The Times-Picayune reports that a 27-year-old woman was critically injured in a car accident on I-20 near LaPlace, Louisiana. She later died in the hospital. Her 30-year-old passenger also sustained critical injuries from the accident. The driver lost control of her vehicle as she was driving on the interstate and hit a sign.
According to authorities, the woman may have been speeding. They are also unsure if the driver or the passenger was wearing a seat belt. Police officers are unsure if the driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs that impaired her driving. A toxicology report was ordered.
A Fatal One-Car Accident
Multiple vehicles are usually involved in many major traffic accidents. However, a single-car accident can prove to be deadly, as this above accident illustrates. Speeding contributes to many auto accidents because it reduces the reaction time of the driver. If the driver loses control of the vehicle, he may over-correct or he may be unable to respond in time to avoid a collision.
Speeding isn’t just about going over the posted speed limit. It means driving appropriately for the environment and road conditions. For instance, you should drive slower in heavy traffic or when it is raining. Anytime a person drives at a speed too high to be safe for the present conditions, he can be charged with speeding or reckless driving.
Receiving Compensation
If you are the passenger in a single-vehicle accident, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your medical costs and other damages. You have the right to seek compensation for your injuries from the driver of the vehicle. In such situations, the case is pretty clear as to who is at fault. A passenger doesn’t usually share any liability in the accident since the passenger didn’t have control of the vehicle. However, this doesn’t mean it is an easy case. The insurance company will attempt to settle for a minimal amount to protect its own interests. Furthermore, if you were not wearing seat belt or you knowingly got into the vehicle with a drunk driver, the insurance company may try to argue you are partially to blame for your injurie.
Critical injuries can result in a long recovery process, surgeries, a lengthy hospital stay, and physical therapy. If you settle your case too soon without knowing the full extent of your injuries, you may not receive the full value of your case. Even when an insurance company admits fault, it will attempt to settle the case quickly to reduce the amount that must be paid out.
Representation For Traffic Accident Victims
An experienced NoLA personal injury attorney will review your case and advise you what steps to take to protect your legal rights. The attorney negotiates with the insurance company for a settlement that is fair and adequate. If an agreement can’t be reached, the attorney may recommend filing a personal injury lawsuit.
No one should try to battle an insurance companies alone. The personal injury attorneys of The Olinde Firm will take care of protecting your legal rights while you focus on your recovery. Contact our office at (504) 587-1440 or 1-800-587-1889 to schedule a free legal consultation.