car-accident-injuries
car-accidents
- `Car Accident Injuries The most common car accident injuries fall into a handful of categories: whiplash and soft tissue damage, head and brain trauma, spinal and disc injuries, broken bones, and internal organ damage. Some announce themselves at the scene. Others stay quiet for hours or days.
- 11 Key Safety Tips: Moving Van Driving a fully loaded moving truck is challenging for people unaccustomed to large, heavy vehicles. This guide walks through practical safety steps to take before, during, and after a move, beginning with how to load a truck properly: place heavy items along the bottom, back, and sides with weight evenly distributed, and keep lighter, fragile objects on top to maintain the vehicle's balance and control.
- 4 Essential Tips for National Safety Month The National Safety Council designated June as National Safety Month in 1996 to raise awareness of summertime safety and health risks. This post offers practical seasonal tips: supervise children around water and keep CPR-trained adults and rescue gear nearby, wear bicycle helmets, limit sun exposure during peak UV hours while staying hydrated and using sunscreen, and guard against mosquitoes and other warm-weather hazards.
- 5 Common Distractions Leading to Car Accidents Distracted driving is a leading road hazard, and this post outlines common reasons drivers lose focus behind the wheel. It notes that hand-held phone use is prohibited in Louisiana yet remains widespread, and that phone conversations, including hands-free calls, draw mental attention away from driving. Other distractions covered include activities that pull a driver's eyes, hands, or mind from the road.
- 7 Must-Know Tips for Louisiana Car Accident Victims This guide outlines seven things Louisiana drivers should know after a car accident. It explains that under state law crashes causing injury, death, or more than $500 in property damage must be reported to local police immediately and to the state within 24 hours, and that accident reports can serve as valuable evidence. It also stresses seeking medical treatment even when you feel uninjured.
- ARE SUVS SAFER THAN PASSENGER CARS? SUVs are commonly marketed as safer than passenger cars, but this guide explains that the picture is more complicated. While SUVs offer better crash protection due to size and weight, the body cites research indicating occupants face a higher fatality risk, SUVs roll over more often, and their height makes pedestrian injuries more severe. It also reviews SUV safety features, accident types, and common injuries.
- Atchafalaya Basin Bridge and I-10 Risks and History The Atchafalaya Basin Bridge, an 18-mile span on I-10 connecting the Baton Rouge and Lafayette areas, is known for frequent accidents and is designated a highway safety corridor with higher traffic fines. This post answers common questions about the bridge's history and why it is dangerous, citing factors such as narrow lanes with no shoulder where the bridges merge and heavy daily traffic volume.
- Automobile Deaths – Most Dangerous States This post examines which U.S. states are most dangerous for automobile deaths, drawing on NHTSA and related data. It reports the national crash and fatality totals for 2021 and notes that states with the most drivers tend to see the most fatalities, listing Texas, California, and Florida among the highest by total deaths. It frames the data as a way to understand and reduce personal risk on the road.
- CAN DRIVERS SAFELY MULTITASK? No, multitasking behind the wheel is not safe. This post explains that doing anything alongside driving, such as using a phone, adjusting the radio, eating, or grooming, is a form of distraction that experts compare to drunk driving. It describes how multitasking impairs a driver's perception, causing motorists to overlook crucial signals and changes around them, and notes how widely drivers admit to the behavior.
- Car Accident Fault Fault in a car accident means responsibility for causing the crash. A driver is at fault when their conduct fell below the care a reasonable driver would use, and that conduct caused the collision and the resulting harm. The word gets used loosely in everyday conversation, but in a claim it carries a specific meaning that drives who pays and how much.
- Car Accidents A car accident is a collision involving at least one motor vehicle that results in property damage, bodily injury, or death. The word "accident" suggests something nobody intended, and most crashes are exactly that. But the law does not treat a crash as a blameless act of fate.
- Car Accidents Insurance The minutes right after a crash shape the insurance claim that follows. Two priorities sit above everything else: make sure people are safe, and create a record of what happened before the scene clears. Most of these steps take only a few minutes if you know them in advance.
- Car Accidents Types Car accidents are grouped by how the crash happened, not by a single master list. Traffic safety analysts and courts sort them three ways at once: by point of impact (where the vehicles struck), by cause (what the driver or condition did wrong), and by vehicle movement (what the cars were doing at the moment of contact).
