Ponchatoula Side-Impact Car Accident Lawyer
A side-impact collision usually comes as a complete surprise to victims, and it is often not their fault. These unfortunate accidents can pose major risks to the vehicle’s occupants because cars do are not as capable of absorbing energy from a collision on the sides of the vehicle. People who survive these often horrific accidents may walk away with injuries that could cost a great deal of money and time to heal.
A compassionate and experienced car crash lawyer can appreciate the injuries you or your loved ones have suffered and how they affect your life. If you have been involved in this kind of car accident, reach out to a Ponchatoula side-impact car accident lawyer. Legal counsel could help guide you towards resolution, whether through an insurance claim and aggressive negotiation, or a personal injury lawsuit.
Causes of Side-Impact Auto Wrecks in Ponchatoula
Determining the reason a side-impact accident happened may be difficult because some are caused by driver-related factors while others are external issues. Common factors that contribute to side-impact accidents include:
- Speeding
- Failure to yield
- Running a red light
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Bad weather or surface conditions
- Defective car part(s)
Speeding endangers those in the vehicle itself as well as other cars, bicyclists, and pedestrians on the road. When traveling above the speed limit or faster than is safe for the prevailing road conditions, drivers have less time to react, and cars take longer to stop.
Cars must yield to the driver with right-of-way at freeway entrances, stop signs, lane mergers, and while entering and exiting the roadway. Failing to obey the conventions of right-of-way rules create situations that frequently lead to T-bone accidents.
Running a red light is usually unintentional, though sometimes it is not. Regardless of intent, the act poses a massive risk of a side-impact accident because other drivers expect everybody to obey traffic signals to avoid collisions caused by crossing traffic.
Distracted driving, whether it is caused by adjusting the radio, using a cell phone or mobile device, occupant distraction, or eating, can rapidly increase the chance of a crash. Drunk driving or driving under the influence of drugs excessively decreases driver awareness and the ability to react meaningfully. If a driver is unable to react to changing conditions on the road, they may cause dangerous collisions.
Bad weather or inadequate road surface traction might contribute to accidents because the ability of the vehicle to handle properly or stop in time may make a collision impossible to avoid. Although this is unlikely, some accidents may be due to defective manufacturing or maintenance. Diminished braking power or brake failure and steering column failure are common culprits in accidents caused by faulty parts.
A lawyer could thoroughly investigate the causes of a T-bone accident, help determine who was at fault and whether their client can successfully pursue a recovery. A Ponchatoula side-impact car accident attorney’s experience can be useful for appraising the accident and applying the facts to the law to paint a realistic picture of possible recovery.
Time Limit for Filing a Car Accident Lawsuit
Louisiana Civil Code Art. 3492 provides the period within which a plaintiff may bring a lawsuit, known as the statute of limitations. For personal injury actions originating with car accidents, it is only one year long.
While 12 months may seem to give prospective plaintiffs a wide birth, the time limit is short in comparison to that of many other states. Thus, it is crucial to consult a Ponchatoula side-impact car accident lawyer as quickly as possible following an accident.
Seek Advice from a Ponchatoula Side-Impact Car Accident Attorney Today
The time limits imposed by state law increase the stakes of pursuing a side-impact claim. Waiting may cause your rights to be forfeit, leaving you with no legal recourse. An attorney could assist you in making an insurance claim or filing a timely personal injury lawsuit.
In a suit, damages a plaintiff could obtain medical expense reimbursement, lost wages, and compensation for their pain and suffering. Reach out to a Ponchatoula side-impact car accident lawyer today to explore the legal avenues you might take.