If you or a loved one was injured or killed in a car accident, the ramifications of that collision can be felt for years. The team at Morris Bart, LLC is here to help you hold the negligent party responsible. We have worked on many cases like yours and are proud of the results we achieved in those cases. We also work on a contingency basis, which means that if we are not successful in your case, we do not get paid. To find out what options you have for recovering damages or to receive a free review of your car accident case by a Kenner car accident lawyer, contact us today at (800) 537-8185.
Common Reasons Why Car Accidents Occur
While there are situations where accidents are unavoidable, in the majority of cases, they were the result of negligence on behalf of one or even multiple drivers. Some of the common behaviors that cause accidents include:
- Distracted driving: Distracted driving is a major problem across Louisiana and the United States as a whole. Texting and driving, in particular, is a major cause for concern, as it requires drivers to take their eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, and focus off their driving. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that distracted driving, such as texting and driving for just five seconds at 55 miles per hour is enough time to cover a football field.
- Speeding: Drivers who speed reduce the amount of time that they have to react if traffic suddenly stops or changes speed. High speeds also increase the likelihood of a serious injury or fatality, not to mention the extent of property damage.
- Driving under the influence: Drivers who operate a car under the influence of drugs or alcohol cannot react as quickly to avoid a collision. The LSU’s Center for Analytics & Research in Transportation 2019 traffic information overview reports that there were approximately 7,400 alcohol-related crashes, with 267 fatalities.
- Reckless driving: Reckless driving includes a number of behaviors, such as weaving in and out of traffic, failing to signal, failing to yield, disregarding traffic signs and signals, or tailgating. The majority of these behaviors are considered aggressive and are often causes by increases in traffic congestion and drivers who are running behind and in a hurry to reach their destinations.
For a free legal consultation with a Car Accident lawyer serving Kenner, call 800-537-8185
Injuries Frequently Caused By Car Accidents
The Center for Analytics & Research in Transportation reports that in 2019, there were over 43,000 injury crashes in the state of Louisiana, resulting in over 70,000 injuries and nearly 700 fatalities. Some of the most common injuries include:
Whiplash
This type of injury is common in car accidents, especially when a driver is rear-ended by another car. Whiplash occurs when the neck moves back and forth rapidly. While it should be treated, it is usually not considered a serious injury. That said, it is important to be seen by a medical professional to ensure you have not sustained any other injuries, such as damaged tissue or fractured bones.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
Because of the force involved in a car accident, injuries to the head are also common. Head trauma can be mild, only causing the victim to suffer from a mild and short-term headache, or it can be severe, resulting in memory loss or even the loss of cognitive function.
Internal Bleeding
Depending on the location and severity of the bleed, this injury can be extremely dangerous, as patients may not even realize they are bleeding. The symptoms can vary with the location of the bleed; however, some of the symptoms include dizziness or fainting, headaches, pain, and seizures.
Back Injuries
Because of the force created during the impact of a collision, back injuries are common. Unfortunately, depending on the severity of the injury, they can result in lifelong complications. Every section of the spinal cord and vertebrae is surrounded by ligaments, nerves, muscles, and tendons, which can cause varying degrees of pain and be mild or completely debilitating. A severe injury to the back can even result in paralysis.
Broken Bones
Whether or not a broken bone is serious depends on the nature of the break, itself, such as whether the bone has broken through the skin or if it is broken in multiple places. Regardless of the severity, broken bones are always painful and require surgery as well as extended periods of time to heal.
Laws that May Impact Your Claim
There are some laws that may impact your claim. According to the Louisiana statute of limitations, Louisiana Civil Code Article 3492, you must file a personal injury lawsuit pursuing damages within one year of the date of the accident. This is a shorter period than is offered by most states and means you must act quickly after your accident if you want to pursue compensation for your injuries. You should also be aware that Louisiana is a comparative fault state. That means if you are found partially at fault for the accident, the amount you are rewarded will be reduced by the degree to which you were at fault. For example, if you were 10% at fault in an accident and were awarded $50,000 for your injuries, your compensation would be reduced by $5,000.
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Damages You May Recover After a Kenner Car Accident
Some of the damages that victims can recover in car accident cases include:
- Medical expenses
- Wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Out-of-pocket costs
Families who have lost a loved one may be entitled to:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of consortium
- Wages and benefits previously provided by the deceased
Call (800) 537-8185 to Speak With a Kenner Car Accident Lawyer
If you are ready to discuss your car accident case, call Morris Bart, LLC now at (800) 537-8185 for a free consultation with a Kenner car accident lawyer from our team.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
