Whether you’re out for an evening stroll with a loved one or navigating a morning commute to work, chances are you will encounter motorists at some point. There are certain areas in Louisiana and elsewhere that are more dangerous than others, such as intersections or high-speed highways with many lanes of traffic. While you wouldn’t normally be walking on an interstate, you may indeed have to cross the street in a town if you’re on foot.
If you’re driving, you will likely be in the midst of traffic and may find yourself in a high-risk situation at any given moment, especially if there’s a distracted driver nearby. There are many types of driving distractions, some of which many may mistake for “normal” driving behavior, such as drinking a cup of coffee or lighting a cigarette behind the wheel. If a distracted driver causes you or your loved one injury, it’s critical that you know where to seek support.
Driving requires visual, manual and cognitive focus
The longer a person has had a license to drive in Louisiana, the more complacent he or she might become regarding mental and physical focus at the wheel. When you were learning to drive, your instructor likely reminded you to keep your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road at all times. The following list includes numerous types of distractions that place you and those who share the road with you at great risk for injury:
- Advanced technology has made traveling a lot more convenient. However, GPS devices and other electronic equipment can pose significant distraction to a driver.
- Most states have laws against texting while driving, but that doesn’t guarantee that every driver in your vicinity is going to obey the law. Many fatal distracted driving accidents involve texting.
- There isn’t necessarily a problem with listening to music as you drive. However, adjusting radio knobs, scrolling through a playlist or even giving verbal instructions to Alexa may cause momentary distraction that leads to a serious collision.
- Fatigue is a serious cognitive distraction. If a driver feels too sleepy to drive, he or she does well to safely exit the roadway and get some rest.
- Police often say that drivers who cause serious injuries to others in collisions later say they never even saw the pedestrian or other vehicle involved. This is because they were daydreaming or otherwise lost in thought while driving.
You can’t do much about another driver’s mindset or choices behind the wheel. Even if you’re cautious and alert, you may not have adequate time to safely avoid an accident if a distracted driver veers out of his or her lane, runs a red light or otherwise places you at risk.
Recovering from a distracted driving accident
Distracted driving accidents are often fatal. Surviving your injuries may mean you are in for a long, arduous recovery. From medical treatment that might include surgery to physical therapy, in-home care, time off work and other needed assistance, your condition may prompt additional hardship if you’re not financially prepared to meet the expenses associated with your accident. Thankfully, the state allows recovering accident victims to seek monetary judgment against those deemed liable for their injuries.
