Every accident is different. Different injuries are sustained, different circumstances are considered, and different outcomes arise based on a number of factors. Below is a detailed list and explanation of the most common kinds of car accidents.
Negligence
Most accidents are caused by negligence; after all, that’s why they’re called accidents. Nevertheless, the situation being accidental is hardly forgivable. When you’re operating a motor vehicle, you absolutely have to put all of your effort and energy into driving and remaining alert behind the wheel.
There are plenty of situations that can define your accident as one caused by negligence, from drunk drivers to bicyclists who disobey traffic laws. No matter what, you’ll need someone on your side who can prove that the other person’s negligence was the cause of the accident and your injuries.
Intentional Misconduct
Intentional misconduct is somewhat similar to negligence, with the difference being that this misconduct is premeditated. A few things that fall under this category are reckless driving, accidents caused by road rage, and failure to obey traffic laws, signs, or signals.
It’s devastating, but these kinds of incidents occur all the time. An experienced personal injury attorney can work with you to prove that the other driver was at fault and to recover compensation for your physical and emotional trauma.
Manufacturer Liability
Some accidents can be caused by a defect in the vehicle or one of its parts. In this situation, you may find yourself with a claim against the manufacturer. In these cases, the challenge is proving that the defect occurred during the manufacturing process and was not caused by an after-market change or repair.
Since these claims have the potential to get pretty intense, having a lawyer is almost essential to a successful settlement. You’d better believe that the manufacturer is going to come prepared with a whole team of attorneys whose number one goal is to prove their innocence and/or pay you as little as possible.
Defective Roadways
This type of claim comes into play when an accident has been caused by faulty construction and/or poor maintenance of roads. Roadways can cause accidents by having pothole-ridden surfaces, insufficient or hidden signage, malfunctioning traffic lights, and more.
It can be difficult in an accident such as this to determine who is liable for the damages. Is it the fault of the state? The county? The construction crew who worked on the road? It’s easy to see why having an attorney on your team could help in this situation.
Wrongful Death
If you’re ever in a situation where an accident has involved the death of a friend or loved one, you may be entitled to recourse through a wrongful death suit. Under Louisiana’s statute of limitations, you have one year from the date of death in which to file a claim. Though the situation is terrible, there’s no need to miss out on a financial settlement that could help ease funeral costs or medical bills.