- Defensive Driving for Motorcycle Riders This page shares defensive-driving tips to help motorcycle riders reduce crash risk and limit injuries. It covers wearing protective gear such as a properly fitted helmet, abrasion-resistant jacket, gloves, long pants, and sturdy boots, and staying visible through brightly colored or reflective clothing. The full list outlines ten tips, including maintaining safe distance from other vehicles.
- DO CAR ACCIDENTS OCCUR MORE FREQUENTLY DURING SUMMER? Car accidents happen year-round, but several summer factors raise crash risk. This page outlines five: more drunk driving around social gatherings and holidays like the Fourth of July, increased road construction creating detours and hazards, the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer when more inexperienced teen drivers are on the road, heavier road congestion that fuels frustration, and heat affecting car functionality.
- Economic Impact of Automobile Accidents Motor vehicle accidents cost the U.S. roughly $230 billion a year, the page reports, citing federal data. It summarizes losses including medical expenses, lost productivity, and employee absenteeism, notes that human error causes most crashes, and describes annual crash, injury, and fatality figures. It also lists states with the highest and lowest per capita costs for fatal accidents.
- HOLIDAY ROAD TRIP SAFETY TIPS With more drivers on the road during the holidays, this page offers safety tips for holiday travel. It recommends checking your vehicle's maintenance before leaving, allowing extra time so you are not tempted to speed, planning your route in advance, obeying posted signs and traffic laws (especially in unfamiliar states), and never driving under the influence by arranging a designated driver or public transportation.
- How Common Are Pedestrian Accidents During Halloween? Pedestrian accidents are more common on Halloween night than other nights: a study found the risk of a fatal pedestrian accident is 43% higher, with children more than twice as likely to be involved. Distracted, texting, and drunk driving are leading causes, and the day of the week Halloween falls on affects the crash rate.
- How Dangerous Is Owning a Motorcycle? Owning and riding a motorcycle carries a higher risk of death and serious injury than driving a car when the comparison is measured per mile traveled. The gap is meaningful, but it is not the whole story.
- How Do You Avoid Teen Driver Crashes? Teen drivers crash far more often than experienced drivers and make up a disproportionate share of driver deaths, largely due to inexperience and distraction. This guide reviews the most common teen-driver accidents, including rear-end collisions, single-vehicle crashes, and intersection accidents, and explains why each tends to happen. Understanding these patterns can help teens and parents focus on the skills and awareness that prevent them.
- How Many Deaths From Automobile Accidents? This post compiles statistics on automobile-accident deaths in the U.S. and worldwide. Drawing on NHTSA and other cited sources, it reports that fatalities rose sharply from 1913 to 2021 and that crashes claim roughly 1.3 million lives globally each year, with pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists accounting for over half. It also breaks down daily death estimates, peak crash times, and leading causes such as speeding and drunk driving.
- How to keep children safe during Halloween from pedestrian accidents Pedestrian accidents are more common on Halloween, especially for children. Parents can reduce the risk by talking to children about road safety, creating a detailed route and schedule for older kids, organizing daytime Halloween activities since most pedestrian accidents happen at night, and accompanying younger children while trick-or-treating.
- How To Make Night Driving Safer Driving at night carries a higher crash risk than daytime driving, largely because limited visibility leaves less time to detect hazards. This guide reviews when fatal nighttime crashes most often occur by season and outlines common night-driving risks such as compromised vision and driver fatigue. It offers practical tips to help you stay alert and reduce your chances of a serious crash after dark.
- How To Stay Safe on College Spring Break Vacations Spring break packs young people, alcohol, and late nights together, raising the odds of injury accidents. This guide outlines common spring-break mishaps, including slip-and-falls, boating and aquatic accidents, vehicle crashes, and winter-sport injuries. It offers general and travel safety tips, such as planning your route and trip in advance, so students and parents can reduce risks and enjoy the break with fewer worries.
- I’VE BEEN IN A CAR ACCIDENT WHILE PREGNANT! NOW WHAT? Pregnant women should seek medical attention promptly after a car accident, since impact and even stress can affect fetal development. Symptoms that warrant calling 911 include dizziness, abdominal or pelvic pain, bleeding, or changes in the baby's movement, and possible complications include miscarriage, premature labor, and placental abruption.
- IS IT SAFE TO DRIVE WITH YOUR PET IN THE CAR? This page examines the safety of driving with pets. It notes that most dog owners leave pets unrestrained, which can be dangerous in a crash and distracting while driving, and that cats can create hazards by crawling under seats or into the dashboard. It recommends driving safely with pets by using a pet restraint system and keeping the animal comfortable.
