WAFB reports on a fatal head-on collision on LA 19 that occurred earlier this month near LA 955 in East Feliciana Parish. According to police, a 49-year-old man was heading north on LA 19 in a Nissan Maxima when his vehicle crossed over the centerline, directly into the path of an oncoming Mercury Mountaineer. A 36-year-old man was driving the Mercury.
The man in the Nissan was not wearing his safety belt at the time of the collision, and the East Feliciana Parish Coroner’s Office pronounced him dead at the scene. Police claim the other man had been wearing his seat belt, and he sustained moderate injuries.
Investigators are not sure what caused the Nissan to cross the centerline into oncoming traffic. Officials claim they do not know if impairment played a role. Blood samples from both motorists were sent to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab, as is customary following a fatal collision.
If you sustained serious injuries or lost a loved one in a collision with a drunk driver, contact Laborde Earles Law Firm. We have 250 years of experience combined among our personal injury attorneys and the manpower to beat any large corporation. Call 800-522-6733 to schedule a free case evaluation with a car wreck attorney in Baton Rouge.
Can Failing to Wear a Safety Belt Affect the Outcome of an Accident Claim?
For a free legal consultation, call (337) 777-7777
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, wearing safety restraints properly can reduce the risk of serious injury and death in a motor vehicle collision by half. As a result, most states have some kind of seat belt law in place; however, that does not necessarily mean every motorist and passenger wears his or her seat belt all the time.
If you sustained serious injuries in a collision that someone else caused and you were not wearing a seat belt at the time, you may be wondering if it will have any effect on your ability to recover compensation for the damages you incurred. Although it may be true that failing to wear a safety belt had a direct effect on the severity of the injuries you sustained, it will not inhibit you from filing a successful claim.
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Louisiana is a comparative fault state, which means you may pursue compensation from anyone who played a role in causing the collision or your subsequent injuries, regardless of your own role in the incident. If the court determines that you were in any way liable for the accident, they will simply reduce the recoverable damages that you can secure by your own percentage of fault.
Navigating comparative fault laws can be complicated, especially if you were partially liable for the accident that caused your injuries. If you need help filing a personal injury claim following a collision, contact Laborde Earles Law Firm.
We have helped clients recover more than $200 million in cash settlements and verdicts. Call 800-522-6733 to schedule a free consultation with an accident lawyer in Baton Rouge.
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