If you or your child has been injured in a crash involving a driver who was using their phone, you may be entitled to compensation. As a parent, nothing is more frightening than knowing your family’s safety was compromised by someone who wasn’t even paying attention to the road. Distracted driving—especially texting, scrolling, or calling behind the wheel—is one of the top causes of car accidents in Louisiana.
Distracted driving—especially texting, scrolling, or calling behind the wheel—is one of the top causes of car accidents in Louisiana. While the state bans texting and limits cell phone use for minors, it has not yet passed a full handheld ban, making these crashes all too common.
If you’re researching how to find out about a traffic accident involving distracted driving, checking police reports on car accidents is one of the most reliable ways to start. These reports often include notes on phone use at the time of the crash and can be crucial when proving fault.
The total number of serious injuries from a crash in Louisiana, in 2023, is 3,625 and the serious injuries due to distracted or inattentive driving is 1,149 (32%).
Nationwide, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that 3,275 lives were lost due to distracted driving in 2023 alone. Texting while driving is banned in the state, and drivers under 16 may not use a cell phone while driving.
However, the state has not passed a law prohibiting handheld cell phone use yet. Therefore, many drivers continue to use cell phones while driving throughout the state.
Key Takeaways
- Using a phone while driving is one of the leading causes of serious and fatal crashes in Louisiana.
- You may be eligible for compensation if a distracted driver caused your injuries.
- Texting, scrolling, and calling behind the wheel are all considered distracted driving under Louisiana law.
- Even without a full cell phone ban, you can still prove liability through evidence and legal help.
- An experienced Lafayette car accident lawyer can help you file a claim and recover the money you deserve.
Common Injuries in Cell Phone-Related Car Accidents
Unfortunately, a car accident caused by cell phone use can result in traumatic injuries. When searching “wreck reports near me,” a few common injuries noted in a cell phone-related car accident include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Head injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Whiplash
- Fractures and broken bones
- Burns and disfigurement
- Back and neck injuries
- Internal injuries and bleeding
- Death
Parents often face the additional stress of helping a child recover emotionally from a crash—even if they weren’t physically hurt. Nightmares, fear of getting back in the car, or separation anxiety can all result from witnessing a traumatic event. These psychological impacts are valid damages that can and should be factored into your injury claim.
Individuals who have been injured by a driver using a cell phone may be entitled to compensation for their injuries. Filing a personal injury claim with an experienced car accident lawyer is the first step in recovering money for losses, damages, and injuries sustained in a car accident caused by cell phone use.
Our team can also help you understand how to find accidents in your area and access wreck reports near me that may support your claim. These tools provide valuable context and can help identify repeat offender patterns or dangerous intersections.
Distracted Driving and Cell Phone Use
Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of traffic accidents. Drivers who are not paying attention to the road ahead or the task of driving are dangerous for everyone on the road.
If your child was in the vehicle at the time of the crash, it’s worth noting that Louisiana’s comparative fault laws still allow you to pursue damages—even if you’re worried about how your own driving might be judged. Many parents hesitate to file because they fear partial blame; however, a skilled attorney can help navigate these concerns while protecting your rights.
Based on national police-reported data on fatal crashes in the United States during 2022, 3,308 people died in motor vehicle crashes in which distraction was deemed a contributing factor.
Why is it so dangerous? Because it pulls a driver’s eyes, hands, and brain away from the road—all at once.
Texting while driving is one of the worst forms of distracted driving. Texting, posting to social media, sending emails, or any other form of sending and receiving written material is a potentially deadly distraction. When using a cell phone to text, the driver is distracted visually, physically, and cognitively.
It’s not just about phone use—police reports on car accidents sometimes document driver distractions like music apps, GPS use, and even video calls. This makes it even more important to investigate the full phone usage history through legal discovery.
In other words, the driver takes his eyes off the road, his hands off the steering wheel, and his mind off driving. In just five seconds, the vehicle can travel the length of a football field at 55 miles per hour. That is a long time not to be paying attention to operating the motor vehicle.
Can You Prove the Other Driver Was on Their Phone?
It can be challenging to prove the driver was distracted, but that’s exactly where we come in. Our team gathers:
- Physical evidence from the crash
- Witness statements
- Phone records
- Medical documentation
- Police reports
- Expert accident reconstruction (when necessary)
For families, securing this evidence can feel daunting. You’re already juggling doctor visits, school drop-offs, and emotional recovery—having someone on your side to handle legal documentation makes all the difference. That’s where a dedicated car accident attorney steps in.
Accessing police reports on car accidents is often a key step in evaluating the extent of damage, identifying liable parties, and confirming timeline of events. If you’re unsure how to find accident reports, we’ll walk you through the process step-by-step. With the right evidence, we help prove you weren’t at fault—and that you deserve compensation.
Damages in a Car Accident Caused by Cell Phone Use
For many Louisiana families, a crash caused by a distracted driver means more than bent metal—it’s missed work, ER visits, kids who don’t feel safe in the car anymore, and sometimes the loss of a loved one.
When kids are affected by a crash, parents often take on additional responsibilities—from coordinating transportation to attending therapy sessions. These efforts, while not always financial, impact your time and wellbeing—and they can be recognized as part of your total compensation.
Because the judicial system cannot undo what has already been done, it provides a way for accident victims and their families to be compensated for their losses and injuries.
While a monetary award will not take away the pain, it can help provide a measure of justice as well as ease the financial burden caused by a car crash. Additionally, thorough examination of police reports on car accidents is crucial in understanding the circumstances surrounding the incident and establishing liability for adequate compensation.
You may be eligible for compensation for:
- Property damage
- Emergency medical treatment and hospital bills
- Ongoing care or physical therapy
- Lost wages or time off work
- Pain, suffering, and emotional trauma
- Long-term impairments or disabilities
- Loss of future income
- Wrongful death damages (if applicable)
In addition to proving that the other driver caused the accident, we must prove the level of damages. Therefore, careful documentation is essential to receive full compensation for all damages. Additionally, we can show you how to find accident reports that pertain to you. This can help strengthen your case, and allow you to pursue the compensation you deserve.
Call for a Free Consultation with a Lafayette Car Accident Lawyer
With over 25 years of legal experience and licensed in all state and federal courts, The Law Offices of Blaine J. Barrilleaux can handle all Louisiana car accident cases. Call 337-989-1212 or 504-218-4419 to schedule a free consultation with a car accident lawyer.
Furthermore, our team can provide guidance on how to find ‘wreck reports near me’ and how to find out about a traffic accident, offering comprehensive support throughout your legal journey.