Who is responsible for causing a multi-car crash depends heavily on the facts of the case. There will need to be an investigation to gather evidence and determine:
- What happened to cause the collision
- How many drivers were involved
- If anyone violated any traffic laws or otherwise acted carelessly
- Who is liable for the injuries and damages caused
The driver who is at fault in a crash is generally responsible for covering the costs of damages others suffered in Louisiana. Under some circumstances, multiple drivers may share liability for a collision.
Most Traffic Accidents Occur Because of Negligence
Driver negligence is a frequent cause of collisions. Drivers often violate a traffic law or act carelessly or recklessly behind the wheel, causing a situation that puts everyone around them in danger.
Traffic codes are in place to prevent accidents. They dictate how intersections work, how drivers should behave while behind the wheel, and even when and how you can pass other vehicles. Failing to follow these rules – whether accidentally or intentionally – can lead to collisions and serious injuries for that driver, their passengers, and the occupants of other vehicles.
Examples of negligent driver actions include:
- Running traffic signals or stop signs
- Failing to yield the right of way when necessary
- Not maintaining their lane
- Going the wrong way down a one-way street
- Passing or changing lanes without looking first
- Following too closely
- Drunk or drugged driving
- Distracted driving
When a driver violates a traffic law and causes one or more cars to collide, that driver may be held responsible for any injuries or property damages. Their auto liability insurance policy should cover this.
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Evidence to Prove Fault and Liability
To prove who caused your accident and recover compensation, you will need evidence to show what happened and that you suffered injuries. The crash report filed by police is often crucial in multi-car accidents. It can outline the cause of the collision and report any citations issued. One or more drivers often receive traffic tickets for their role in a crash.
Other necessary evidence could include:
- Eyewitness statements
- Physical evidence
- Video or photographs
- A survey of the scene
- Accident reconstruction
- Expert opinions
- Your relevant medical records
- Documentation of your damages
In multi-car accident cases, shared responsibility is possible. More than one driver could have contributed to and be financially liable for the crash. In Louisiana, this concept is known as comparative fault. Under CC Art. 2323, those partially responsible for a collision can still seek compensation. However, their financial recovery diminishes based on the percentage of responsibility assigned to them at trial.
Recoverable Damages in a Multi-Car Crash in Louisiana
The financial recovery possible for a traffic accident victim depends on many factors. You have a right to sue the at-fault driver or drivers and seek compensation for the losses and expenses you incurred, which could include:
- Medical treatment and care needs, current and future
- Lost wages and other income
- Diminished ability to earn a living
- Car repairs
- Rental car costs
- Associated expenses paid
- Pain and suffering
Louisiana also allows a car accident victim’s immediate surviving family members to pursue wrongful death damages under CC Art. 2315.2. These damages can include the financial costs the family experiences because of their loved one’s death and their intangible losses.
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How a Car Crash Attorney May be Able to Help with Your Louisiana Accident
You may want to work with a personal injury attorney from our law firm if you suffered injuries in a multi-car accident in Louisiana. Having our team on your side means you do not have to figure out what to do and navigate the claims process on your own.
Our attorneys know how to:
- Investigate your crash
- Prove negligence and liability
- Protect your rights
- Communicate with the insurance companies and others involved
- Prepare and file your claim
- Negotiate for a fair and just settlement
- Take the case to trial if necessary
When you opt to let one of our car accident lawyers represent you, our firm will handle your case on your behalf. This includes your insurance claim or claims and a lawsuit if that becomes necessary. With us representing you, you can focus on finishing treatment, healing, and recovering. In addition, we work based on contingency fees, so you will not need to pay anything up front, either.
CC Art. 3492 gives drivers in Louisiana up to one year to begin a civil suit in most cases, so act quickly to contact our law firm about your case today.
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Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers Helps Car Accident Victims Seek Compensation
You can talk to a member of the Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers team for free today. We want to discuss your Louisiana car crash and help you understand how you may be able to recover damages for the injuries and losses you suffered.
Call (337) 777-7777 for your free case review.
Call or text (337) 777-7777 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
