If another driver failed to yield when you had the right of way, causing an accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering. If you wish to take legal action against the negligent party, a Shreveport failure to yield accident lawyer at the Morris Bart law firm may be able to represent your case and fight for justice.
Over the years, our attorneys have seen how costly these accidents can be—financially, mentally, and physically. Every driver owes other road users a duty of care, which involves understanding and following the rules of the road. Failure to do so can amount to negligence under Louisiana law. Victims of these accidents have the right to hold the negligent parties legally responsible for the losses and injuries they suffer as a result.
Our attorneys at the Morris Bart law firm can review your and help you understand your legal options. To get started with your free consultation, contact a representative at the Morris Bart law firm today at (318) 553-5470.
Louisiana Laws on Yielding at Intersections
Like most states, Louisiana has laws regarding the right of way, which may help determine liability in your case. According to Louisiana Revised Statutes (RS) §32:123, drivers have to stop at any clearly marked stop lines near crosswalks unless otherwise directed by law enforcement officials or traffic signs.
Once drivers have stopped, they must yield to pedestrians and vehicles with the right of way before continuing. The right of way may include vehicles approaching from a particular direction or vehicles that are close enough to cause harm. For example, when stopped at a four-way stop intersection, the first vehicle to reach the intersection has the right to proceed first. If multiple vehicles reach the intersection at the same time, drivers on the right have the right of way over drivers on the left.
Failure to follow these laws can place the offender at fault for any ensuing accident. According to data from the Insurance Information Institute (III), failure to yield was responsible for 7% of all fatal traffic accidents in 2018, resulting in 3,579 deaths. A similar offense involving the failure to obey traffic signs and signals was responsible for 4% of accident fatalities.
For a free legal consultation with a Failure to Yield Accident lawyer serving Shreveport, call 800-537-8185
Understanding the Different Types of Recoverable Damages in a Failure to Yield Case
If another driver is liable for your accident, you may be able to secure compensation for your economic and non-economic hardships. These forms of compensation are known as damages, and they are designed to address several aspects of your suffering, including mental anguish, physical pain, and financial losses. Examples of recoverable damages can include, but may not be limited to:
- Medical costs for emergency medical treatment, medications, and surgeries.
- Lost wages, including lost income during your recovery and reduced earning capacity in the future.
- Property damage.
- Losses related to permanent disabilities.
- Loss of companionship and relationships with loved ones, otherwise known as loss of consortium.
- Mental anguish, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other forms of psychological suffering.
Determining Your Case Value After a Failure to Yield Accident
When estimating the value of your case, you should know that Louisiana practices the concept of comparative fault. As such, if you were partially to blame for your accident, you may still be eligible for compensation.
However, your settlement may diminish based on the amount of liability you displayed, Louisiana Civil Code (CC) §2323 outlines. This concept converts your liability into a percentage, which the courts will then apply to your damages.
How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help
At the Morris Bart law firm, our attorneys can work to document your damages, which will allow us to assign a value to your overall pain and suffering. Additionally, we can investigate your accident and attempt to prove liability, providing further evidence that may affect the outcome of your settlement. Overall, calculating your damages may involve a variety of methods, including:
- Calling upon expert testimony from mechanics, economists, medical professionals, and accident reconstruction experts.
- Reviewing relevant state laws and guidelines related to your damages.
- Cataloging your economic losses related to medical expenses, lost wages, repair costs, disability accommodations, and rehabilitation programs.
- Gathering victim impact statements.
To learn more about the services of a Shreveport failure to yield accident lawyer from the Morris Bart law firm, contact our office today. You can reach us at (318) 553-5470 to receive your free consultation with a team member.
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Shreveport Injury Lawyers Fighting for You and Your Family
The Morris Bart law firm has 15 offices across four states. If you retain a Shreveport failure to yield accident lawyer from our firm, our attorneys can assist you in a variety of ways. Our services include settlement negotiations, handling communication with insurance companies, and, if necessary, representing your case at trial.
To better serve your case, our attorneys will also keep you updated on any relevant laws that may interfere with your proceedings. For example, there is a one-year statute of limitations on personal injury claims in Shreveport as detailed under CC §3492, starting on the day your injuries occurred. If you wait too long to file a lawsuit, the court may dismiss your case.
For more information about how the Morris Bart law firm can fight for your right to compensation, contact a representative today at (318) 553-5470.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