- Keeping Teen Drivers Safe During Summer’s Deadliest Days During the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer between Memorial Day and Labor Day, fatal teen accidents rise sharply, the page notes, citing a cited figure of a 26% increase. It offers three tips for parents: only let teens drive in safe conditions such as daylight and good weather, limit passengers, and emphasize the dangers of impaired driving while staying a safe place for teens to turn.
- Number of Automobile Accidents in the USA? This page presents statistics on U.S. car accidents, reporting more than 6 million crashes a year, one roughly every five seconds, causing 2.5 million injuries at an estimated $230 billion annual cost. It breaks down accidents by state, age, and gender, and summarizes fatality data, including per capita and per-mile death rates and the states with the highest and lowest rates.
- RESEARCH SHOWS HANDS-FREE DEVICES ARE STILL A DISTRACTION Hands-free devices like Bluetooth setups and phone mounts are often treated as a safe workaround for cell phone laws, but research suggests they still cause cognitive distraction. This guide explains the visual, cognitive, and manual categories of distracted driving and points to studies finding that voice texting and mental multitasking behind the wheel carry risks similar to handheld phone use. The safest choice is avoiding phone use while driving.
- Summer Safety Tips to Avoid Causing Accidents Summer's outdoor activities bring a higher risk of accidents and injuries, especially amid Louisiana's crowds and heat. This guide from Morris & Dewett Injury Lawyers shares seasonal safety tips covering pool use and bicycling. It stresses close supervision of children around water, since drowning can happen in seconds, and staying alert while biking, citing reported figures on childhood drowning deaths and bicycle fatalities in Louisiana.
- THE MOST COMMON FALL CAR ACCIDENT CAUSES Autumn driving brings hazards that catch many drivers off guard. This guide from Morris & Dewett Injury Lawyers reviews the most common causes of fall car accidents, including roads made slick by fallen leaves, reduced visibility as the sun sets earlier, and foggy conditions. It offers practical prevention tips, such as slowing down on leaf-covered roads, using headlights during the day, and relying on low beams in fog.
- Top 5 Causes of Teen Driving Accidents Revealed Teen drivers ages 16 to 19 face the highest crash risk of any age group because they have the least experience behind the wheel. This guide reviews statistics on teen driving accidents, including when and on which days fatal crashes most often occur and the role of seat belt use, and explains the leading causes. It outlines what parents can do to help keep new drivers safer on the road.
- Top Causes of Distracted Driving and How to Stay Focused on the Road Distracted driving is more dangerous than many drivers realize, since safe driving requires complete focus. This guide explains the three types of driver distraction, visual, manual, and cognitive, and gives concrete examples of each, from texting and adjusting a GPS to eating or applying makeup. Learning to recognize these distractions can help you stay focused and lower your chances of a crash.
- WHAT TO ALWAYS CARRY IN YOUR CAR IN THE CASE OF A CAR WRECK A well-stocked safety and repair kit can keep you prepared, safe, and comfortable if your car breaks down or you are in a wreck. This guide lists essential items to keep in your vehicle, including a first-aid kit, maps or backup navigation, a toolkit with a spare tire and jumper cables, and pen and paper for recording details after a collision. These basics help you handle roadside emergencies.
- What To Do if You’re Hydroplaning Hydroplaning happens when a layer of water builds between your tires and the road, leaving the car with no traction and sliding in whatever direction the wheels last pointed. It is common in spring and fall rain, worsened by worn tires, excess speed, inexperience, and poorly drained roads. This guide explains what hydroplaning is, why it occurs, and how to avoid putting yourself in the situation.
- Why Are Teenage Drivers More Likely to Cause Accidents? Teenage drivers have much higher motor vehicle accident rates than older drivers, driven by inexperience and still-developing judgment. This guide explains the challenges new drivers face during their first years on the road and reviews common risk factors, including distracted driving. Understanding these factors helps teens and parents work together on safer driving habits during a critical learning period.
- Why Interstate 10 is the Worst Road in Louisiana? Interstate 10, the nation's fourth-longest interstate at nearly 2,500 miles, is central to Louisiana commerce, tourism, and commuting but sees heavy traffic and frequent crashes, with notorious backups around Baton Rouge. In 2021, 54 traffic deaths occurred on I-10 alone, far surpassing every other Louisiana interstate, on highways where an average of three people die each day.
