New Orleans Personal Injury Law Blog

When people envision a traffic collision, they may picture two vehicles colliding, a motorcyclist crashing, or some other accident that only involves vehicles. However, it is important to keep in mind that people are hit by cars in many other ways as well. For example, someone may be hit by a vehicle while walking, riding a kick scooter, or skateboarding. Sadly, these accidents can be especially devastating, since victims may have little protection when they are struck by a vehicle. If you are a parent or ride a skateboard or kick scooter yourself, it is important to be mindful of the risks.

These accidents happen for all sorts of reasons. On the one hand, some are caused by careless skateboarders who might ride in front of traffic, for example. However, many are also the result of negligent drivers. For example, someone who is under the influence of alcohol might drive off of the road and strike an innocent child, claiming his or her life or causing a serious injury. Or, a driver might be drowsy or distracted, causing them to ignore crosswalks or veer off the road and hit someone riding a skateboard.

Many people realize the immediately evident consequences of car accidents, such as debilitating injuries and the loss of life. However, it is important to keep in mind that there are other ways a motor vehicle collision can disrupt your life, some of which may not become clear until the days, weeks, or even months following the crash. Regardless of the difficulties you are facing, if an accident was caused by another driver’s disregard for traffic safety laws, you should review all legal options on the table.

An accident can cause all sorts of injuries, but some may not be recognized until a period of time after the accident, such as a traumatic brain injury. Moreover, these crashes can have a steep financial toll, whether victims struggle with medical costs, lost wages, or other financial problems. Furthermore, someone who is struck by a negligent driver may have emotional issues to work through, including depression, anxiety, or anger. On top of these challenges, some people struggle with insurance companies as well.

Drivers in Louisiana should be aware that motor vehicle collisions result in a variety of costs that extend beyond just vehicle repairs and medical care. Victims of car accidents, especially major ones, typically have emotional and mental issues that can add to the amount the insurance companies and/or the person who caused the accident owe over a number of years.

According to the CDC, car accident deaths can result in over $1 Billion in costs in just one year in the state of Louisiana. Vehicle occupants and pedestrians are the road users most frequently involved in serious crashes.

If you need immediate medical care, you go to the emergency room. And while you will most likely not see your regular doctor there, you will be seen by a team of highly training doctors and nurses. You should be able to trust the care you are receiving, or at least you would hope so.

Due to the busy nature of an emergency room, and the fast pace at which doctors and nurses have to treat patients, there is a risk of receiving medical care that is not up to standard. In some cases, this could even result in receiving a misdiagnosis.