Injured by a Distracted Driver? 7 Tips to Strengthen Your Case

As per the U.S. Census reports, more than 10.8 million car accidents occur every year due to distracted driving. What can you do when someone else’s inattention involves you in an accident? The right step would be to get in touch with seasoned personal injury lawyers. Our car accident attorneys in Shreveport, LA at the Law Offices of L. Clayton Burgess have an excellent track record of tackling complicated car accident cases.

Though National Safety Council confirms that cell-phone related distractions are more prevalent, unfocussed driving is not just limited to using cell phones. It includes all the other activities when driving, such as:

• Conversing with a co-passenger
• Eating
• Reading
• Adjusting the AC or radio
• Self-grooming

Getting preoccupied with something else for even two seconds can heighten the chances of a crash. Our Shreveport car accident attorneys suggest 7 tips to follow after getting hit by an unfocussed driver to strengthen your lawsuit:

1. >> Gather detailed information: 

As in any other accident, make sure you gather as much information as you can. For instance, the name of the other driver, address, contact details, driver’s license information, and insurer. Also, note down the name of the law enforcement officer and cooperate completely in answering his questions.

2. >> Maintain a record of all the medical expenses: 

Even if it’s a minor fender-bender and there are no injuries, it’s advisable to get yourself checked by a medical professional soon after the accident. Some injuries are not apparent right away and may end up creating problems in the long-run. Therefore, medical treatment should ideally be of utmost importance after an accident.

3. >> Contact witnesses and, if possible, obtain written statements: 

When you plan to file a lawsuit against the accused, it’s not just enough to say that the other driver caused the accident as they were texting, answering a call or distracted otherwise. As a plaintiff, you need to prove it and one of the most trusted ways is through eyewitness testimony. However, as human beings tend to forget things, it’s better to contact eyewitnesses quickly and secure statements. Recorded or written statements work as vital evidence to build a strong case against the accused.

4. >> Pay close attention when dealing with the insurance company: 

You may hear from your insurance company shortly after an accident, often when you are still recovering. Your statement provided to the insurance company is critical and can set the tone for how the situation is resolved. In such circumstances, it’s always advisable to get in touch with seasoned attorneys. Our experienced car accident attorneys in Shreveport are readily available for assistance.
Obtain a copy of the police report: A report by the law enforcement officer is critical as it will have all the relevant information about the accident including the name, address, and insurance information of the other driver, names and contact information of eyewitnesses, etc.

5. >> Keep a record of lost earnings: 

Maintain a record of all missed days at work and whether your future earning capacity will get impacted.

6. >> Make a note of the property damage: 

Apart from damage to your car, it’s equally essential to consider the valuation of property inside it at the time of the accident such as damaged laptop, sports equipment, expensive phones, etc.

Irrespective of the form of distracted driving, you always have the right to file a claim against the accused. To be negligent, the accused driver’s standard of behavior must fall below ‘reasonable’ behavior. If the actions of the other driver were reckless and there was complete disregard for your safety, you are then entitled to punitive damages.

** How Legal Assistance Can Help

Getting involved in a car accident is frustrating, painful, and distressing. If you wish to focus on recovering and rebuilding all the damage, it’s prudent to reach out to a lawyer. The car accident attorneys in Shreveport, LA have more than two decades of experience in helping auto accident victims recover millions through verdicts and settlements. Contact our Shreveport car accident lawyers to know about your legal rights and free case evaluation.
Call us @ (318) 716-3109 for Free Consultation