When wrecks happen on a highway, there is often a higher chance of injuries and property damage. Drivers travel at high speeds, and contact with another vehicle or object could cause severe harm.
If you or a loved one has sustained a bodily injury or other losses due to a highway car accident in Iberville Parish, you should speak with a lawyer immediately. A knowledgeable car collision attorney from Tomeny | Best could help protect your legal rights by negotiating with insurance companies and representing you in court.
What Makes Highway Crashes So Dangerous?
Driving on a highway always comes with risks, especially when other motorists do not use appropriate precautions. Along with high speeds and heavy traffic, hazardous weather, such as rain, sleet, ice, and fog, can contribute to a potential wreck.
Many commercial trucks and large vehicles also travel on highways, heightening the chances of a catastrophic accident with a much smaller vehicle. In addition, negligent actions by drivers can increase the risk of a collision, such as:
- Driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs
- Speeding
- Texting or talking on the phone
- Unsafe lane changes
- Driver fatigue
- Tailgating or road rage
An Iberville Parish attorney could help their client identify the at-fault party’s negligent actions in a highway car crash and pursue damages.
Available Damages For Injured Parties
Sustaining injuries or property damage in an Iberville Parish highway car wreck can put a great deal of stress on a person and their family. Costly medical bills, a totaled vehicle, and missing time from work can significantly impact someone’s financial situation.
Filing a successful negligence lawsuit can help the injured party recover damages from the accident. To do so, they must prove that the at-fault driver breached the reasonable duty of care. Motorists are liable when their actions cause another person’s injuries or property damage, according to Louisiana Civil Code Annotated § 2315.
Along with this, an individual’s injuries must stem from the collision. If they can prove negligence, several forms of damages may be available to them, including the following:
- Vehicle repairs
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages from missed time at work
- Lost earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of consortium with a spouse or partner
- Physical impairment
- Disfigurement
In personal injury cases, the court could limit the injured party’s maximum damages if they are found to have contributed negligence to the collision that caused their injuries.
The state’s pure comparative negligence rule found in La. Civ. Code Ann. § 2323 provides that the court must reduce the plaintiff’s recoverable damages in proportion to their percentage of fault.
Talk to an Iberville Parish Attorney Today About Highway Accidents
You do not have to navigate the state’s complex court system alone after a highway car accident in Iberville Parish. The state has many rules to consider when filing a personal injury lawsuit, and it is easy to overlook a detail and harm your case.
An experienced lawyer with Tomeny | Best could ensure you comply with applicable filing deadlines, gather relevant evidence, and advocate for your best interests when dealing with insurers. Schedule a free consultation with us today to learn more.