How Do You Prove the Other Party Was at Fault in a Louisiana Car Crash?

If you were hurt in a serious car accident in Louisiana, you are probably going through a very difficult time. Pain, suffering and worries about the future are compounded by medical bills piling up, material damage and loss of income. In some cases, the family is left grieving the loss of a loved one, or wondering how they will cope with permanent disability.

If the accident was caused by someone else, you should be entitled to compensation.

How do you actually prove the other party's liability?

Police reports: Police officers generally show up to accidents that involve injuries. Their report is a record of what happened as far as they could see when they were on the scene. A police report normally carries weight.

On the Scene Expert Report: Whenever the police report does not allow you to conclude who was at fault, a traffic accident expert, generally appointed by your lawyer, can make an investigation on the scene to find out what caused the crash and why. Looking at skid marks, taking pictures, and examining the vehicles for worn tires or defective brakes, a good expert will be able to reconstruct the way the crash happened. This sort of investigation needs to be done right after the accident to make sure no essential clues disappear.

Further Investigation: In some cases, your legal representation will find it necessary to collect information about the other driver. Does he or she have a traffic violation record or a valid driver's license? Is the car insured and registered? Was he or she using a phone while driving? These and other questions could boost your chances of proving liability. Further critical elements might be collected from witnesses, who need to be contacted and interrogated.

State Traffic Laws: It is important to look at all the traffic code regulations that are applicable at the time and in the locality of the accident. What is the speed limit? Who had the right of way? What other signage was relevant on that road section?

In most serious accident cases, it is highly advisable to have an experienced car crash lawyer at your side. Contact the car accident attorneys of the Young Firm in New Orleans for a free, no commitment evaluation of your case.