Each year, thousands of people die in car crashes throughout the US. Millions more are injured and will learn to live with impaired abilities. To avoid an accident that costs someone their life, you should first understand how car crashes happen. In Louisiana, there are four common reasons that they occur.
Failure to Operate with Required Equipment
This means that the car involved in an accident isn’t up to safety standards. Every vehicle must pass a mandatory yearly state inspection. A professional examine mechanical systems of the vehicle to make sure that passengers stay safe. Not only should you regularly maintain your vehicle, but it’s also your responsibility as the driver to make sure everyone else is engaging in safe behavior. Make sure that your passengers buckle up–not wearing a seatbelt is the most common cause of a collision in this category. Failing to maintain your vehicle may lead to you being held responsible for any injuries that happen as a result of negligence.
Excessive Drinking (aka DUI)
It is not necessary for a driver to be criminally charged with DUI to be held responsible in civil court. If a drunk driver hit your car, it is likely that a lawsuit in civil court will award you full damages, including loss of income and pain and suffering. Across Louisiana, courts are handing out harsh punishments to motorists that get on the road after drinking or consuming narcotics. The car’s driver will also likely lose their license altogether.
Failure to Obey the Speed Limit
Speeding is another common cause of fatal crashes. Many speeding collisions are T-bone crashes, where an innocent driver pulls out in front of someone speeding. The innocent driver didn’t see the other vehicle turning or weren’t expecting to be going so fast.
Other speeding crashes happen on highways when one driver is driving faster than other motorists, making it impossible to predict what they are trying to do. Even though most people accept that others are going to speed, a driver over the legal limit is still responsible if their vehicle causes an accident.
Careless, Distracted or Reckless Driving
This includes a broad range of offenses, such as texting while driving or making unsafe lane changes. The only thing that matters is the at-fault driver didn’t follow the rules of the road, and in this case, the driver is always liable.
Other causes like dangerous intersections, bad weather and driver fatigue are also contributors to car accidents in Louisiana.
If you are involved in a car accident, the best thing to do is to call in an attorney. Even if the driver has insurance that will cover your injuries, you need a legal professional who will make sure that you receive a fair settlement.
North Louisiana Car Accident Attorney
Orum Young Law Offices has over 35 years of law experience. Our team of attorneys is passionate about ensuring the protection and safety of Northeast Louisiana drivers. Contact our office at (318) 303-4194 for a free case evaluation. Our Trial Guarantee ensures that we will take your case to trial.
