Instinctively, highways seem dangerous. High-speed vehicles pose a significant risk of injury or death to road users, including motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists. In fact, most traffic fatalities in Jefferson Parish stem from car accidents on interstate, U.S., or state highways.
When highway crashes result in physical or financial losses in Metairie, Louisiana, victims can seek compensation from the at-fault drivers. The skilled legal professionals at Santana & Blanchard Personal Injury Lawyers take on careless drivers and their insurers on behalf of injured clients.
If you were hurt in a collision, contact our experienced Metairie car accident lawyers for a free initial consultation at (504) 323-6000.
How Santana & Blanchard Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help You After a Highway Collision in Metairie, LA
Our firm’s attorneys have over 26 years of combined legal experience, including working for insurance companies against claimants. We now use this insider knowledge to stand up to insurers and aid injury victims in Metairie, Louisiana.
Here’s how our Metairie personal injury lawyers can help you if another driver’s carelessness or aggressiveness caused a highway crash:
- Listen to your story about how your injuries occurred
- Prepare an insurance claim by gathering official reports and other evidence
- Negotiate with the at-fault party’s insurer for a fair settlement
- Go to court if the other driver’s insurance company refuses to fully compensate you
A highway accident can result in serious or even fatal injuries due to the speeds involved. Contact us for a free consultation with a Metairie car accident attorney to discuss your injuries and the compensation you may be eligible to receive.
What Damages Are Available to Metairie Highway Crash Victims?
When a crash is caused by another driver’s negligence, injured victims may be entitled to seek compensation for both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages are the measurable financial losses associated with a highway accident, including:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages from time missed at work during recovery
- Loss of future earning capacity if your injuries limit your ability to work
- Property damage, including vehicle repair or replacement costs
- Out-of-pocket expenses related to medical care or rehabilitation
Non-economic damages compensate victims for the personal and emotional impact of a highway crash, such as:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress, anxiety, or trauma
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
The value of your claim depends on the severity of your injuries and their impact on your life. Our Metairie personal injury attorneys will carefully evaluate all available damages to pursue the full compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of Highway Collisions in Metairie
Highway accidents in Metairie often happen for the following reasons:
Speeding
Drivers are often tempted to speed on highways. These roads typically have multiple lanes, allowing drivers to easily pass slower vehicles. Moreover, highways generally separate vehicles traveling in opposite directions with medians, islands, or other barriers. This reassures drivers that they can travel at high speeds without risking a Head-on crash.
However, speeding is a leading cause of traffic deaths in the U.S. A driver can easily lose control of their vehicle at high speeds, particularly if surface conditions are poor.
Moreover, drivers have less time to swerve or stop when approaching slowed traffic or a road hazard. As a result, they may cause a speeding accident simply because they had too little time and space.
Following Too Closely
Tailgating occurs when drivers follow other vehicles too closely. If the leading vehicle stops or slows down suddenly, the tailgating driver may cause a rear-end collision.
Impatient drivers on Metairie’s highways may be tempted to tailgate. When this happens, they significantly increase the risk of a preventable accident.
Unsafe Turns
Although interstates have no intersections, roads can intersect state and U.S. highways. These intersections often become crash sites when drivers make unsafe turns as they enter or exit the highway.
For example, a driver turning right onto a highway might pull out in front of an approaching vehicle because they misjudged its speed or distance. Similarly, a driver turning off a highway may get rear-ended if the vehicle behind them fails to slow down.
How to Prove Liability for a Highway Accident in Louisiana
To recover compensation after a highway crash in Metairie, an injured victim must generally show that another party’s negligence caused the collision and resulting injuries.
Evidence commonly used to establish fault in a highway accident case includes:
- Police accident reports
- Traffic camera footage, dashcam video, or nearby surveillance recordings
- Eyewitness statements from other drivers or passengers
- Vehicle damage analysis and accident reconstruction
- Cell phone records or vehicle data showing distraction or speeding
Highway accidents can involve complex factors such as multiple vehicles, commercial drivers, or disputed versions of events. Insurance companies often challenge liability in these cases to limit what they pay. An experienced car accident lawyer in Metairie can gather and preserve critical evidence, identify all liable parties, and build a strong case on your behalf.
Contact Our Metairie Highway Crash Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Highway crashes in Metairie often result from preventable causes, such as speeding or distracted driving. The legal team at Santana & Blanchard Personal Injury Lawyers can help you seek compensation for your injury-related losses. Contact our Metairie highway crash attorneys today for a free case review.