Shreveport Car Accident Attorney
Car accidents may range from simple fender-benders to totaled cars and severe injuries, but regardless of severity, they can all bring financial troubles and legal complications. Moreover, if the injured party’s vehicle is damaged to the extent that it is no longer driveable, lost wages and costs of alternate transportation can be an additional burden. For those struggling with the aftereffects of a car accident, negotiating with insurance companies and handling the legal fallout can be an added burden in an already stressful time.
However, a skilled car accident attorney may be able to mitigate these stressors by providing counsel and utilizing their legal expertise to advocate for their client. A car accident attorney may be able to assist in many areas of a car accident case, including negotiations with insurance companies, collecting evidence to build a case, and evaluating cases to determine fault. For more information, consider scheduling a consultation with a Shreveport car accident attorney from Louisiana Law Lady by calling or texting (504) 470-3511.
Benefits of a Skilled Car Accident Attorney
A skilled car accident attorney may be able to help with many aspects of a car accident case. These attorneys may generally have experience with various facets of car wreck cases, including how to determine liability and how to negotiate with insurance companies for a settlement.
In the event of a car crash, it may be challenging to determine fault. One must examine both the drivers, the conditions around the scene of the crash, and other tangential features of the situation. However, simply understanding who was at fault may not be sufficient. In many cases, the injured party may need to prove who was at fault using evidence and facts of the circumstances. A car accident attorney may be able to assist in building a case by collecting evidence, organizing facts, and presenting a case.
Additionally, once fault has been established, one must then enter negotiations with the at-fault driver’s insurance. The insurance company’s main objective in this is often to protect the assets of the insurance company, and unscrupulous insurance adjusters may attempt to make lowball offers to protect the resources of their company. An experienced car accident attorney may be able to accurately assess the value of a claim and negotiate on their client’s behalf for compensation.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Louisiana
There are many potential causes of car accidents in Louisiana. One of the more common categories of car accident causes is driver negligence. However, even this category in itself is quite broad. Driver negligence can include distracted driving, reckless behaviors such as speeding or failing to signal turns, driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol, and more. The behavior and driving techniques of the involved parties are often significant factors in determining fault.
However, this is not the sole cause of car accidents in Louisiana. Maintenance and manufacturing quality may also be a factor if an equipment malfunction is involved. This could potentially place the fault for the accident on the manufacturer or on whoever was responsible for maintaining the vehicle in question. Additionally, weather may often be a significant factor in car accident cases. Rain, snow, ice, and hail could all contribute to a car wreck if the conditions are considerably dangerous.
What to Do After a Car Crash
One of the priorities during a car accident is to remain calm. Making impulsive decisions in a stressful situation may exacerbate the problem and make matters worse. After this, ensuring the physical well-being of everyone involved is generally the next priority. Calling emergency services for any medical issues is also generally advisable. Depending on the severity of the crash, a police report may either be required under Louisiana R.S. 32:398 or may be beneficial to a future car accident claim.
After this, compiling evidence to support a case may benefit victims of a car wreck. Taking photographs of the scene of the crash and the surrounding areas may help support a future claim. Taking photos of relevant road signs and other features of geography that may have influenced the crash may also help support a car accident case.
Types of Car Accident Claims
Another facet of car accident law that could be important when filing a claim or evaluating a case is the various types of car accident claims. The cause of the accident and the liable party, as well as the damages involved, may influence the nature of the case. Understanding which car accident claim is in play could affect how a car accident attorney approaches the case.
Wrongful Death
If the individual in question has lost a loved one such as a child, spouse, grandparent, or other family member in a car accident, they may be entitled to compensation for wrongful death. Compensation for funeral costs, lost wages, medical expenses, and more may be included in this compensation. Additionally, wrongful death might entail greater compensation for the emotional suffering and loss of enjoyment of life due to the loss of a loved one.
Product Liability
If the cause of the car accident relates to a failure of equipment that was beyond the control of the driver, the injured party may be able to file a product liability claim against the company that manufactured the vehicle. This may change the nature of the case, as the relevant insurance company and other factors may be different. In certain circumstances, a product liability claim may be filed in tandem with a personal injury claim, if both product liability and the driver’s negligence contributed to the injury.
Negligence
Often the most common type of car accident claim, negligence involves the fault of another driver on the road. This is often what most people think of when considering a car accident. In these cases, a car accident attorney may need to negotiate with the at-fault driver’s insurance company to seek compensation on behalf of their client. These claims may also cover hit-and-run accidents as outlined by Louisiana R.S. 14:100.
Contact a Louisiana Car Accident Attorney
Car accidents can often lead to significant injuries and financial strain. The costs of repairing a damaged vehicle compounded with the potential cost of medical bills and lost wages can lead to an incredibly challenging time in an individual’s life. For those seeking compensation for damages from a car accident, having a skilled car accident attorney on your side may provide many distinct benefits. For more information, consider speaking with an attorney from Louisiana Law Lady at (504) 470-3511.