Highway crashes in Baton Rouge, Louisiana can result in catastrophic injuries that could leave you unable to work while juggling piles of medical expenses. In instances when the accident occurred because of another driver’s negligence, one of the legal options you may have is to file a claim against them so that you can recover your losses.
At Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers, we understand how difficult it can be to handle the aftermath of a serious accident alone. Our team of Louisiana highway crash lawyers provides support. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation at (225) 263-4787.
How Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Highway Crash in Baton Rouge, LA
Filing a personal injury claim can mean not only dealing with injuries but also struggling with the legalities involved with the case. To make the process easier for you, it’s vital to hire a Baton Rouge highway crash attorney.
Our Baton Rouge car accident lawyers have more than 50 years of combined experience. We’ve recovered tens of millions of dollars for accident victims like you.
At Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers, we offer a variety of services, including:
- Free consultations
- Investigations into the collision
- Collection of evidence
- Establishment of liability
- Calculation of damages
- Negotiations with insurance companies
- Litigation, if needed
We founded our law firm because we saw how difficult it was for clients to communicate effectively with their attorneys. By providing personalized attention for everyone who asks for our help, we hope to make the experience a bit easier. Contact our team of lawyers to learn more about how we can help you after a car accident.
Why Highway Crashes Are So Dangerous
Accidents that take place on highways tend to result in serious injuries as well as fatalities. One of the reasons for this is the high speeds at which the vehicles are usually traveling.
In Louisiana, the speed limit is 75 mph on rural interstate highways and 70 mph on urban ones. That translates into a significant amount of force that could be exerted on impact during a collision.
Speeding vehicles will have a much harder time coming to a stop in time to avoid a crash, and airbags and seat belts may not be as effective. When traveling at high speeds, there’s also a higher risk of rollover accidents, which are some of the most dangerous. In a recent year, rollover accidents accounted for 17% of all passenger vehicle occupant deaths in the country.
Common Causes of Highway Accidents In Baton Rouge
Although driver error is the most common problem, there are other potential causes of highway accidents.
Distracted Driving
Drivers who aren’t paying attention to the road because they’re texting, scrolling through social media, speaking with passengers, eating, or changing radio stations won’t notice if the car in front of them slows down or if a hazard appears on the road.
Speeding
Despite the already high speeds highways throughout the state allow, some drivers still choose to go faster. They will have a shorter length of time to stop to avoid a crash.
Fatigued Driving
Fatigued driving impacts coordination and reflexes, making a driver almost as dangerous as if they were intoxicated. They can be more distracted than normal and could even fall asleep at the wheel. It can be a concern on all roads, but because there are higher speeds allowed on highways, the risk of serious injuries increases.
Reckless Driving
Drivers who behave in ways that knowingly put others at risk are driving recklessly. That can include conduct like rapidly changing lanes, excessive speeding, tailgating, not looking before merging, and not yielding when required to do so.
Reckless driving is common on highways, especially during heavy traffic. Drivers are frustrated and looking to get ahead of those around them, leading to these behaviors.
Road Defects
If the road has significant defects, such as large potholes or uneven asphalt, accidents are more likely. The same is true if there isn’t enough illumination or if there are missing or obstructed traffic signs. In those instances, the entity in charge of maintaining the road could be held liable for any accidents.
Malfunctioning Auto Parts
If a car part, like the brake system or tires, malfunctions on a highway, it can lead to collisions. These types of accidents usually revolve around product liability and focus on holding the car’s manufacturer responsible.
Contact Our Baton Rouge Highway Crash Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you have sustained injuries in a Baton Rouge car crash, hiring experienced lawyers can help you recover your losses. At Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers, our team of Baton Rouge highway crash attorneys can help you fight for your rights. Contact us to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
