According to the LSU Center for Analytics & Research in Transportation, in 2019 there were approximately 44,600 injury crashes in the state, resulting in about 72,500 injuries. If you have suffered injuries in a car accident that was not your fault, you have the right to seek compensation for your medical bills, reduction in quality of life, pain and suffering, and lost wages through a personal injury lawsuit.
Sometimes, proving that a driver was at fault for your injuries is a relatively easy process. The police report from the scene may clearly suggest whose actions led to the collision. Other times, though, the fault may not be as clear cut, and you may have a harder time proving a personal injury claim.
This is where a Destrehan car accident lawyer may assist you. The Morris Bart law firm can work to discover and present the facts in the case, showing that you could have avoided injury had the other driver behaved in a safe manner. Call us at (504) 613-4771 for a complimentary case review.
Mistakes Behind the Wheel
Most drivers likely do not intend to cause collisions, yet various mistakes behind the wheel can lead to dangerous situations on the road. There are numerous actions that could lead a driver to make a mistake and end up causing a serious car accident. These actions may be intentionally reckless, such as speeding or driving while intoxicated. Other times, a driver may become distracted, inhibiting his or her ability to spot and avoid dangers in the road.
Drunk Driving
When a driver drinks alcohol or takes drugs before driving, he or she places others on the roadways in significant danger. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 3,046 people died in drunk driving accidents in Louisiana between 2003 and 2012.
When someone with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher gets behind the wheel, he or she is illegally operating the vehicle, according to state law in Louisiana. Those who have alcohol in their bloodstream when driving have a loss of inhibition and delayed reaction time, which impair the ability to operate a vehicle safely.
Distracted Driving
A distracted driver is one who is either visually, cognitively, or manually distracted from the road. Distraction can occur from using a smartphone, performing personal grooming, eating, or any other task behind the wheel that takes attention away from the road.
A distracted driver sometimes cannot respond to dangers on the road quickly enough to avoid a crash. According to the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, the state saw an average of 48 deaths in motor vehicle crashes annually over a five-year period because of distracted driving.
Speeding
When a driver violates speed limit laws, it becomes a dangerous situation for others on the road. State speed limit laws are in place for a reason, taking into account the condition of the roads and the amount of traffic the roads will handle. Drivers also may need to drive at a lower speed when the weather is poor, roads are more congested, or construction equipment is present.
Speeding makes it difficult for a driver to adjust to changing conditions on the road or stop in time to avoid hitting another vehicle or pedestrian. This type of reckless behavior can also make collisions more devastating, as speed plays an important role in the force of impact.
For a free legal consultation with a Car Accident lawyer serving Destrehan, call 800-537-8185
Filing a Personal Injury Claim After a Collision
When you are ready to file a personal injury claim, there are a few steps you will need to take to prepare. First, you will need to collect certain evidence to build your case against the driver you believe was at fault. These items are what you will present to the insurance company or judge to prove that the driver’s negligence led to your injuries.
Then, you will want to gather any documents regarding your injuries and losses, including relevant receipts and medical records. This will help you assign a monetary value to your case so you can seek fair compensation.
Seeking a Fair Settlement
It can be difficult to know what a fair settlement for your injuries, pain, and suffering would look like when you do not deal with car accident injury situations on a regular basis.
This is just one area in which a Destrehan car accident lawyer may be able to offer help. The Morris Bart law firm team can help you evaluate your injuries and losses and estimate what your future expenses will be for any ongoing treatment and missed time at work.
If you are unable to reach a fair settlement based on this determined value, your attorney can help you take the case to court. Contact us at (504) 613-4771 for a free consultation today.
Destrehan Car Accident Lawyer Near Me 800-537-8185
Hiring an Attorney Can Help
When you are already struggling to recover from your injuries and to deal with missing work, you may feel as though you do not have the resources to pursue the compensation you deserve. However, a Destrehan car accident lawyer may be able to take some responsibility off your plate and handle the case on your behalf.
While your attorney handles many of the day-to-day aspects of filing a lawsuit for your collision-related injuries, you can focus on your family and your recovery. At the Morris Bart law firm, our team understands the devastating effects a car accident can have on families.
We take pride in defending the rights of victims of negligent drivers and helping them fight for the compensation they deserve for pain and suffering. For a free case review, call us at (504) 613-4771 today.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.