April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month
Whether you're commuting through New Orleans or heading down I-10, you trust that other drivers are staying alert. But far too often, that trust is broken by someone choosing to text, scroll, or get lost in distraction. The results can be catastrophic. Louisiana state officials are stepping up their efforts to combat distracted driving, and for good reason: lives are being lost, injuries are increasing, and the financial costs are piling up.
April is a time to raise awareness, but for crash victims, the damage is already done. In Louisiana, distracted driving isn’t just a bad habit—it’s a dangerous behavior that causes real harm to real people every day. Whether the other driver was texting in traffic or checking directions on the interstate, that moment of inattention can lead to broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, or worse.
If you were injured in a crash caused by a distracted driver, don’t wait to take action. A skilled New Orleans distracted driving accident lawyer from The Law Offices of John S. Williams, LLC, can help you understand your rights, investigate what happened, and fight for full compensation.
Louisiana's hands-free law
Louisiana has had a hands-free law since 2021 banning handheld cellphone use in active school zones, and lawmakers continue to push for stronger statewide restrictions on distracted driving. If a driver violated these laws and caused a crash, that violation can be critical evidence in your injury claim.
Louisiana leaders take a stand against distracted driving
Louisiana state officials are sounding the alarm on distracted driving, calling it a preventable but deadly issue affecting communities across the state. The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission (LHSC) reported that distracted driving caused 178 deaths and over 1,200 serious injuries in a single year.
The goal is clear: reduce these numbers by urging drivers to stay focused behind the wheel, especially when it comes to phone use, which remains one of the top distractions.
Officials also noted that distracted driving doesn’t just take lives—it’s driving up car insurance costs and putting a strain on families emotionally and financially. These are crashes that can be avoided with simple choices, like silencing your phone or pulling over to send a text.
What to do if you've been hit by a distracted driver
Getting into an accident with a distracted driver can be overwhelming, but taking the right steps afterward can protect your health, your rights, and your ability to seek compensation later. Here’s what to do:
Call 911.
Make sure emergency responders are on the way. Even if the crash seems minor, having a police report is important for your case.
Get medical help.
Don’t wait to get checked out, even if you feel okay at first. Some injuries take time to show symptoms. A medical record also creates a clear link between the crash and your injuries.
Take photos and gather info.
If you can, take pictures of the vehicles, the scene, and any visible injuries. Get names, contact details, license plate numbers, and insurance info from everyone involved.
Talk to witnesses.
If anyone saw what happened, ask for their name and contact information. Their statements can help back up your version of events.
Don’t admit fault.
Be honest with the police, but don’t speculate or say anything that might be taken as admitting blame. Just stick to the facts.
Contact a lawyer.
Before speaking to the insurance company, talk to a lawyer who understands distracted driving accident cases. An attorney can guide you through the legal process and help you avoid common mistakes that could hurt your claim. A skilled attorney can also help uncover key evidence—like cellphone records or dash cam footage—to prove the driver was distracted at the time of the crash.
We're in your corner after a distracted driving accident
Getting hit and injured by a distracted driver can leave you feeling shaken, frustrated, and unsure of what to do next, and when it comes to your claim, it’s easy to feel like no one’s really on your side.
At The Law Offices of John S. Williams, LLC, we know how serious distracted driving accidents can be, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. You shouldn’t have to carry the burden of someone else’s reckless behavior. Whether through tough negotiations or in the courtroom, we’ll fight for the justice you deserve after a distracted driving accident in New Orleans or anywhere in Louisiana. Contact us today for a free consultation.
"John has to be one of the most direct and honest lawyers I've met. He didn't waste my time with a lot of lawyer antics, but he did make me feel as though he was the person for the case. No false promises were made, but I am reaping the benefits." - C.H., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