OVERVIEW OF LOUISIANA AUTO ACCIDENTS

Despite heightened awareness about the importance of roadway safety, vast law enforcement efforts, and increasingly more standard vehicle safety features, accidents -- and the injuries and deaths they cause -- continue. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimated that 37,150 people were killed in U.S. motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2017, a number fairly close to 37,461 from the prior year. Over 4.5 million people required medical attention after being injured in a vehicle accident in 2017. In Louisiana, there were approximately 757 fatalities in 2016 resulting from vehicle crashes.

LOUISIANA AUTO INSURANCE

All registered vehicles in the state must maintain liability insurance. The minimum requirements are $15,000 for injuries to one person, $30,000 for injuries to multiple people, and $25,000 for damage to property.

Liability insurance prevents the insured from potentially having to pay for the injuries or damage to others out of his or her own pocket. Those persons found to be operating a vehicle without having the required insurance coverage are subject to fines and other penalties.

AUTO ACCIDENT PERSONAL INJURY CLAIMS IN LOUISIANA

As previously suggested, those involved in major accidents with injuries should consult an attorney. You and your attorney will review your claim. Your attorney may need to prove who the at-fault party is.

In a personal injury lawsuit, the plaintiff must satisfy a burden of proof, which generally shows that a party demonstrated negligence and these actions were the cause of the injuries and/or property damage. Compiling strong evidence may be critical. Evidence includes:

  • Photos of damage or injuries
  • Statements from witnesses
  • Medical records, and more

ASCENSION PARISH, LA INSURANCE CLAIMS OVERVIEW

Most auto insurance companies adhere to some broad or general procedures in response to personal injury claims. You may communicate with a member of the claims management staff, often called a claims adjuster, claims handler, or claims representative. 

Keep in mind that insurers are businesses that must seek to minimize claim payouts. Although the representative may have good intentions, he or she is still accountable for the best interests of the insurer. When a party has more than simply minor injuries and/or property damage, it is highly recommended that you consult with a seasoned attorney that practices in the realm of personal injury.