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Protections for victims of distracted drivers

On Behalf of | Apr 17, 2020 | Motor Vehicle Accidents

Distracted driving can cause serious injury accidents and fatal accidents. Because distracted driving contributes to many car accidents, it is important for victims of distracted drivers to know how they are legally protected.

In Louisiana from 2011 to 2015, 192 victims were killed because of some type of distraction inside or outside of the vehicle and another 26,977 victims were injured in distracted driving-related car accidents. Distracted driving includes any behavior the driver engages in that removes their eyes from the roadway, hands from the wheel or attention and focus from driving. Texting while driving and talking on a cell phone are common distracted driving behaviors but the list of distracted driving behaviors is long and can include reading while driving, grooming while driving or operating a radio or navigation device while driving.

Texting while driving is banned in Louisiana and hands-free cell phone use is required in school zones. Additionally, distracted driving restrictions are placed on drivers under the age of 16 who are prohibited from using a cell phone while driving. When a distracted driver causes a car accident, victims are legal protected. A personal injury claim for damages can help injured victims recover compensation for their physical, financial and emotional damages. The personal injury legal process can also help family members of loved ones killed in a fatal distracted driving accident. Violation of distracted driving laws may be used as evidence of negligence.

Personal injury legal protections can hold a distracted driver accountable and get injured victims of the help they need. As a result, it is important for victims to be familiar with how they are protected from distracted drivers.