According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), intersections are among the most common places for car accidents to happen. Turning left at an intersection can result in what is commonly known as a “T-bone” accident, which occurs when a car collides directly with the side of another vehicle.
At the Morris Bart law firm, we understand the severity of these collisions. If you or a loved one was injured in this type of crash, a New Orleans left-turn accident lawyer can help you pursue the cost of your economic and non-economic expenses. This could include medical bills, lost wages, and expenses related to pain and suffering. You do not have a long time to act under Louisiana’s statute of limitations, as Louisiana Civil Code (CC) §3492 only gives you one year from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. If you do not act within this period, you will jeopardize your right to pursue compensation.
To get started with a free case review, call the Morris Bart law firm at (504) 613-4771.
Injuries from an Auto Accident
Regardless of the type of injury you sustained in a left-turn accident, the team at the Morris Bart law firm wants to hear from you. The severity of your injuries will be used later on to establish the damages portion of your case, which we will discuss later on.
Some of the injuries you may have suffered in a left-turn accident include:
Spinal Cord Injuries
The force of the impact may have left you with impairments that limit your mobility. An injury to the spinal cord can range from slipped discs to life-threatening fractures. If a spinal cord injury has placed limitations on your free range of motion, you may be able to recover the cost of assistive devices, in-home care, and disability through a civil action.
Broken Bones and Fractures
The collision could have caused your body to hit the steering wheel or side door. This force could have caused you to break or fracture various bones in your body, especially if you are of advanced age. Successful compensation in your case may be able to recover expenses related to corrective procedures and physical therapy.
Internal Bleeding
Safety belts can be efficient in preventing deaths during accidents. Still, the impact of hitting straps with force can lead to the bursting of capillaries in the lungs and stomach, causing internal bleeding. If this happens in your situation, keeping all documents relating to your medical care can prove useful in proving your losses.
For a free legal consultation with a Left-Turn Accident lawyer serving New Orleans, call 800-537-8185
Determining Fault in a Left-Turn Accident
Your New Orleans left-turn accident lawyer can examine evidence from the collision to determine who is responsible for your losses. This can include reviewing traffic surveillance footage, examining photos from the scene, and speaking with eyewitnesses.
One of the most important pieces of evidence your lawyer will review is the police report filed at the scene of the crash. Due to how helpful reports can be as evidence, we always recommend ensuring one is filed after an accident.
Under Louisiana Revised Statutes (RS) Title 32 §398, you are legally required to file a police report if:
- The accident resulted in injuries
- The collision caused any deaths
- Property damage exceeds $500
If you did not file a police report, you have 24 hours to report the incident to the Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections. Depending on the details of your situation, you may not have taken either of these measures. A New Orleans left-turn accident lawyer can listen to the details of your situation and determine what appropriate course of action suits your case.
The Four Elements of Negligence
After your lawyer has collected and reviewed the evidence in your case, they will need to demonstrate that negligence played a role in causing your injuries. For your case to be successful, your legal team will need to establish that because of the at-fault motorist’s actions, they caused a collision that resulted in your financial losses.
Your personal injury lawyer must prove:
- Duty of care. The at-fault driver had a duty of care to take actions that would reasonably not harm other people.
- Breach of duty of care. The at-fault driver, for whatever reason, breached this duty of care.
- Causation. Because of the liable party’s actions, they caused a collision with your vehicle.
- Damages. As a result, you suffered injuries and financial losses that have impacted your quality of life.
From here, your New Orleans left-turn accident lawyer can start the process of pursuing compensation for your damages. This could involve negotiating with the involved insurance companies or taking your case before a judge. How your case unfolds will rest on the specifics of your situation.
To learn about your legal options through a free case review, call the Morris Bart law firm at (504) 613-4771.
Compensation in a Left-Turn Accident
Following the collision, your losses will be divided into two categories: economic and non-economic damages.
The economic damages portion of your expenses pertains to items that have a tangible value. For example, a medical bill would be economic damage because the cost can be verified.
Other examples of economic damages include:
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Property damage
- Childcare costs
- The cost of rehabilitative treatment, such as mental health counseling or physical therapy
Noneconomic damages relate more to the psychological trauma of the incident. The more severe your injuries, the more you can expect to pursue these types of losses. The state of Louisiana does place certain caps on the amount of non-economic damages you can receive based on the details of your situation. For example, under RS §40:1299.41, if you were struck by a government vehicle, you can only receive up to $500,000 for pain and suffering.
Some additional examples of non-economic damages include:
- Loss of consortium
- Psychological stress
- Loss of parental guidance and household support
- Disfigurement
- Dismemberment
You may be able to pursue additional damages to the ones we have listed here.
Click to contact our New Orleans Car Accident Attorney today
Contact the Morris Bart Injury and Accident Lawyers Today
You may have been in a car accident and want to pursue financial recovery but do not know where to begin. After receiving medical attention for your injuries, you should consider working with a New Orleans car accident lawyer to help you understand your rights and seek compensation for your damages. When you work with the Morris Bart law firm, you can rest assured that we have your best interests in mind.
To get started at no cost or obligation, call (504) 613-4771.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
