How Is Fault Determined in a Car Accident in Louisiana?

How is fault determined in a car accident in Louisiana? How fault is determined in a car accident in Louisiana is directly related to the availability of evidence and an assessment of the level of negligence of each person involved. 

Insurance companies, police officers, and the court itself will determine who is responsible for payment of losses based on negligence, proven through the four elements of negligence. A New Orleans car accident lawyer can assist with determining fault in your case.

The Defendant Violated the Duty of Care

The second component to determine fault in a car accident in Louisiana is to show that the driver or named defendant in some way violated the duty of care. By demonstrating that the named party did something or failed to do something, it is possible to show they could be at fault for losses that occur. Violations of a duty of care in a car accident in Louisiana may include examples such as:

• Speeding or operating a vehicle recklessly, leading to a violation of traffic laws
• Impaired driving by operating a vehicle beyond the blood alcohol level or while intoxicated
• Driving fatigued, knowingly putting others at risk because they are tired behind the wheel
• Failing to maintain a vehicle that is safe to operate on the roadway, therefore creating a risk for an accident to occur
• Operating a vehicle in an aggressive manner, with the intention or not to harm the other party

In order to determine fault in a car accident, it is critical to clearly demonstrate that the person with the duty of care violated that care in some way. This means gathering evidence that shows they did so, such as photos, witness statements, medical records, and other data that shows this violation occurred. To move forward with a claim of negligence, there must be a direct violation of the duty of care. Here is what to do after a Louisiana car accident.

Fault in a Louisiana Car Accident Is Determined First By Proving the Duty of Care

To determine if a person is at fault for a Louisiana car accident, the first step is to establish a duty of care. A duty of care indicates that the person named the defendant in the case owed the victim some level of expectation of safety. This is a critical factor to determine.

If a person gets behind the wheel of a car, they are stating, clearly, that they will abide by the laws of the state of Louisiana as an effort to keep others on the road safe. This demonstrates a duty of care towards other road users, including drivers, pedestrians, and bicycle riders.

In addition to the driver, other parties could owe a duty of care to the victim as well, such as a trucking company owing a duty of care to the public by ensuring the driver they hire to provide services is properly licensed and skilled to operate the vehicle as defined by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. If they fail to do so, they could be held at fault for the accident.

The Violation of the Duty of Care Directly Caused the Accident

The next step in proving fault in a Louisiana car accident is to demonstrate that the violation of the duty of care is the direct cause of the accident that occurred. Causation, as it is officially termed, must establish a clear link between the accident and the violation of the duty of care. If there is no link, it becomes impossible to hold the defendant responsible.

Consider how causation may apply in a car accident involving speeding. The at-fault party or their attorney must show that the accident would not have happened if the driver had not engaged in speeding (or other violations). If the driver had not been speeding down the highway, they would have had time and the ability to stop the car in time before hitting the victim when road conditions changed.

To prove this is applicable, it becomes critical to demonstrate causation with evidence, such as forensic insight and police reports that show that the accident was due to the infraction, whether that is intoxication, inexperience, or fatigue behind the wheel. With the help of your attorney, it may be possible to clarify this a bit better with the use of accident reconstruction and expert testimony in the case.

The Accident Caused the Injuries and Losses

The final step in proving liability is to show a direct link between the accident and some type of financial and physical loss. If a person did not suffer this type of loss, they cannot seek compensation in an accident, and if they cannot prove that the losses they claim are directly from the accident, they cannot recover those losses. Common types of losses that may apply include:

• Physical injury to a person due to the accident, such as broken bones, spinal injuries, head trauma, or lacerations
• Mental health impact, such as the onset of emotional trauma, PTSD, or depression onset
• Financial losses related to medical bills, missed time at work, damage to property, and other out-of-pocket expenses
• Non-economic damages, applicable in situations where there is physical pain and suffering, and emotional trauma

By proving all of these factors are applicable, it is then possible to determine liability in a case. It is also important to note that to make any claim for any of these areas, the victim must demonstrate each area through evidence, and the more evidence, the better in eliminating the risk of denial of compensation. To determine fault in any accident, the police, the court, and your attorney will navigate all four of these areas. It is important to know all you can about Louisiana car accidents.

An Attorney Builds Clarity in a Claim of Fault

Proving fault in a car accident in Louisiana enables the victim to hold the at-fault party accountable for their losses, requiring payment for them. This is a critical step to achieve, often warranting the use of a car accident lawyer. 

An attorney will not only prove all elements of fault in a car accident in Louisiana to hold those who are negligent accountable, but will also value your claim, negotiate a fair settlement, and go to court to fight for fair recovery. Call Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers for a free consultation with a New Orleans car accident attorney today.