- WHY INVESTING IN A DASHCAM COULD SAVE YOUR CLAIM A dashcam can help protect you after a crash by recording what actually happened on the road. This page outlines three benefits: footage serves as concrete evidence for insurers and police when determining fault, it can deter and disprove fraudulent claims filed against you, and it adds a layer of security by capturing activity around your parked or moving vehicle.
- WHY TIRED DRIVERS ARE JUST AS DANGEROUS AS DRUNK DRIVERS Driver fatigue impairs motorists much like alcohol does, causing misperceptions, riskier decisions, performance errors, and delayed reactions. Citing the National Safety Council, this page notes drowsy driving kills about 18 people daily and that experts believe the true toll is far higher. It compares hours awake to blood-alcohol levels, explaining why authorities treat tired driving as comparable to drunk driving.
- WHY YOU SHOULD HAVE YOUR VEHICLE SERVICED BEFORE WINTER Cold weather drains car batteries, freezes coolant, and thickens engine oil, raising the risk of breakdowns and crashes across Louisiana and Texas. Testing the battery, checking antifreeze, changing the oil, and inspecting tires before freezing conditions arrive keeps a vehicle running safely through Southern winter weather.
- YOUR GUIDE TO AVOIDING ACCIDENTS ON THE ROAD Even careful drivers face conditions that make collisions more likely. This guide offers accident-prevention tips for everyday driving, including being predictable by following the rules of the road and signaling, and not assuming how other drivers will behave, such as waiting a few seconds after a light turns green in case someone runs the red. The focus is practical defensive-driving habits.
damages
- Can Soft Tissue Damage Have Long-Lasting Effects? Yes. Soft tissue injuries — damage to muscles, ligaments, tendons, and skin — are not always minor. Untreated or severe sprains, strains, and whiplash can cause chronic pain, restricted movement, and permanent loss of joint stability or muscle function. When another party's negligence caused the injury, you can recover compensation for both current treatment and long-term care.
- When Can Punitive Damages Apply in a Louisiana Crash Case? Louisiana exemplary damages for car crashes under La. C.C. art. 2315.4 at Morris and Dewett: the intoxication condition and what a plaintiff must prove.
driver-behavior
driving
driving-anxiety
- Anxiety After Being Trapped in a Wrecked Vehicle? Being trapped in a wrecked vehicle can produce lasting emotional trauma, commonly amaxophobia (fear of driving or riding in vehicles) and claustrophobia. Warning signs include driving-related anxiety, depression, insomnia, nightmares, and avoidance behavior. Recovery steps include prompt medical and mental health evaluation, therapy such as cognitive behavioral treatment, and gradual return to travel. Documented psychological injuries can be compensable after a crash.
- What is Vehophobia? Insights into Driving Anxiety Vehophobia is the fear of driving, classified as a specific phobia. It most often develops after a serious motor vehicle accident and can present as a form of post-traumatic stress disorder. Symptoms include panic, avoidance of driving, sweating, rapid heartbeat, and intrusive thoughts about crashes. Treatment options include exposure therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and medication, and related damages may be recoverable in an injury claim.
drowsy-driving
fault
- Are Parking Lot Accidents Automatically 50/50 in Louisiana? Louisiana parking lot accident attorneys at Morris and Dewett on the art. 2323 fault rule, the two-year deadline, and how injured drivers recover.
- How Do You Determine Who Is At Fault in a Motor Vehicle Accident? Fault is the driver whose conduct caused the crash, and proving it means building a record. To recover, you show the other driver owed a duty of care, breached it, and caused your injuries — using police reports, witness statements, scene photos, video footage, toxicology and cell-phone records, and a vehicle's black-box data. Both Louisiana and Texas set the legal blood-alcohol limit at 0.08%.
- What If You Are at Fault in an Auto Accident? Being at fault does not always mean you recover nothing. Louisiana uses pure comparative negligence, so you can recover a share of your damages no matter how much fault you carry. Texas uses modified comparative negligence and bars recovery once your fault passes 50%. In both states your award is reduced by your percentage of fault.
- What If You Are Partially at Fault in a Car Accident? Louisiana follows pure comparative negligence, so partial fault does not bar your recovery. You can still collect from the other driver, reduced in proportion to your own share of the blame — even if you were mostly at fault, as long as the other driver was at least partly responsible. Your final recovery is also limited by the available insurance coverage.
highway-safety
injury
- Can Severe Injuries Cause PTSD? Exposure to a traumatic event such as a motor vehicle accident can cause ongoing psychological distress in victims, preventing them from managing their day-to-day tasks and enjoying life. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric illness brought on by a traumatic experience, leading to severe and emotionally disabling symptoms.
