You see it all of the time when you are in public. People are on cell phones in restaurants, moving theaters, grocery stores, their kid’s ballgames, and while they are driving. Americans have become addicted to their cell phones and electronic devices. Many people find it difficult to put down their phones. However, the habit can be deadly when a driver is texting and driving.
Louisiana Laws Regarding Texting and Driving
A little over one-fourth of all car accidents involve cell phone use, including hands-free operation. Louisiana has several distracted driving laws that apply to texting and driving. Under L.R.S. §32:300.5, texting while driving is illegal. Posting to a social media site while driving is also illegal.
Using a cell phone in any manner while driving through a school zone during posted hours is prohibited by law. If you think that using the hands-free mode on your cell phone is okay, consider these facts.
The leading cause of unintentional deaths in the United States is motor vehicle accidents. Approximately 90 percent of car accidents are caused by driver error. Even though you are not taking your eyes off of the road or your hands off of the steering wheel, your mind is trying to multitask.
Having a conversation while driving requires you to switch your focus back and forth between the tasks, which means you cannot entirely focus on the task of driving. Studies have shown that drivers who are talking on a cell phone miss seeing up to 50 percent of their surroundings, including traffic lights, pedestrians, bicyclists, etc.
Texting and Driving – Give Up the Dangerous Habit
It is not worth your life or the lives of others on the road. If you cause a traffic accident while texting and driving, you can be held financially liable for the damages caused by the crash.
Damages in a texting and driving accident claim can include, but are not limited to:
- The cost of medical treatment and care
- Occupational, emotional, vocational, physical, and other therapies
- The cost of personal care and help with daily activities
- Loss of income, including wages, benefits, bonuses, salaries, and commissions
- The decrease in future earning potential because of an impairment
- Scarring, impairments, disabilities, and disfigurement
- Loss of quality of or enjoyment of life
Your car insurance may cover some of the damages. Still, you could also have a personal judgment against you if the victim sues you for any damages not compensated by insurance coverage.
Contact a New Orleans Car Accident Lawyer for a Free Case Review
If a negligent driver caused your injuries because of texting and driving, we can help. The Olinde Firm fights for the rights of accident victims to fair and just compensation for injuries and damages.
Call Attorney Fred Olinde at (504) 587-1440 or 1-800-587-1889 to request a free consultation with a New Orleans texting and driving accident attorney.