Injuries

The severity of your injuries can also have a significant impact on your case. 

More severe injuries can increase the potential value of your claim because:

  • They may require more expensive and invasive medical procedures
  • They may cause partial or permanent disability that negatively impacts your long-term earning capacity
  • They may cause more pain and suffering 

What Damages Are Available in a Louisiana Car Accident Claim?

Louisiana law allows car accident victims to receive compensation from the negligent parties who injured them. 

This may include economic damages, such as:

  • Past and future medical expenses 
  • Past and future lost wages
  • Property damage
  • Out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident

This can also include non-economic damages, which compensate the victim for non-financial losses, such as:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Mental anguish
  • Permanent disability
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Loss of service, society, and/or family relationships 

There may be specific factors that can also impact the value of your claim. An experienced car accident lawyer in Lafayette can give you a better idea about what your case might be worth. 

Contact a Lafayette Auto Accident Lawyer Who Will Fight To Recover Compensation For You

If you were injured in a distracted driving accident, a Lafayette car accident lawyer from Kenny Habetz Injury Law can help. We can investigate and prepare your case while you focus on your recovery. Contact us today for your free consultation.

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