Common Causes of Louisiana Car Accidents

Vehicle wrecks can be stressful and traumatic for everyone involved. Crashes can happen for a variety of reasons, but there are certain accident scenarios where an injured party may be entitled to additional compensation.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a wreck, it is best to reach out to a seasoned traffic accident lawyer as soon as possible. An attorney can go over the common causes of Louisiana car accidents and evaluate your legal options given the unique aspects of your case.

Frequent Causes of Vehicle Wrecks

There are many factors that can lead to an automobile collision. Not paying attention to the road, failing to obey traffic laws, and driving while intoxicated can all lead to severe crashes. The cause of an accident can significantly affect the assignment of fault and available compensation for the injured party, so it is wise to consult with an experienced Louisiana attorney as soon as possible after a collision.

Distracted Driving

Intoxication, cell phone use, and drowsy driving are all examples of distracted driving. When a motorist is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they lose their ability to operate a vehicle safely. Additionally, the prevalence of smartphones means that people often use them while driving, even though this is illegal and unsafe. Texting, emailing, and checking social media are all acts that could lead to a wreck. Cell phone use often results in rear-end collisions because the driver does not have their eyes on the road ahead of them. Operating a vehicle without proper rest can also be incredibly dangerous, and falling asleep at the wheel can even result in fatal crashes.

Speeding

Individuals traveling over the speed limit are often unable to react in time to changes in the traffic around them. This can result in crashes that are exceptionally dangerous due to the high speed at which vehicles collide. These accidents often result in more deaths, brain injuries, and broken bones. Speeding motorists are also violating a traffic ordinance, which is a good indication of negligence where the injured party can recover.

Running Stop Signs or Red Lights

If traffic lights and stop signs are disregarded, there is a high chance of a collision occurring. These accidents are often T-bone collisions, which are quite severe in terms of damages and injuries. If a motorist violates Louisiana traffic ordinances by running through a red traffic light, this will prove liability in an injury case.

Driving at Night

If someone is operating a vehicle at night without headlights, this is an example of driver negligence and can result in an accident. Nighttime collisions can also result from a person’s poor vision being exacerbated by the dark, especially on poorly lit or unlit roadways.

Wrong-Way Driving

Driving the wrong way almost always results in a head-on collision, which often involves severe injuries and even death. This can happen when a driver is drunk or distracted on a two-way street or when someone turns the wrong way onto a one-way street, such as an off-ramp on the interstate. Liability is often clear in these cases because one driver was traveling in the wrong direction while the other was not. A skilled Louisiana attorney can assess the cause of an accident when evaluating liability in a traffic accident case.

Certain Accident Causes May Lead to Punitive Damages

There are certain types of accidents in which the injured party may be entitled to additional compensation because of the reckless nature of the crash. These additional damages are known as exemplary or “punitive” damages.

In Louisiana, a motorist that is injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver can make a claim for punitive damages. Because driving under the influence is reckless and knowingly puts others at risk, those injured as a result can get extra damages to punish the drunk driver and to deter others from operating motor vehicles while they are drunk.

Discuss Common Causes of Car Accidents with a Louisiana Attorney

After a car collision, you may be facing medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and lifelong injuries. If you were harmed due to another driver’s actions, you deserve fair compensation for your losses.

A knowledgeable attorney can go over common causes of Louisiana car accidents and help you pursue a damages award that takes into account the nature of your case. To learn more about what our skilled legal team can do for you, call today.