August 2023

Defective parts in a car can cause serious damages. These defects might result from manufacturing flaws, design errors, or inadequate quality control. The consequences of such defects can range from minor inconveniences to severe property damage. Here are some types of property damage that can occur due to defective parts in a car wreck: It’s worth noting that these types of property damage can also have significant safety implications, leading to injuries or even fatalities in severe cases. This is why regular vehicle maintenance, recalls, and addressing any potential issues promptly are essential for preventing accidents and property damage resulting from defective parts. To speak to a defective car accident lawyer, call 985-888-0640.

Should you hire a Covington Truck Accident Lawyer?   Here are some important things to consider.  Does the lawyer have domain knowledge and expertise in federal trucking safety regulations?  Does she know about the specific insurance requirements? Is your lawyer prepared to take the case to trial? Deciding whether to file a lawsuit or settle out of court in truck accidents involves a careful consideration of several factors. Both options have their advantages and potential drawbacks, and the choice depends on the specific circumstances of the case. Filing a lawsuit in a truck accident case can provide the opportunity for a formal legal process where evidence is presented, witnesses testify, and a judge or jury makes a final decision. This route is often chosen when liability is disputed or when negotiations with the responsible party or their insurance company are unproductive. Lawsuits can provide a platform for seeking higher compensation, especially if the damages are significant. However, it’s important to note that lawsuits can be time-consuming, expensive, and emotionally draining, as they involve lengthy legal procedures, court appearances, and uncertainty about the outcome. On the other hand, settling out of court in a truck accident case involves reaching an agreement with the other party before trial. This can be a faster and less costly option compared to a lawsuit. Settlements can also provide a level of control over the outcome, as both parties negotiate the terms of the agreement. Moreover, settlements often result in a more predictable outcome, avoiding the uncertainties that come with a trial where the decision is in the hands of a judge or jury. However, settlements might lead to lower compensation than what could potentially be awarded in a successful trial, and there’s a possibility that the responsible party’s insurance company might push for a lower settlement amount. The decision between filing a lawsuit and settling out of court in truck accident cases should also take into account the evidence available. Strong evidence that clearly establishes liability and damages can strengthen your position during negotiations and potentially lead to a favorable settlement. Conversely, if evidence is weak or there’s a risk of it being challenged during trial, settling might be a more pragmatic option to secure at least some compensation. Ultimately, the choice between filing a lawsuit and settling out of court in truck accident cases is highly individual and should be based on careful evaluation of factors such as the severity of damages, liability, negotiation progress, financial resources, and the emotional toll of litigation. Consulting with an experienced truck accident attorney can provide valuable insights and guidance, helping individuals make an informed decision that aligns with their best interests and the specifics of their case. 18 wheeler cases are different than car accident cases. 18-wheeler accidents and car accidents differ significantly in terms of their impact, causes, consequences, and legal implications. Understanding these differences is crucial for individuals involved in accidents and legal professionals handling such cases. Firstly, the size and weight of an 18-wheeler, also known as a semi-truck or tractor-trailer, far exceed that of a regular car. This substantial size difference makes 18-wheeler accidents often more devastating in terms of property damage, injuries, and fatalities. The sheer force generated by the collision between an 18-wheeler and a smaller car can lead to catastrophic outcomes. Secondly, the causes of these accidents can vary. Car accidents often result from factors like distracted driving, speeding, or running red lights. On the other hand, 18-wheeler accidents might be caused by issues unique to commercial vehicles, such as driver fatigue due to long hours on the road, improper loading, maintenance failures, or even issues with the truck’s braking system. In terms of consequences, injuries sustained in 18-wheeler accidents tend to be more severe due to the massive weight difference. Occupants of smaller vehicles are at a higher risk of serious injuries, including spinal injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and even fatalities. These injuries can result in longer recovery times, increased medical expenses, and significant emotional distress for the victims and their families. From a legal perspective, 18-wheeler accidents often involve more complex liability issues. Not only may the truck driver be held responsible, but also the trucking company, maintenance contractors, and even the manufacturer in cases of faulty truck components. This complexity arises due to the various parties involved in the operation, maintenance, and regulation of commercial vehicles. As a result, legal proceedings related to 18-wheeler accidents can be more intricate than those for car accidents. In conclusion, while both 18-wheeler and car accidents can lead to unfortunate outcomes, the severity of damages, causes, consequences, and legal intricacies distinguish the two. Individuals involved in such accidents should be aware of these differences when seeking legal recourse or compensation. Legal professionals specializing in truck accident cases are essential for navigating the complexities inherent in these situations and ensuring that victims receive appropriate support and justice.