- Can You Have a Heart Attack in an Accident? Getting involved in an accident can result in traumatizing and potentially catastrophic injuries. A heart attack is one of the most extreme consequences of an accident, as it can result in life-long heart conditions that require significant lifestyle changes.
- Common Injuries From Rear-End Collisions? In the US, rear-end collisions are the most common type of car accident, making up about 29% of crashes yearly. Because rear-end collisions happen frequently, some people think they are minor accidents that do not cause severe injuries or damage. However, these seemingly minor accidents can lead to catastrophic injuries and even death.
- Personal Injury and Delayed Onset of Symptoms While many accidents cause very serious harm that you can see immediately, other types of harm can appear much later. You may even feel perfectly fine right after the accident. The symptoms can then start to appear later and are often a sign of significant issues caused by the accident. After an accident, injured people […]
- What Are the Most Common Injuries from Head on Collisions? Car accidents are deadly. Especially head-on collisions when the force of impact is tremendous. In the cases where this type of accident isn’t fatal, the injuries can be life-changing. In this guide, we’ll dive deeper into the types of injuries that are common for head-on collisions as well as the legal implications. The Severity of […]
- What Are the Most Common Injuries From T-bone Accidents? T-bone crash injuries range from whiplash and fractures to brain trauma and death, plus the compensation injured occupants can recover from an at-fault driver.
- What Are the Psychological Effects of a Serious Vehicle Accident? Survivors of serious motor vehicle accidents often suffer from psychological damage, particularly if a crash was especially violent or a death was involved. Drivers, passengers, and even witnesses can develop short-term mental distress, anxiety, and depression. When symptoms last longer than a month, survivors may be diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Seeking therapy for […]
- What Are The Psychological Effects of Car Accidents on Children? Getting in a car accident can be a traumatic experience for any adult, let alone a child who may not be able to fully understand the extent of the situation. As adults, we can more accurately identify potential mental health problems and seek help to correct them. Children, however, may be wholly unaware of any psychological effects they might be experiencing after a car crash. Here are some of the most common questions about psychological injury to children after a car accident.
- What Are the Risks From Whiplash Injuries? Whiplash is a soft tissue injury to the neck most often caused by motor vehicle accidents. While most patients recover within weeks or months, some accident victims suffer long-lasting effects that become chronic in nature. Severe whiplash injuries also pose a risk for serious complications, including fractured vertebrae, nerve and spinal cord damage, and even […]
- What is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)? Being involved in an accident can be a truly traumatizing experience, even if you are lucky enough to walk away without any major bodily injuries. While a bone fracture or a burn may be easy to diagnose and treat after a crash, some mental health problems may be harder to identify and deal with. If you were […]
- WHAT TO DO ABOUT CHRONIC PAIN AFTER A SERIOUS CAR ACCIDENT After being injured in a serious car accident, immediate medical attention should be delivered to the most grievous of wounds, such as damage to the spinal cord, fractures, and lacerations. From an outside perspective, it can seem like everything is “fine” once the most serious injuries are treated and addressed. To the person who has been […]
insurance
- Frequently Asked Questions on Different Types of Car Insurance Navigating the world of auto insurance for the first time can be challenging. Car insurance providers offer different types of car insurance with various levels of coverage. If you only seek to abide by car insurance laws, then you only need the most basic type of insurance required in your state. However, if you wish […]
- How to Read Your Auto Declarations Page An auto insurance declarations page is the one-to-two-page summary at the front of an auto policy that lists who and what is covered, the coverage limits, the deductibles, the policy dates, and the premium. It is a summary of the policy, not the long document that spells out coverage terms.
- If My Car Is Totaled, Will Insurance Pay It Off? Not necessarily. When a car is totaled, the at-fault insurer pays the vehicle's actual cash value (ACV) — its worth just before the crash — not your remaining loan balance. Because cars depreciate fast, the ACV often falls short of what you still owe, and you remain responsible for the gap unless you carry gap insurance.
- Louisiana Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements Louisiana requires every driver to carry at least 15/30/25 liability coverage: $15,000 for bodily injury per person, $30,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. These are minimums — many drivers carry too little to cover a serious injury, which is why uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage matters.
