What Are The Most Common Causes Of Auto Accidents In New Orleans?

Disregarding red signal lights and stop signs is the most common cause of auto accidents. Of course, speeding increases the likelihood and severity of accidents. Driving under the influence of alcohol is often a common factor in serious and/or fatal accidents. Inattention due to texting, using a cell phone, and adjusting the radio dials and other controls often contribute to collisions. Failure to yield, particularly to pedestrians and bicyclists, is a common cause of accidents. Many automobile accidents happen in parking lots and off roadway surfaces where people are distracted in their efforts to get in and out of parking spaces. Often the drivers are not paying proper attention to their surroundings as they back up and speed through parking areas. Drivers should always drive defensively and not assume that just because they have a green signal light that their path through the intersection is clear.

What Are Common Injuries You See As A Result Of Auto Wrecks In New Orleans?

Spinal cord injuries and concussions are the most common injuries in automobile accidents. Even with seatbelts and airbags, vehicle collisions often result in injury to the neck and upper back. Often, concussions can occur as a result of the whipping action caused by the impact. Injuries to the neck and back can be mild and temporary in nature, particularly if they only affect muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Injuries such as these often resolve over the course of weeks or months with the speed of recovery assisted by medical attention such as therapy, medications, and other helpful modalities. Unfortunately, injuries to the spinal column can be more serious, involving bulging and/or herniated discs, which can impinge on the nerves in the spinal column, causing severe pain and numbness and/or tingling sensations to the upper or lower extremities. Injuries such as these can be very serious and have long-term consequences. They should be evaluated by competent medical professionals and proper diagnostic testing should be performed to determine the extent of the injuries and whether or not surgical intervention is required. Head injuries can be potentially serious and concussions should be closely monitored to rule out Mild Traumatic Brain Injury, which can cause many problems, including but not limited to, memory deficits, headaches, forgetfulness, lack of impulse control and other problems. Internal injuries and fractures can also occur as a result of automobile accidents and it is very important when evaluating cases to make sure that the injured party is referred to the appropriate specialist that can best diagnose and treat the injuries.

What Are The Negligence Laws In Louisiana Surrounding Car Accidents And Personal Injury Law?

The at-fault party is required to pay all damages caused by the accident including property damage, medical bills, loss of income, physical & mental pain, and suffering, disability and impairment. In Louisiana, the person at fault for causing damage or injury is liable to compensate the injured party for all damages sustained by the injured party. For example, in a collision between two vehicles, the offending vehicle will be responsible for paying for the property damage to the victim’s vehicle including damage to the contents of the vehicle, the clothing of the occupants, or any property that was damaged or destroyed in the accident. Sometimes the repair cost of the vehicle exceeds the actual value of the vehicle. In that event, the insurer has the option of paying the lesser of the two figures and usually opts to declare the vehicle a total loss, take title to the vehicle, and pay the value of the vehicle rather than pay for the repair of the vehicle. With respect to ambulance, hospital, and other medical bills incurred by the victim, the at-fault driver will be required to pay all medical bills arising out of the accident. Further, the law allows the victim to recover for physical and mental past present and future pain and suffering that results from an injury caused by the negligence of the other driver. Also recoverable is loss of income as a result of the accident and if the injuries are permanent, loss of earning capacity in the future as a result of the accident. In short, the negligent driver who causes injury to another is responsible for all damages occasioned by his fault.

For more information on Auto Accidents In The State Of Louisiana, a free legal evaluation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (504) 332-8188 today.