Car accidents have the potential to change survivors’ lives. Even if somebody escapes catastrophic injuries, he or she could suffer long-lasting emotional and physical damage. Tens of thousands of Americans die in car accidents every year.

If you live or drive in New Orleans, you may already know that some areas are common sites for car accidents. One good example is I-10, which is an Interstate that stretches from California to Florida.

In areas like this, it’s important for drivers to understand some of the basic components of car accidents. Accident survivors should also know that they can seek legal support to help them understand and exercise their rights after a car crash.

Common Causes of Car Accidents

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is dangerous– especially because most people don’t even realize they’re doing it. Sure, staring straight down at your phone to scroll through Facebook while you drive sixty miles per hour is extremely dangerous, but did you know that these also qualify as distracted driving?

  • Listening to very loud music
  • Driving when you’re too emotional to focus
  • Eating while you drive
  • Checking your text messages or glancing at your phone
  • Turning your head and/or body to check on or play with children in the back seat

Aggressive Driving

Let’s get this out of the way first: you don’t have to be trying to hurt somebody to be aggressive. You and the people around you can behave aggressively without literally wanting to do harm to someone else.

The truth is that aggressive driving does result in harm– whether someone wants it to or not. It’s dangerous to drive aggressively. Some examples of behaviour like this include:

  • Tailgating
  • Speeding
  • Excessive weaving
  • Yelling or using obscene gestures

Night Driving

Some people have lots of experience driving at night. Usually, they’re less prone to getting in an accident at night (due to inexperience) than the average driver.

  • A lot of people just don’t drive much at night, even if they think they do
  • Sheer inexperience can make people less concentrated on their driving while they try to figure things out

But there are lots of things about driving at night that can make it dangerous for anybody. No matter how much you drive in the dark, you’re still negatively impacted by the:

  • Reduced visibility
  • An increase in active wildlife (in some areas)
  • The less experienced drivers around you
  • More impaired drivers on the road (depending on your location and the time)

The National Safety Council has shared some helpful information about why driving at night can be especially dangerous. It’s a great resource for drivers who want to learn more about how to keep safe while they drive in the dark.

Drivers Owe Each Other A Duty Of Care

It is illegal to drive negligently or recklessly. When we drive on American roadways, we all owe each other something called a duty of care. We accept the duty of care when we accept and exercise our driving privileges.

When a driver ignores their duty of care (their duty to take care to keep other drivers safe), they put their own safety and the safety of others at risk. That’s when car accidents happen; personal injuries and fatalities often follow.

How Can An Attorney Help Me After A Car Accident?

There’s no guarantee that an attorney can take you on as a client and help you build a case, but even a free consultation with an attorney can help you.

If you decide that you want to partner with a certain New Orleans car accident attorney, then they will:

  • Help you document and organize evidence: It can be difficult to keep track of photographs, medical and insurance forms, police reports… you get the idea; car accident lawyers help their clients gather evidence and prepare it for future use
  • Facilitate communication with insurance companies: When you have a car accident attorney, you no longer have to worry about talking to insurance agents (generally speaking). Instead, the insurance companies will communicate with your lawyer
  • Help you build a case and represent you in court if necessary

Should I get a car accident attorney?

We think so. It’s always a good idea to work with a professional who can help you navigate the legal process. If your case isn’t the right fit for a certain lawyer, that doesn’t mean that someone else won’t be able to help.

You don’t have to have a car accident attorney, but the right one can help relieve a lot of stress. It could mean the difference between minimal compensation and a fair case.

What Damages Can I Recover After A Car Accident?

Car accident attorneys help their clients recover a variety of damages after a car accident. If you’ve been involved in a car accident, you may be eligible to pursue compensation to account for:

  • Medical bills: Including past, present, and even future medical bills associated with the accident
  • Property damage: Relating to your vehicle, possessions inside of your vehicle, etc.
  • Pain and suffering
  • Mental anguish
  • Lost wages or diminished earning potential
  • Vehicle towing and/or repair

If You’ve Been Injured In a Car Accident In New Orleans, Alvendia Kelly & Demarest Can Help

The experienced car accident attorneys at Alvendia Kelly & Demarest have helped clients recover compensation after a variety of crashes. If you have questions about the right steps to take after your car accident, reach out to us via the web or call us at 504-200-0000. You’ll be connected with a legal professional who can answer questions about:

  • Legal rights after a car accident in New Orleans
  • Compensation after a car accident in New Orleans
  • How our team may be able to help you

With years of proven experience in multiple cases and the results to boot, you are in safe hands with us. See what our clients say before you make your decision and choose the right fit for you. In case you have queries, you can check our platform for other related questions that commonly are raised or reach out to us directly for free. In case this is not the type of case you need help with, you can look into our practice areas to find the right direction. Contact us today for your free consultation.