- Louisiana No Pay No Play — Driving Uninsured If you were driving without the required liability insurance when you were hurt in a Louisiana crash, the No Pay No Play law bars you from recovering the first $100,000 of bodily-injury damages and the first $100,000 of property damage — even if the other driver was entirely at fault. You can still recover anything above those thresholds.
- Louisiana Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage Louisiana requires insurers to include uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage on every auto policy unless you reject it in writing on a state-approved form. UM coverage pays your injuries when the at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough. A valid waiver must be signed; if the insurer cannot produce a proper waiver, UM coverage is read into the policy at the liability limits.
- Louisiana's Direct Action Statute — Suing the Insurer Louisiana used to let injured people name the at-fault driver's insurer directly. For accidents on or after August 1, 2024, that flipped: the default is now that you cannot name the insurer as a defendant, except in seven specific situations (such as the insured being bankrupt, insolvent, or deceased, or the insurer denying coverage). The insurer's name also generally cannot appear in the suit or be disclosed to the jury.
- Recorded Statements After a Crash: What to Say, What to Avoid, and When to Decline A recorded statement is an audio account of the crash, usually taken by an insurance adjuster over the phone soon after the wreck. The adjuster asks questions, your answers are captured on tape, and that recording can later be transcribed into a written document.
- Staged Accident Fraud: What Innocent Drivers Should Do A staged accident is a crash that one or more people cause on purpose so they can file a false insurance claim. The driver who triggers it is not careless. The collision is the plan. The National Insurance Crime Bureau tracks this category as staged auto accident fraud, a deliberate scheme rather than an unlucky day on the road.
- Texas Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements Texas requires drivers to carry at least 30/60/25 liability coverage: $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. These are legal minimums and often fall short of a serious injury's true cost, which is why underinsured motorist coverage matters.
- The Stowers Doctrine — Insurer Bad Faith in Texas The Stowers doctrine makes a liability insurer responsible for the entire judgment — even the part above the policy limits — when it unreasonably refuses a settlement demand within those limits that an ordinarily prudent insurer would have accepted. It is the main tool for holding insurers accountable when they gamble with a policyholder's exposure.
- What Is a Diminished Value Claim? A diminished value claim recovers the market value your vehicle loses simply because it has been in an accident — even after quality repairs. A wrecked-and-repaired car sells for less than an identical car with a clean history, and that gap is a real, compensable loss. You generally pursue it against the at-fault driver's insurer, not your own.
- What to Do If an Uninsured Driver Caused Your Crash in Louisiana Louisiana uninsured-driver crash attorneys at Morris & Dewett explain UM/UIM coverage, the two-year prescription deadline, and how injured drivers recover compensation.
- What You Should Know About Car Insurance Settlements A car insurance settlement is the insurer's payment to close your claim — and the adjuster's job is to keep that number low. You are never required to accept a first offer. Document everything, keep your medical records, and have a lawyer review any settlement before you sign, because once you accept and release the claim, you cannot reopen it for injuries that worsen later.
liability
- Can You Be Personally Sued in a Car Accident? Yes. An at-fault driver can be sued personally for the damage and injuries they cause in a crash. In practice, most claims are paid through the at-fault driver's liability insurance — a lawsuit usually names both the driver and the insurer. Suing the driver individually matters most when there is no coverage, too little coverage, or the insurer refuses to pay fairly.
- Car Accident While Pregnant: The Unique Risks & What To Do After As many as 5,000 babies in utero are lost each year when pregnant mothers are involved in car accidents (source: NCBI). Tragically, that number does not count the permanent injuries to the babies who survive and suffer long-term impairments due to pregnancy complications or premature birth after a crash. Whether you or someone you love is pregnant, it’s […]
- COMMON CRASH-CAUSING MAINTENANCE ERRORS What Vehicle Issues Can Cause Crashes? Maintenance errors and mechanical issues are some of the most commonly overlooked crash causes annually. When these issues arise, they can be severe and difficult to manage right away. If you are getting your routine vehicle check-up soon or performing maintenance yourself, don’t neglect these parts, as they may […]
- Does Liability Change if You Are Driving Without a License? No. Liability in a crash turns on negligence, not on whether a driver was licensed. An at-fault driver remains responsible for the injuries and vehicle damage they cause, even if the other driver had no valid license. Driving unlicensed is illegal in all 50 states and carries its own penalties, but it does not transfer fault or bar an injury claim.
