The number of vehicle accidents taking place across the country has risen proportionate to the increase in number of automobiles on the roads. This means that chances of you being involved in at least one auto accident during your lifetime has increased significantly. It is estimated that about 40,000 people are killed in the five million odd accidents that occur in the United States annually. The vehicles involved in accidents can range from cars to trucks to recreational vehicles to eighteen wheelers.

The size and weight of the automobiles involved in vehicle accidents is largely responsible for the injuries suffered by the passengers or fatalities caused. The impact of the crash will be greater in bigger vehicles or those traveling at greater speeds. If you or a family member is involved in such an accident, you may want to enlist the help of a qualified personal injury lawyer in Louisiana. This is not the time for a solo act; this is the time to turn the cards in your favor.

Types of Fault

Fault is very important in vehicle accidents because it helps determine the compensation that will be awarded to the injured. Fault can either be comparative or contributory negligence. In the first or former type, if the injured party is also at fault in causing the accident, the percentage of fault will determine the extent of compensation that can be awarded to them. Comparative fault can again be of three types—pure comparative fault, proportional comparative fault at 51 percent, and proportional comparative fault at 50 percent. In pure contributory negligence, even the slightest bit of fault on the part of the injured person can void any claims to damages and compensation. Each state follows one of these two definitions of fault.

The determination of fault in vehicle accidents is done by the insurance adjuster who will assign the relative degrees of fault after looking into the circumstances of the accident. A marvelous attorney will be aware of the laws of your state and will be able to build a strong case for you.

Importance of a Checklist

When vehicle accidents occur, it may not be possible to stay calm and focused especially if you have been hurt. However, there are some things that you can try and keep in mind should you ever find yourself in such a situation. Gather information from the other driver such as contact details, insurance provider, and policy number, as well as the license plate and registration details. If possible, clicking some pictures of the scene of the accident may prove helpful later on. Information pertaining to potential witnesses as well as a copy of the police report filed can be useful. It is also important to safely store information about all your medical tests, doctor reports, the time taken off work, expenses incurred at the hospital or doctors’ office, estimates or bills indicating the extent of repairs needed to your vehicle damaged in the accident, as well as any related out-of-pocket expenses incurred. All these will be useful in strengthening your case if used effectively by your lawyer. And if you choose the lawyer below, you can count on that occurring.

Call a Qualified and Experienced Professional

Experienced and hardworking attorney Price McNamara handles vehicle accident cases across New Orleans, Kenner, Lafayette, Mandeville, Lafourche, Terrebonne, Jefferson, Orleans, East Baton Rouge, West Baton Rouge, Ascension, and St. John Parishes. If you think that you have a basis for a personal injury claim, or have been hurt or injured due to someone’s negligence or fault, call Louisiana personal injury attorney Price McNamara at his Baton Rouge office (225-201-8311) or his Metairie office (504-458-8455) to have your queries answered or to schedule a free consultation. His extensive trial experience of over 20 years, proven track record and limited caseload philosophy ensure that you will obtain excellent personal attention and a patient hearing on a consistent basis.