If an elderly driver caused your Shreveport, LA, traffic accident, you may need compensation to cover your related losses. A Shreveport elderly driver lawyer helps qualifying accident victims seek financial recovery based on evidence that shows the senior driver was negligent and, therefore, liable for their accident and personal injuries.
You can speak to a member of the Morris Bart law firm about your case today by calling (318) 553-5470 for a free consultation.
Common Causes of Elderly Driving Accidents
Elderly drivers may have a slowed reaction time, low vision, and other factors that increase their risk of causing a traffic accident. Many states have special rules in place to identify seniors who can no longer safely drive. Louisiana, for example, requires drivers over 70 years old to apply in person when they renew their driver’s license according to AAA.
However, there is no mandatory reporting of medical conditions in Louisiana, and there is always the chance that an elderly driver caused an accident because of a careless mistake, not their age or medical condition. Many of these elderly driving accidents occur in the same manner that other drivers cause collisions, such as:
- Following too closely
- Failure to yield when turning
- Improper or unsafe lane changes
- Unsafe passing
- Failure to obey traffic signals
- Distracted, intoxicated, or fatigued driving
- Other negligent behaviors
If you are an older adult, it can affect the severity of your injuries, as well. Louisiana courts have upheld the eggshell plaintiff rule, including in a 2016 decision by the United District Court Eastern District of Louisiana. This rule allows victims to recover compensation for injuries even if they were existing injuries exacerbated by the car accident. It is possible that your preexisting conditions made you more susceptible to these injuries. However, this doctrine allows you to hold the at-fault motorist responsible even so.
To learn more about how any of these factors affect your traffic accident claim, contact our law office today.
For a free legal consultation with a Elderly Driver Accident lawyer serving Shreveport, call (318) 553-5470
Our Law Office Represents Injured Victims of Accidents Caused by Elderly Drivers
A Shreveport elderly driver lawyer may be able to represent you and your best interests in a case based on a crash in Caddo or Bossier Parish. If we believe, based on the evidence and facts of your accident, that we can help you recover an award for the injuries you suffered, we may offer to take on your case based on a contingent fee. This means that our attorney’s fees come from the financial award we recover in your case and never out of your pocket.
Our car accident attorneys know the types of evidence needed to prove your case and determine exactly what led to your collision and who caused it. In addition to analyzing evidence, including the crash report filed by law enforcement and other physical items, we often partner with accident reconstruction specialists, medical experts, and others who can help us thoroughly document your case.
At the Morris Bart law firm, we have the necessary resources to dedicate to your case and build a strong argument to support financial recovery. To learn more, call (318) 553-5470 today to speak with a member of our legal team about the unique details of your car accident and injuries.
Pursuing Compensation After an Accident Caused by a Senior Driver
While Louisiana laws allow car accident victims to pursue personal injury lawsuits to seek compensation for the damages they incurred, these cases often reach a fair settlement without going in front of a judge and jury. This may save you time and money, if the insurance company will respond to the evidence we present them and offer a fair settlement agreement based on your recoverable damages.
Recoverable damages after a car accident in Shreveport may include:
- Current and future injury treatment and related costs
- Current and future lost income and benefits
- Reduced earning capacity
- Property damages, such as vehicle repairs
- Pain and suffering
- Other non-economic damages
We can also seek wrongful death damages in car accidents that take the life of one or more of the victims. If you lost a parent, child, or spouse in an accident caused by a senior driver, we may be able to help you and other members of your family.
Click to contact our Shreveport Car Accident Attorney today
Louisiana Law Limits Your Time to File a Civil Suit Against the At-Fault Party
Under Louisiana Civil Code (CC) §3492, those injured in a Louisiana car accident have up to one year to determine if they must take legal action and take steps to begin a personal injury lawsuit. This is a strict deadline that applies in most personal injury cases in the state, and victims lose the right to file a claim in civil court once this date passes. It is best to contact a member of our law firm well in advance of this date to ensure we have time to build a case and navigate the process fully before time expires.
The deadline may vary in some specific circumstances, including:
- If the defendant was working for a government agency at the time of the collision
- If the plaintiff was a child
- If the plaintiff was mentally incapacitated before or by the accident
A member of our legal team will determine the likely deadline in your case during your initial consultation.
Learn How an Elderly Driver Accident Attorney Can Help You During a Free Consultation Today
A Shreveport elderly driver lawyer can help you pursue compensation if there is evidence to show the elderly driver who hit you was at-fault in your accident. You can reach a member of our law office in Shreveport now by calling (318) 553-5470.
The Morris Bart law firm has 15 offices and serves all of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Arkansas. If you suffered injuries in an elderly driving accident in our service area, we will discuss your accident and injuries with you at no cost.
Questions?Call (318) 553-5470
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