- Everything You Need to Know About a No-Injury Auto Accident Being in a car accident can be very scary. If you’re lucky enough to not have been injured in the crash, then you may be wondering what you need to do afterward. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about a no-injury auto accident.
- Legal Charges for Hit and Run: Consequences and Penalties Learn about the legal charges for hit and run incidents, including consequences, penalties, and steps to take if you’re involved in it.
- Train Accidents: Causes, Impact, and Advancements in Safety Prevention Explore the causes of train accidents, their impact on the rail industry, and the latest technologies aimed at preventing future incidents.
- What Are the Leading Causes of Accidents at an Intersection? In 2019, out of over 36,000 fatal auto accidents, more than 10,000 were intersection-related, as reported by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Most people think that interstate highways are the most dangerous place to drive, but almost 30% of all fatal accidents occur at intersections. Why is this the case? In this article, we’ll explore the […]
- What Happens After a Car Accident with No Insurance? Find out the legal implications of being in a car accident with no insurance and the steps you can take to protect yourself from penalties.
- What Happens if You Are Involved in an Auto Accident With Police? Learn about your rights and challenges when hit by a government vehicle, including sovereign immunity, damage caps, and filing deadlines.
- WHAT IF POLICE DON’T COME AFTER AN ACCIDENT? Why Having an Accident Report is Crucial to Your Case If you’ve been in a car accident, one of the first things you should do is call the police. In many cases, they will come to the accident scene and file a report. While this document is typically not admissible as evidence in a personal injury […]
- What if You Are the Passenger in a Car Accident? Being a passenger during a motor vehicle wreck can be confusing and scary. Passengers involved in crashes risk suffering some of the most devastating consequences. Whether the consequences are medical complications, physical injuries, or psychological harm, the passenger in an auto accident is absolutely entitled to compensation for damages. As a passenger, you have the […]
- What if You Have an Accident Driving Someone Else’s Car? Getting into a car accident is always a stressful experience, but it can be even more aggravating when driving someone else’s car. There are more variables involved when you’re not dealing with your own car, which may make a car accident a bit more complicated. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions after […]
- What Is a No-Injury Auto Accident? Being in a car accident can be very scary. If you’re lucky not to have been injured in the crash, you may be wondering what you need to do afterward. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about a no-injury auto accident. What Is a No-Injury Auto Accident? A no-injury auto […]
- What Is First Degree Vehicular Negligent Injury in Louisiana? First degree vehicular negligent injury is a Louisiana crime (La. R.S. 14:39.2) that occurs when an impaired driver causes serious bodily injury to another person. The impairment can be a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or more, a controlled dangerous substance, or a misused legal drug. It carries up to a $2,000 fine and up to five years' imprisonment, and the serious-injury element often signals a substantial civil personal injury claim.
- WHAT NOT TO DO AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT The steps you take after a car accident will determine how the case will pan out. They affect your chances of proving your case and recovering compensation for the damages you suffered. They are also crucial to how you’ll defend yourself if you are wrongly blamed for causing the accident. More than that, there are […]
- What Should I Do After an Auto Accident? Over 32,000 people die yearly, and 2 million are injured in motor vehicle accidents. If you are involved in a car accident, there are certain things you should keep in mind to strengthen your personal injury case. At Morris & Dewett Injury Lawyers, our Louisiana car accident attorneys will ensure you follow the right steps, […]
- WHEN TO CALL 911 AFTER A CRASH If you’re in a car crash, what should you do? This is a question that many people ask, and the answer can vary depending on the situation. This blog will discuss when to call 911 after a crash. We will also advise you on how to check for injuries and what to do if you are […]
- WITNESS TO AN ACCIDENT? Car accidents happen every day, but this time, you’re involved. You’re busy, as usual. You’re driving to work, soccer practice, or the store. In your rearview mirror, you see a red truck weaving through traffic. The driver is overtaking other cars as the gap between you closes. You shift to the right lane to let […]
medical-treatment
process
road-classification
settlements
statute
- Inoperative Traffic Signals and Louisiana Law Under La. R.S. 32:232.1(A), a dark traffic signal reverts to an all-way stop. When two vehicles arrive together, La. R.S. 32:121(A) gives the driver on the right the right of way.
- Louisiana penal code for accidents involving injury A car accident can have immense consequences, both for the injured party and for the party that caused the accident. Understanding Louisiana’s penal code as it applies to car accidents can provide drivers with a better idea of their next steps following an accident, from what compensation the injured victim may have the right to claim to the legal obligations of the driver that caused the accident.
