When a driver chooses to speed, they put others and their property at risk of being harmed. Speeding accidents can lead to property damage, bodily injury, and even fatalities.
A St. Charles Parish speeding accident lawyer can help you if you or a loved one were the victims of a speeding collision. Contact Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers today at (504) 777-7777 if you are interested in pursuing compensation to recover your losses from a speeding accident.
Drivers Must Pay Attention to Road Signs and Conditions to Avoid Speeding
According to the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS), the maximum speed limit in Louisiana is between 65 and 75 miles an hour, depending on the type of road you are on. Always keep an eye out for speed limit signs as you drive and adjust your speed when necessary.
Even if you are following the posted speed limit, you might still be speeding. Why? Environmental factors, such as bad weather or obstacles in the roadway, can lower the threshold for what is considered “speeding.” For example, driving at your usual rate of speed on a foggy night when visibility is low is not safe. If you cause an accident, your lack of caution might be used against you.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), speeding killed over 9,000 people in the United States in 2018. Speeding accidents also cause severe bodily injuries and property damage to both the victim and the culprit.
No matter how your accident impacted your life, a St. Charles Parish speeding accident lawyer wants to help. To receive a free case review and learn about your options, call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers at (504) 777-7777.
Get The HelpYou Need(337) 777-7777To Schedule a FREE CONSULATION
24 hours a day • 7 days a week
You Can Seek Two Kinds of Damages
When suing for compensation, there are two types of awards you might be eligible to receive, depending on the circumstances of your case. These awards are split into economic and non-economic damages, which your lawyer can help you define when valuing your case.
Economic damages are one type of compensation awards. They are designed to help accident victims make ends meet or cover costs related to the crash. Examples of economic damages include:
- Loss of income, i.e., the wages you could not earn while you recovered from your injuries
- Loss of employment, i.e., you lost or can no longer do your job because of your injuries
- Medical expenses, i.e., the treatment you received to heal and manage your injuries
- Funeral costs, i.e., the final expenses you paid for after your loved one succumbed to their accident injuries
Non-economic damages are another type of compensation awards. However, instead of covering financial losses, they are meant to compensate you for the physical, emotional, and psychological harm you suffered. Examples of non-economic damages include:
- Disability, i.e., the loss of function (either total or partial) of any organ, extremity, or bodily function
- Pain and suffering, i.e., the physical and/or emotional pain you endured because of your injuries
- Reduced quality of life, i.e., the fact that you can no longer live as freely or independently as you used to live
- Loss of companionship, i.e., losing your loved one has deprived you of the many benefits of their company
Once you compile your list of damages, you may assign a monetary value to each of them. In other words, you need to figure out how much money might be an appropriate amount of compensation for each of your damages. This is not always easy to do, especially with non-economic damages. A lawyer can help you calculate appropriate amounts.
Get The HelpYou Need(337) 777-7777To Schedule a FREE CONSULATION
24 hours a day • 7 days a week
Let a Lawyer Do the Hard Work
Filing a lawsuit involves more than notifying the liable party and asking for money. The liable party’s insurance company is responsible for paying out damages, and they will likely do everything they can to pay you the minimum policy requirements. Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers is not afraid to stand up to these insurance companies and fight for the compensation that is rightfully yours.
Investigating Your Accident and Your Damages
One of our first steps might involve looking into the exact circumstances surrounding your crash. We may consult police reports, surveillance footage, medical records, and other forms of documentation concerning the accident.
We want to find as much evidence as possible so that you sue the correct party. We might also need to verify your injuries to show the liable party’s insurance company that you do deserve compensation from them.
Pursuing Damages
Negotiations can end in one of two ways. In a best-case scenario, the insurance company agrees to your compensation demands, your lawyer reviews the settlement agreement to verify it, and you sign it and get your money.
However, your case might end up in the courtroom if the insurance company does not offer a fair settlement. This can be frustrating, but do not worry. Your lawyer can represent you in court. They can deliver oral arguments, examine and cross-examine witnesses, and present evidence to the judge and jury.
Handling the Details
Investigating and negotiating are the most visible parts of a lawsuit. However, getting the “little” details right is just as important. Your lawyer can submit paperwork on your behalf, relay messages between you and the liable party, and answer your legal questions, among other legal tasks.
You do not have to manage a lawsuit all by yourself. Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers can provide you with a St. Charles Parish speeding accident lawyer to negotiate a settlement and represent you at court if necessary. Call our team at (504) 777-7777 for more information.
Get The HelpYou Need(337) 777-7777To Schedule a FREE CONSULATION
24 hours a day • 7 days a week
