New Orleans Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer

If you were hit and injured by a distracted driver, our law firm can protect your rights

Drivers in New Orleans must remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings at all times on the road—watching other drivers, adjusting to changing road conditions, and keeping an eye out for pedestrians and cyclists. Unfortunately, not all drivers prioritize this responsibility. Even a momentary distraction can lead to serious car accidents.

If a distracted driver caused your car crash, resulting in the need for surgery or other medical care, and mounting accident-related expenses, you have the right to seek compensation for your losses. An experienced New Orleans distracted driving accident attorney can help.

At The Law Offices of John S. Williams, LLC, our dedicated legal team has extensive experience in representing victims of distracted driving accidents in Louisiana. Attorney John S. Williams brings over 15 years of experience in handling these complex legal cases and is committed to fighting for your rights. Whether negotiating a settlement or advocating for your case in court, you can trust us to pursue the compensation you rightfully deserve.

What is distracted driving?

Distracted driving refers to any accident caused by a driver not paying attention at the time of the crash. In general, distracted driving accidents are classified according to four different types of distractions:

Visual distractions – Anything that takes the driver’s eyes off the road. Visual distractions can include reading a text, looking at a road map or turning around to look at kids in the backseat.
Auditory Distractions – Any noises or sounds that distract the driver. Auditory distractions can include listening to a voicemail message while driving, listening to a strange engine noise or a baby crying in the backseat.
Manual Distractions – Any activity that requires the driver to take their hands off the steering wheel. Manual distractions can include the driver taking their hands off the wheel to eat a sandwich, change a radio station or check a GPS for directions.
Cognitive Distractions – Any activity that causes a driver to think about something other than driving. Cognitive distractions can be talking a cellphone, listening to driving directions or listening to the news on the radio.

Whatever the cause of your distracted driving accident, an experienced attorney can thoroughly investigate your case and find the facts you need to hold the driver accountable for their actions.

What are the most common types of distracted driving accidents?

Each of these distractions increases the likelihood of accidents, highlighting the critical need for drivers to remain focused and undistracted while operating a vehicle:

Texting and Driving: Texting while driving is one of the most dangerous forms of distraction. When you send or read a text, your eyes are off the road for an average of 5 seconds. At 55 mph, that's like driving the length of a football field blindfolded. This distraction significantly impairs a driver's ability to react to sudden changes in traffic or road conditions, increasing the risk of rear-end collisions and lane departures.
Talking on the Phone: Whether talking on a handheld or hands-free device, conversing on the phone diverts cognitive attention from driving. Even with hands-free technology, engaging in conversation can mentally distract drivers, affecting reaction times and decision-making abilities crucial for safe driving.
Eating and Drinking: Handling food or beverages while driving requires manual dexterity that should be dedicated to operating the vehicle. Spills or unexpected maneuvers to avoid spills can lead to loss of control and accidents, especially at higher speeds.
Adjusting Controls: Adjusting radio stations, GPS settings, climate controls, or other vehicle features can take a driver's eyes off the road and hands off the wheel. These actions require visual and manual attention, diverting focus from surrounding traffic and potential hazards.
Passenger Distractions: Interacting with passengers, especially children or pets, can cause drivers to take their eyes and attention away from the road. Turning to address passengers, reaching into the backseat, or trying to manage disruptive behavior can lead to accidents due to reduced focus on driving.
External Distractions: External distractions such as looking at roadside billboards, watching other accidents or incidents, or simply gazing at scenery can draw a driver's attention away from the road ahead. Rubbernecking, in particular, contributes to collisions and traffic jams by causing drivers to slow down or momentarily stop paying attention to driving tasks.

How much is my claim worth?

The circumstances surrounding each distracted driving accident are different. As a result, the value of each accident claim can vary widely depending on several different factors, including the severity of your injuries and how much time you need to fully recover. Your attorney should know how to take these factors into consideration and accurately estimate how much your claim is worth.

The bottom line is you should be financially compensated for all your accident-related expenses, immediately after your accident and in the future, as well, including:

Medical bills for your injuries, now and in the future
Car repair or replacement costs
Replacement income during your recovery
Future income, if you cannot return to work

All of these expenses can quickly add up to thousands or millions of dollars. You deserve every single penny. You shouldn’t have to pay for a distracted driver’s reckless behavior. That’s why it’s critical that you have an experienced attorney on your side, fighting for your rights.

How can a distracted driving accident attorney help?

When you're involved in an accident caused by a distracted driver, the consequences can be overwhelming. A distracted driving accident lawyer can provide crucial support and guidance through every step of the legal process, helping you secure the compensation you deserve.

Here’s how an attorney can help:

Investigation and Evidence Gathering: A distracted driving accident lawyer will thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding your accident. They will gather crucial evidence, such as phone records, eyewitness statements, and surveillance footage (if available), to prove that the other driver was distracted.
Determining Liability: Establishing liability in distracted driving cases can be complex. Your lawyer will work to clearly demonstrate that the other driver's negligence directly caused the accident and your injuries. This includes showing how their distraction violated traffic laws and led to the collision.
Calculating Damages: A distracted driving accident can result in various types of damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. Your lawyer will accurately calculate the full extent of your losses to ensure you are adequately compensated.
Navigating Insurance Claims: Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether. Your lawyer will handle all communications with the insurance companies, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you don’t lose out on the compensation you are entitled to under Louisiana law.
Representing You in Court: If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, your lawyer will be prepared to take your case to court. They will present a compelling case on your behalf, advocating for your best interests and aiming for the maximum compensation possible
Providing Support and Guidance: Throughout the legal process, a distracted driving accident lawyer offers invaluable support and guidance. They will answer your questions, keep you informed about the progress of your case, and provide legal advice to help you make informed decisions.

Get the law firm you can trust to fight for you. Contact us.

Don’t wait to take legal action after your distracted driving crash. You only have a limited time – one year in Louisiana, to be exact – to file a lawsuit or take any other legal action. If you miss that deadline, you could miss out on your only opportunity to obtain all the compensation you deserve for your accident-related expenses.

Put your trust in a lawyer who puts your needs first. Contact our New Orleans law firm and schedule your free case evaluation today. Accident attorney John S. Williams can meet with you, answer your questions and explain your legal options. We’re focused on winning your distracted driving case.