Covington car accident lawyer ready to help you if you’ve been injured in an accident. I am a car accident lawyer located in Covington, Louisiana. When we first moved our law office from downtown New Orleans to the Northshore, we originally settled in Mandeville. I spent a great deal of time searching for office space and eventually found a great deal on a building in Covington.  It was centrally located, easy to get to and new construction. Since moving in to this office, we have represented many people who have been injured in car accidents in and around Covington.  There are several treacherous intersections here that cause people problems If you have been injured in a car accident, you might be searching online for an attorney to help you with your case.  Maybe you’ve seen the TV commercial lawyers and are considering calling them. We think you should consider hiring a local law firm that is near you and one that treats you like a person rather than a number.    

How much car insurance do you need? This is a great question but one I bet most people don’t ask themselves.  My guess is most people buy the bare minimum insurance coverage and never think about it again. First, determine how much (and what kind of) insurance you have. The thing is you really should consider how much insurance coverage you need because it could greatly affect your own personal assets if you were to cause a car wreck.If you drive a car, you obviously need to buy car insurance to legally drive on public roads. But how much insurance coverage should you carry?  My advice is that you first start with conducting a basic analysis of your own financial situation and figure out what your assets and liabilities are. Do you own a home?  If so, how much equity you have in it? Do you own a business? Do you have cash in bank accounts or stocks and bonds in brokerage accounts? If the answer is “yes” to any of these questions, you will want more than the minimum levels of insurance coverage. Second, you need to know how much insurance the at-fault driver has. In Louisiana, drivers are required to maintain a minimum of $15,000 in insurance coverage per person, and $30,000 in coverage per accident. For example, if you rear-ended someone and caused them exactly $15,000 in damages (e.g., $7,000 in medical bills and $8,000 in pain and suffering) you would be covered. With the $30,000 “per accident” coverage, you get covered up to that point if multiple people are injured and file claims against you. If you rear end someone and two or more people file injury claims against you, your insurance will cover you to a maximum of $30,000 per that accident.An Emergency Room bill for one injured person can easily exceed $15,000. Remember, in Louisiana (as in most states) the at-fault party is responsible for paying the “medical specials,” which is lawyer-speak for actual medical bills, in addition to “pain and suffering” which is an intangible dollar amount assigned to the pain and suffering someone experiences after an accident. Are my personal assets exposed if I cause a car wreck? Let’s take the above example and say that you rear end a car with four occupants and they  claim they suffered $50,000 in damages each (e.g., $25,000 in medical bills and $25,000 in pain and suffering). These people could sue you for an “excess judgment” for the amounts over and above what your insurance policy paid them. In that case, your carrier would tender $30,000 (divided up according to their agreement) and then you would personally have to pay them the balance.  Meaning you would personally pay the difference between what your primary auto insurance policy covered and what was owed the plaintiffs. This money might come from your personal bank accounts, brokerage accounts or result in a lien on your house or business. Your LLC or other business might be subject to judgment too depending on whether you were in a company vehicle when the accident occurred, or if the plaintiff pierces the corporate veil through a variety of legal maneuvers. While it is true certain assets are exempt from judgment if certain conditions are met (401(k) accounts, annuities, and certain other financial vehicles) it is not wise to solely rely on such protective measures. This is why we recommend you buy the amount of insurance coverage commensurate with the amount of assets you have. Consider buying an umbrella insurance policy. Most automobile insurance carriers will sell a maximum of between $300,000 and $500,000 in liability coverage.  If you need more coverage than that because you have more assets than that, you will need an umbrella policy which you can usually purchase through the same automobile insurer. Most people are surprised to learn that the price of getting higher insurance coverage is not as expensive as they thought. An umbrella policy can cost less than a thousand dollars a year and raising your limits from $15,000 to $300,000 might only cost $150 more a month.  Call your automobile insurer and ask them about increasing your coverage and in buying an umbrella policy. It’s also important to have a good driving record that is free from tickets and accidents to qualify for better rates.As for your home insurance, homeowners can adjust their personal injury limits as well. In my experience, you usually must buy the highest level of personal injury coverage on your home to qualify for an umbrella policy.  It doesn’t raise the homeowner’s policy premium significantly, but it will raise it some. It is unusual in Louisiana to see a tort victim sue under a homeowner’s policy, although it does happen occasionally.  The accident would have to happen at the person’s home and be caused by the fault of the homeowner in some way and not be subject to a statutory limitation of liability.  I’ve read cases where this happened but it’s not the norm. Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage — what you need to know. One final matter you should consider is whether you are covered under an Uninsured or Underinsured Motorists Policy. This coverage allows you to file a claim on your own car insurance policy if you are hurt by an at-fault driver, but the at-fault driver does not have sufficient insurance coverage to cover your damages. For example, suppose someone makes a left turn from the right lane and turns into you and crashes.  Now assume you go to the ER, then a chiropractor and rack up $30,000 in medical bills and lost time at work.  But the at-fault driver in this case only has $15,000 in coverage. If you purchased UM/UIM coverage from your own insurer, then you can file a claim with them, and they will pay the difference.  The great news for you is that if you are not at fault in the accident, your insurance company is forbidden by law from raising your