We all love the capabilities our mobile devices offer us on a day to day basis. The ability to make phone calls from anywhere, send quick and easy text messages, or keep in touch with friends and family via social media is wonderful. However, this hasn’t come without unintended consequences. One of these has been named “distracted driving.” More and more people are using their mobile devices while driving, causing a significant increase in traffic accidents and fatalities. This can be directly traced to things like text messaging and app use. Recent national statistics are scary, to say the least:

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:

  • The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that in 2014, 18 percent of injury crashes, and 16 percent of all police-reported motor vehicle traffic crashes were reported as distraction-affected crashes.
  • In 2014, there were 3,179 people killed and an estimated additional 431,000 people wounded in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers.
  • At any given daylight moment across America, approximately 660,000 drivers are using cell phones or manipulating electronic devices while driving, a number that has held steady since 2010.
  • Ten percent of drivers aged 15 to 19 who were involved in fatal automobile accidents were reported as distracted at the time of the crashes.
  • In 2014, there were 520 non-occupants killed in distraction-affected crashes.

These stats are alarming. But there are even more interesting ways to look at statistics to illustrate the problem.

  • 9 – Americans are killed every day from a motor vehicle accident involving distracted driving
  • 25% – Probability that a crash involved a cell phone
  • 4x – How much using a cell phone increases the risk of an accident
  • 33% – The percentage of U.S. drivers ages 18 to 64 who reported reading or writing text messages while driving in the previous month. In comparison, only 15 percent of drivers from Spain reported texting while driving in the same period.

To read and send a basic text message, the smallest amount of time required with your eyes off the road is 5 seconds. To put that in perspective, when traveling at 55 mph you travel the length of an entire football field in 5 seconds!

It’s important that as we grow as a society, and mobile devices become a bigger part of our lives, that we learn how to use them safely. One important habit is to put them away while driving.

In the event of a car accident, it is crucial to know the right steps to take, especially when it comes to dealing with insurance companies. This guide on talking to insurance companies post-accident can provide valuable information on how to navigate these often tricky conversations.

Additionally, understanding the specific laws and regulations in Louisiana regarding car accidents is essential. You can learn more about Louisiana car accidents and the process of insurance claims on our website. For those involved in accidents during Mardi Gras, we have a dedicated Mardi Gras accident attorney to assist you. And if you’re a cyclist, make sure to familiarize yourself with Louisiana’s bicycle laws to stay safe on the road.

Louisiana is doing their part in helping keep drivers safe. Currently, there is a statewide ban on the use of wireless devices for writing, sending, or reading text-based communications while driving, regardless of age. In Louisiana, new drivers with “learner’s” or “intermediate” licenses cannot use cell phones while driving. The maximum penalty for new drivers who violate the cell phone law is $175. Also know that if you’re driving through a school zone during posted hours, it is against the law to use your cell phone or other mobile devices for any reason.

In 2003, after being dissatisfied with the quality of legal care for victims of car accidents, Roderick ‘Rico’ Alvendia sought to establish a new firm focused on providing high-quality legal services to aid injured victims and their families. J. Bart Kelly, sharing Rico’s passion for upholding justice, joined the firm later that year, and established a partnership.

  • They helped me with every need possible. The back issues I had could have been much worse if they didn’t step in and help me. Bart, Megan, and all the people that work for this legal team are amazing. I would recommend them to anyone. Thank you all for helping me each step of the way. I can’t thank these people enough.

    - T. Gibson-Warren

  • I want to thank the whole team for all your help and persistence with my settlement. I truly appreciate.

    - A. Alfortish

  • Great experiences every time I need you guys. I always recommend your firm.

    - W. Young

  • Bart and his team were wonderful to work with. It was clear that their vision and determination to fight for our case, is why we were able to reach a settlement, where my previous attorney was not.

    - C. Perez

  • Bart Kelly and his legal team reevaluated my case after another attorney backed away from a legal challenge, I just want to say Thank You to mr kelly and his team for the hard work and dedication to my case to make it successful . Thank You

    - N. Gex

  • Attorney Kelly is an impeccable attorney. He has represented me extremely well. I was very, very, very pleased with the outcome of my settlement. He’s highly recommended … to give assistance to anyone. I thank him for his services and I’m super elated over the way he handled the case. He is a phenomenal lawyer.

    - S. Spears

  • I’ve learned the importance of having good coverage insurance, thanks to Mr. Kelly explaining everything to me. We do not hope or wait for accidents, but rest assured that I will call Mr. Kelly again if I need his services. Thank you.

    - Ann Zimmer

  • Being represented by Mr. Kelly and his legal team was a very awesome experience. They were very patient and they worked really hard in resolving my case. I would most definitely refer them to all my friends and associates. Thank you very much.

    - Nathaniel Bonney

  • I am very grateful for Mr. Bart’s assistance. He was very professional and fair. I never felt like a client with him. I always felt like a close friend. Also, I would like to thank everyone in the office for being friendly, kind, and for helping me.

    - Glac Mantuso

  • Just want to say thanks a lot because I received way more than I expected. You guys did a wonderful job of getting the max for myself and my family. Everyone I met or spoke to on the phone was really professional and nice. Once again, thanks a lot.

    - Jessica Quinn

  • J. Bart Kelly is the best attorney I have ever met. He is intelligent, caring, understanding, and knows how to protect his clients. I love his strong take-charge attitude to fight for what is right.

    - Teri Haas

  • My lawyer took the time to explain everything in a clear and concise manner. I’ve been treated fairly and with the utmost respect. I am very appreciative of all of the staff at AKD for their services.

    - James Barber

  • I am grateful for the way that my case was handled. Thanks.

    - Darryl Hill

  • Thanks to Bart and Meg. Fantastic group of people and team. Love you guys.

    - Claudine Hope

  • I was involved in a terrible accident and had a lot of serious injuries. I was so happy that Bart (and his team, including his nurse paralegal) was my attorney. The results were much more than expected as far as the settlement. Thanks.

    - Karen Bourgeois

  • I received exceptional service from the law office of Bart Kelly. He is a great attorney who cares about what you are going through, and I am very pleased with the outcome.

    - Melissa Sanchez

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