While you often hear about accidents caused by speeding or texting and driving, these are not the only types of negligent behaviors that lead to car accidents. A motorist is responsible for maintaining their vehicle. If they fail to do so, or if the maintenance technician does not complete the maintenance properly, it increases the likelihood of a crash with another driver, bicyclist, or pedestrian.
If you are hurt and in pain because of an accident caused by another motorist’s choice to neglect their vehicle maintenance or because the maintenance they did have completed was faulty, you have the right to hold all negligent parties responsible for your personal injuries. A Lafayette faulty or neglected vehicle maintenance lawyer can help you investigate your accident and determine the ultimate cause of the collision.
The legal team at our law firm works on many cases like these. They understand the types of evidence to look for and have the resources to call in accident reconstruction experts, if necessary, to determine liability for your car accident.
You will also not be required to pay out-of-pocket for their help. Our legal team works on a contingency fee basis only, which means we are only paid if we succeed with your case. For a free, no-obligation case review, contact the Morris Bart law firm today at (337) 446-4571.
Types of Preventable Vehicle Hazards
Car and truck accidents can often be prevented with routine vehicle maintenance. Here are some examples of common maintenance problems that lead to accidents:
- Tire problems: According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), when the crash was attributed to vehicle problems, tire problems accounted for about 35% of crashes. Tire problems can include blowouts or worn tire threads that make it hard for the driver to maintain control.
- Brake problems: Brake-related problems accounted for about 22% of the crashes. These could be caused by worn or faulty brake lines, Anti-Lock Brake System malfunctions, or brake pads that are worn out and in need of replacement.
- Steering, suspension, and engine-related problems: These only accounted for 3% of crashes when the collision was related to a vehicle problem. In some cases, it may be obvious that a loss of steering or suspension malfunction made it impossible for the driver to control the car, while in other cases, it can be harder to recognize.
In the case of faulty or neglected maintenance, the accidents caused often could have been prevented if the motorist properly maintained their vehicle or if the technician did their job properly. Anytime someone’s negligence causes you harm, you may have the right to hold the negligent parties responsible for your losses. A Lafayette faulty or neglected vehicle maintenance lawyer can help you build a strong case to pursue compensation to the fullest extent of your injuries. For a free case review, contact the Morris Bart law firm today at (337) 446-4571.
For a free legal consultation with a Faulty or Neglected Vehicle Maintenance Accident lawyer serving Lafayette, call 800-537-8185
How the Negligence Laws Could Impact Your Case in Lafayette
Every state has its own set of negligence laws that dictate how cases will be handled when multiple parties are responsible for causing an accident. Louisiana follows a pure comparative fault negligence system. That means that victims can recover damages for their losses regardless of how responsible they were for causing the accident. However, any compensation they are awarded will be reduced by the degree to which they were at fault. In other words, if you are 10% responsible, you can recover only 90% of the total compensation awarded.
While it may be reassuring to know that you can recover damages no matter how liable you are in the collision, it is also important to understand that many lawyers use comparative negligence as a defense tactic. They may try to claim that you are more responsible for an accident than you really are to reduce their liability. A lawyer with experience going up against big insurance companies and arguing these cases can help defend you against underhanded tactics like these.
Louisiana Statute of Limitations Limits Your Time to Pursue Compensation
Just as every state has a set of negligence laws, every state also has a statute of limitations, which imposes limits on how long plaintiffs have to pursue damages after any kind of personal injury accident. While many states give accident victims years to decide whether they want to pursue damages, the state of Louisiana is different. According to Louisiana Civil Code Article 3492, plaintiffs have one year from the date of their accident to file a claim pursuing compensation. If they fail to do so, they are typically barred from recovering any compensation.
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Possible Types of Recoverable Damages that May Be Awarded in Injury Accidents
There are many types of damages that victims can recover after an accident. Ultimately, the types of damages are dependent on the details of the case, such as the severity of the victim’s injuries and impact on their future quality of life. Some common types of recoverable damages include:
- Ambulance rides
- Hospital stays
- Medication
- Surgical procedures
- Doctor’s examinations
- Pain and suffering
- Occupational or physical therapy
- Emotional distress
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Lost wages
- Future wages if your earning potential was lost or diminished
Learn More about How a Faulty or Neglected Vehicle Maintenance Attorney Can Help You Today
You do not have to go through this alone; a Lafayette faulty or neglected vehicle maintenance lawyer can help by:
- Investigating your case, including working with accident scene reconstruction experts if necessary.
- Gathering evidence like police reports and traffic camera footage.
- Communicating with all parties on your behalf.
- Gathering bills, receipts, and medical records and consulting with the doctors to determine the full impact your injuries will have on your future quality of life.
- Calculating the full value of your case.
- Negotiating with insurance companies to pursue a fair settlement for your injuries.
- Fighting for your rights at trial if an agreeable settlement cannot be reached.
For a free, no-risk review of your case or to have our team get to work right away, contact the Morris Bart law firm today at (337) 446-4571.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
