A professional clarinet player and university professor in Louisiana didn’t expect to have his life altered when he got behind the wheel of his car on a December day. Like most of us at this time of year, he was focused on the holidays and spending time with family and friends. On his daily commute, he expected to buckle in, start his car, and reach his destination just like any other day. He expected his fellow drivers to be attentive, safe, and courteous, just like him. However, his commute would not go as expected. As the Louisiana man drove through an intersection, he was instantly T-boned by a distracted driver who ran a red light. The distracted driver admitted he was looking down at his cell phone when his vehicle sailed right through the red light and collided into the side of our client’s vehicle.
The auto accident injury attorneys at The Button Law Firm teamed up with a Louisiana firm to get justice for this injured man. Together, the attorneys secured recovery as a result of the life-altering car wreck. The recovery provided our client with compensation to cover his medical expenses, therapy, and resources to help him recover from the severe injuries caused by the distracted driver at fault for the accident. It also compensated the man for lost wages since his injuries forced him to step away from his music career.
Effects of a Traumatic Car Wreck
The collision was so severe that his vehicle was deemed a total loss. The impact jolted our client’s body around in the driver’s seat, causing extensive injuries to his chest, back, hips, and ribs. He was treated at the accident scene for chest pain and tenderness to his left shoulder. He was then transported to an urgent care facility, where he was treated for pain to his chest, back, hips, and ribs. His pain persisted following the accident and was aggravated anytime he moved quickly, changed body positions, lifted anything, or deeply inhaled. He suffered from joint pain, stiffness, cramping and difficulty walking. He was diagnosed with an upper body contusion and prescribed pain relievers, steroid injections, and extensive physical therapy.
The effects of the car wreck caused extensive trauma to his upper body, which prevented him from being able to play the clarinet, and thus forced him to step away from his professional music engagements. Further, our client was unable to enjoy his family’s regular long walks and recreational sports. The chronic pain caused tossing and turning in bed at night, which impacted his relationship with his wife. He felt isolated and distant from his family during his recovery. The distracted driver’s decision to look down at his phone for just a few seconds caused a collision that left our client with severe and irreparable injuries.
Distracted Driving is Dangerous and Costly
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration defines risky driving behavior as anything that diverts attention from driving, including talking or texting on your phone, eating, or fiddling with the stereo or navigation system. In 2021, 3,522 people were killed and an estimated additional 362,415 people were injured in motor vehicle traffic crashes involving distracted drivers, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Further, the administration estimated the economic costs of distracted driving reached $98 billion in the United States in 2021. The economic impacts include lost productivity, legal and court costs, medical costs, insurance costs, property damage, and traffic congestion.
Drivers have a duty to operate their vehicles in a safe and prudent manner, and to remain attentive, despite the numerous electronics and other devices that can easily distract eyes from the road. Simply sending or reading a text can divert attention for 5 seconds. “At 55 mph, that’s like driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed,” notes the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In this case, the negligent driver did not exercise his duty to operate his vehicle safely. The Button Law Firm stood up for our client and held the distracted driver accountable.
Advocating for Louisiana Man Injured by Distracted Driver
The Texas auto accident injury attorneys at The Button Law Firm are often called upon to stand up and advocate for those involved in serious auto accidents. In this distracted driver case, The Button Law Firm worked with another firm to obtain a settlement that helped the injured driver recover his medical expenses and gain compensation for his loss of enjoyment of life, pain and suffering, and physical and emotional trauma that resulted from the serious car wreck.
More Helpful Information
To find more comprehensive guidance on navigating the aftermath of a car wreck, explore these articles. They cover essential topics such as dealing with insurance claims, understanding legal procedures, and managing medical concerns, providing helpful tips you may need during this challenging time.
- When Do I Need to Consider Hiring a Lawyer for My Car Wreck Case?
- What is Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Insurance Coverage?
- Dallas Car Wreck Attorney Explains How A Person Can Calculate Loss Wages When Dealing With A Car Wreck
Need Assistance After a Car Wreck? We Can Help.
Car accidents can cause serious injuries and unexpected stress. Dealing with insurance companies, medical costs, and lost time from work compound the strain of being involved in a wreck caused by someone else’s negligence. After years of handling car wreck injury cases, The Button Law Firm created a free guide for what to do after a car wreck. Our free guide provides information on what steps to take immediately following a car wreck, including how insurance companies treat people injured in a car wreck, how an attorney can help with my case, and much more.
If you’ve been injured in an auto accident, contact our knowledgeable Texas auto accident injury attorneys at The Button Law Firm. Our attorneys will listen to you, advocate for you, and help you hold the negligent driver accountable. Let us handle some of the stress that you are facing. Our attorneys at The Button Law Firm are recognized on the prestigious Texas Super Lawyers list, and we can help guide you after a serious car wreck. We work on contingency, meaning we don’t charge you or collect any upfront fees to get started on your case. Call us at 214-699-4409 or fill out a contact form below for a free consultation.
