Car accidents can happen fast, and depending on the severity of the accident, your life can be turned upside down in an instant. Accidents like these can cause injuries to the driver, passengers, and pedestrians, not to mention the additional property damage you will face after the accident. Bills can leave you overwhelmed and dealing with what may feel like an endless pile of medical paperwork. You are not alone. The team at Morris Bart, LLC is here to help. Our dedicated team of Slidell car accident lawyers will evaluate your case and help you understand what your options are for recovering compensation related to the accident. Get help from a Slidell car accident attorney today at (504) 613-4771.
Common Reasons Behind Slidell Car Accidents
There are a variety of reasons why car accidents occur, and in many cases, they happen because of the negligent behavior of one or more drivers. Some of the more common reasons are:
Distracted Driving
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that over 3,000 people were killed by distracted driving in 2017. Distracted driving can include a variety of types of behavior, including talking to passengers, changing the radio station, or eating while driving. Oftentimes, though, the primary culprit in distracted driving accidents are cell phones. It is imperative that drivers devote their full attention to the road. When they do not, they can cause a lot of damage.
Drowsy Driving
Drowsy driving is another dangerous problem. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in 25 drivers reports that they have fallen asleep behind the wheel in the previous 30 days of when their study was conducted.
Reckless Driving
Reckless driving includes a number of types of driving behaviors, such as speeding, weaving in and out of traffic, failing to signal, failing to stop at lights or stop signs, and tailgating. Speeding can be particularly dangerous, as driving at high speeds reduces the time the driver has to react if traffic suddenly stops or if another driver changes lanes. Speeding increases the likelihood of a serious injury or fatality, as well as the amount of property damage an accident can cause.
Driving Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol
In a traffic information overview by the Center for Analytics & Research in Transportation (CARTS) data shows that there were approximately 7,400 alcohol-related crashes in 2019, resulting in 267 fatalities. While the number of alcohol-related accidents did decline from 2018 to 2019, driving under the influence of alcohol and illicit drugs continues to pose a problem, causing serious injuries, death, and property damage.
For a free legal consultation with a Car Accident lawyer serving Slidell, call 800-537-8185
Injuries Caused by Car Accidents
According to CARTS, over 43,000 injury crashes occurred in 2019. Car accidents claimed almost 700 lives and caused over 70,000 injuries. Some possible injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Broken bones
- Internal bleeding
- Herniated discs
- Knee injuries
- Whiplash
- Cuts and lacerations
- Burns
These are just a few of the possible injuries that you or someone you love may have sustained in a car accident. If your accident was caused by someone else’s negligent actions, you may have the right to hold that person responsible for their behavior. Contact the team of Slidell car accident attorneys at Morris Bart, LLC, for a free, no-risk review of your case.
Laws That May Impact Your Claim
There are two laws you should be aware of that could potentially impact your case. One imposes a statute of limitations. According to the Louisiana State Legislature, Civil Code Article 3492, any civil lawsuit where someone pursues damages because of an injury caused by someone else’s negligence, the victim must file their lawsuit within one year. In other words, Louisiana sets a deadline of one year from the date of your accident to pursue legal action for your injuries. Another law you should be aware of concerns comparative fault. Under Louisiana State Legislature, Civil Code Section 2323, if you are found to be partially responsible for causing the accident, any damages that you are awarded will be reduced by the degree to which you were at fault. For example, if you are awarded $50,000 for your accident, and you are found to be 10% to blame, your damages will be reduced by $5,000.
Click to contact our Slidell Personal Injury Lawyers today
Recoverable Damages After a Slidell Car Accident
While every accident is different, some damages that victims are able to recover in car accident cases include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Future wages if you are unable to return to work
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
If the car accident was fatal and you lost a loved one, your family may be entitled to specific damages, including:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of benefits and wages that were previously provided by the deceased
- Loss of consortium
- Any remaining medical expenses that were left to the family
- Pain and suffering
A Slidell car accident lawyer may also be able to pursue other forms of damage, depending on the details of your case.
How a Slidell Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
A Slidell car accident attorney can help you by:
- Answering your questions and providing you with legal guidance from start to finish
- Handling the process of filing your claim
- Investigating your accident to determine liability
- Gathering evidence like video surveillance, police reports, and medical records
- Interviewing witnesses who can offer testimony about the events that led up to the accident
- Negotiating with insurance companies to pursue compensation to the fullest extent of your injuries
- Taking your case to court if we cannot reach an agreeable settlement
Our team of Slidell car accident attorneys is here to take the burden off your shoulders so you can focus on healing from your injuries. We also work on a contingency fee basis. So, if we are not successful in your case, you owe us nothing for our time. To speak with a Slidell car accident lawyer from our team and get a free review of your case, contact us today at (504) 613-4771.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
