Congratulations on Getting Your License
Every teen driver dreams of the day their learner’s permit turns into a driver’s license. Miles of open roads are in front of you and freedom beckons. It can be a heady feeling and one to be enjoyed. However, many drivers feel that their driving experience only starts at this moment: you’ve mastered the basics of the car but there’s still a lot to learn about the road.
Auto accident attorney Lafayette professionals emphasize the importance of understanding your rights after a crash to ensure you’re fully protected.
If you’re uncertain about what steps to take, consulting an auto accident lawyer Lafayette can provide clarity and guidance on how to proceed.
Here at the Law Offices of Blaine J Barrilleaux, our auto accident attorneys see a lot of car accidents, many of which might have been avoided if drivers had taken some basic safety precautions. So, we’ve come up with a list of some tips that first-time drivers might find helpful to keep in mind.
TL;DR: Key takeaways
- Build experience gradually by following speed limits, driving familiar routes, and keeping a safe distance from other vehicles.
- Reduce distractions by securing your phone, setting your GPS before driving, and silencing notifications.
- Slow down during heavy rain, flooding, and other hazardous conditions, and create distance from aggressive or reckless drivers.
- After a crash, stay calm, call for help, document the scene, report the accident, and seek legal guidance promptly.
You Can’t Get in an Accident if You Don’t Hit Anything
This may seem obvious, but it’s a good reminder. You might be a great driver but it’s other drivers that you need to be aware of. Keep your distance from other cars, and if you see reckless drivers behaving erratically, slow down, and try and put some distance between you and them.
Go easy on yourself – you have nothing to prove; so, stick to local routes that you’re familiar with for the first days and weeks after passing your test. Driving is fun and you can build your confidence in the early days by taking it easy. Obey the speed limit, especially while you’re still gaining experience.
The Lafayette auto accident attorneys at The Law Offices of Blaine J Barrilleaux have seen firsthand how taking basic precautions can prevent many common accidents.
Lafayette auto accident lawyer services are vital for new drivers who may not yet know how to handle post-accident procedures effectively.
Keep Essentials in Your Car
Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst is a useful rule of thumb to bear in mind. If you have thought through the essentials that you may need if you do get into an accident, then you’ll do better than someone who doesn’t consider this as a possibility.
Permanent items to keep in your car may include:
- First aid kit
- Blankets
- Extra clothes
- Bottle of water
- Some long-life cereal or protein bars
- Phone charger
At The Law Offices of Blaine J Barrilleaux, our legal team is part of a Lafayette law firm dedicated to helping drivers navigate the aftermath of an accident, no matter how minor or severe. We provide high quality legal representation after a crash so injured drivers have dependable support from the start.
When you’re looking for an auto accident attorney Lafayette who understands the complexities of Louisiana roads, our firm is here to help, and our attorneys gather critical evidence to establish negligence, including police reports, traffic camera footage, and eyewitness statements.
Buy a Phone Mount for Your Car to Prevent Distracted Driving
Nowadays, a person’s phone is their castle. Everything you need is on your phone, including your music and your GPS system. Buy a decent phone mount to reduce distracted driving so you’re not distracted by your phone loose in your car or even worse looking down at your lap instead of focusing on the road.
Before you set off, it’s a good idea to set your GPS and playlist so you don’t cause a car crash by looking away from the road; if you’re a bit nervous, lose the music altogether for the first few hundred miles you drive to allow yourself to really concentrate. Turn your notifications to silent, and make sure your phone charger is plugged in.
Be Extra Careful in Inclement Weather and Poor Road Conditions
Accidents can happen at any time, in any weather, but they are more prevalent in inclement conditions. Storms, wind, rain, snow, and sleet can prove very distracting for drivers, as well as the more obvious issues of sliding on black ice or slipping uncontrollably after heavy rainfall.
It’s an unfortunate truth that your driving might be impeccable, but in bad weather, drowsy driving or drunk driving by others can still put you at risk if you get caught up with another driver or drivers that are not as cautious.
Speaking with an auto accident lawyer Lafayette can also ensure you gather all necessary evidence and witness statements after a crash, since where the crash happened can matter when proving what occurred.
If you need assistance, our Lafayette auto accident attorneys are available to guide you through every step, from documenting the scene to filing a claim.
We don’t suffer with ice or snow in Louisiana, but as a team of car accident attorneys in Lafayette, we’ve seen the unfortunate reality that can result when people drive through the flash floods and intense downpours that our state is becoming known for.
Ignore Aggressive Drivers
There are lots of different drivers out there, and unfortunately, some are aggressive, hostile, or engage in reckless driving. We’ve all experienced being honked at when you’ve done nothing wrong or had someone drive past too quickly with little care or consideration for anyone else.
Road rage does not help in any situation and can make things worse. The Zebra conducted a survey in May 2020 and found that 82% of drivers in the U.S. admit to having road rage or driving aggressively at least once in the past year.
If you experience an aggressive driver, don’t put yourself in danger by trying to retaliate or yell back to them. It’s distracting for you and could put you in danger of causing an accident. Instead, create space, take a deep breath, and move on with your day, whether you’re dealing with a drunk driver or another dangerous motorist.
If you’re still angry, find a safe place to pull in and cool down. It will always be better to arrive at your destination safely than allow your emotions to get the better of you.
For new drivers, having a Lafayette auto accident lawyer on your side can make a significant difference in handling the legal aspects of an accident.
Our Lafayette auto accident lawyers have a proven track record of helping clients achieve favorable outcomes in their cases.
Be Considerate
Consideration is one attribute of a great driver. Honking, yelling, tailgating, and switching lanes without signaling are all inconsiderate actions that might cause another driver to react in a dangerous way. You only have control of your own car, but if you act in a considerate way on the road, you’re on your way to becoming a great driver.
Staying mindful of other drivers is critical: you don’t know if they’re tired or distracted. You don’t know what they’re doing or thinking. Be patient and remember that while everyone has somewhere to be. If all drivers show consideration to one another, the likelihood of everyone getting to their destinations safely is much higher.
What’s Done is Done After an Accident: Filing a Car Accident Claim
Accidents happen – we all know that. And when they do, it’s very common for drivers to feel their adrenaline levels rise and for emotions to feel out of control. But after a Lafayette car accident, this is the time to stay calm so you can protect your rights and remember there are some important actions for you to take, like:
- Making your way to safety and calling the emergency services
- Speaking with the other driver
- Gathering evidence and taking pictures of the vehicles involved in the crash
- Talking with your insurance company, while being careful because insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts after a collision
- Contacting an auto accident attorney and seeking legal assistance as soon as possible so your claim is protected, common mistakes that devalue cases are avoided, and the true value of your claim is properly assessed
- Reporting the accident to the police
What Compensation May Be Available After a Louisiana Car Accident?
Louisiana follows a modified comparative fault system. If you are found less than 51% at fault for a crash, the compensation you recover may be reduced according to your percentage of fault. If you are found 51% or more at fault, you generally cannot recover damages.
Depending on the circumstances of the motor vehicle accident, you may be able to recover compensation for property damage and other economic and non-economic losses, including:
- Economic damages, such as medical expenses, future medical care, lost wages, and reduced earning capacity
- Non-economic damages, such as physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life
In a fatal crash, certain surviving family members may also be able to file a wrongful death claim. Recoverable damages may include funeral expenses, loss of financial support, loss of services, and loss of love and affection.
An experienced Lafayette car accident attorney can explain how Louisiana’s fault rules apply to your case, preserve important evidence, address defenses raised by the at-fault driver or insurance company, and help you pursue fair compensation through an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.