- Motor Vehicle Accident Settlement Process in Louisiana Auto accidents are bad enough on their own. Unfortunately, that is not the end of the trouble for some people. Reaching fair compensation can be sometimes challenging due to certain tactics of insurance companies. Victims often face a complex process when seeking compensation for their injuries and damages. If you find yourself in this situation […]
- Motor Vehicle Accident Settlement Process in Texas The cost of a motor vehicle accident in Texas can easily stretch into hundreds of thousands of dollars. The accident itself may be over in a split second, but the aftermath — medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and disability — may affect your life for a long time or permanently. That’s why the […]
- Motor Vehicle Accident Statute of Limitations in Louisiana When tragedy strikes, a countdown starts. If you or someone you care about gets hurt in a motor vehicle accident and wants to pursue a personal injury lawsuit, you must be aware of a deadline known as a “statute of limitations” or “prescriptive period.” In Louisiana, statutes of limitations have serious implications for personal injury […]
- Motor Vehicle Accident Statute of Limitations in Texas If you or someone you care about has sustained injuries, and you believe someone else is to blame, you may be eligible for compensation. However, you must act fast if you want to recover damages for your personal injury case. Texas has a statute of limitations for personal injury cases that bars injured victims from […]
- Texas Penal Code for Accidents Involving Injury It’s an all-too-frequent sight at a roadside accident. A driver hits another car, pauses, then speeds away from the scene. Maybe you have been the victim or even the perpetrator of such a situation. It’s a leftover from our childhood — if I don’t get caught, they won’t know I did it. For drivers in […]
- What Are the “No Pay, No Play” Rules in Louisiana? The state of Louisiana requires all motorists to have valid driving licenses in order to operate motor vehicles. In addition to that, motorists must also have a valid auto insurance policy that covers the damages another driver may incur in the event of a car accident. Louisiana is an at-fault state, which implies that the […]
- WHO’S AT FAULT FOR A REAR-END COLLISION IN LOUISIANA? Louisiana Law Presumes Fault, But There Are Exceptions to the Rule Suppose you’re driving in Louisiana, and a motorist behind you rear-ends you. That motorist is presumed to be at fault, according to state law (La. R.S. 32:81). Here’s why and what you need to know about liability for rear-end collisions in Louisiana. Rear-End Collisions […]
traffic
- Is Drinking and Driving a Felony? Usually no. Most DUI charges are misdemeanors, but several factors can elevate a DUI to a felony: prior convictions, a high blood alcohol concentration, injury or death, a child in the vehicle, or serious property damage. The exact thresholds vary by state.
- Is It Illegal to Drive With Headphones? It depends on your state. Five states ban headphone use behind the wheel almost entirely, about eleven allow a single earbud, and the majority have no specific law. Even where it is legal, driving with headphones can still support a distracted or reckless driving charge and civil liability if it causes a crash.
- Louisiana Child Car Seat and Restraint Laws Louisiana law (R.S. 32:295) requires everyone under 18 to use age- and size-appropriate restraints, from a rear-facing infant seat up to a seat belt. Children 13 and under must ride in the back seat. A first violation carries a maximum $100 fine, rising for repeat offenses.
- PHANTOM DRIVERS: WHAT ARE THEY? When people think of an auto accident, they imagine a wreck involving two cars. What if an accident was more complicated than that? Take, for example, a hit-and-run accident. In such a scenario, the victim usually has minimal information about the driver or car that fled the accident scene. This makes the process of pursuing […]
- Texas Child Seat and Seat Belt Laws Texas requires some form of restraint for every child under 17. Riders 15 and older must wear a seat belt, and anyone 17 or younger must be in a seat belt or an age- and size-appropriate child passenger seat. Violations are misdemeanors carrying fines, and an unrestrained child injured in a crash can expose the driver to child endangerment charges.
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what-to-do
- 10 STEPS TO FOLLOW AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT After a car accident: get to safety and check for injuries, call the police, exchange information with other drivers, take photos and video, collect witness contact information, be careful about what you say, continue all necessary medical care, report the crash to your insurance company, keep records of expenses and symptoms, and contact a car accident attorney before accepting any settlement offer.
- What to Do After a Car Accident in Louisiana Get to safety and call 911, then document the scene, exchange information, and seek medical care the same day even if you feel fine. Report the crash to your insurer promptly, but speak with a lawyer before giving a recorded statement to the other driver's insurance company.