Bruno & BrunoNew Orleans Personal Injury | Bruno & Bruno2026-06-30T10:16:30Zhttps://www.brunobrunolaw.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1503350/2022/12/cropped-bruno-bruno-favicon-32x32.pngOn Behalf of Bruno & Bruno<![CDATA[What to do after a pedestrian accident in New Orleans]]>https://www.brunobrunolaw.com/?p=492532026-06-30T10:16:30Z2026-06-30T10:16:30ZGetting hit by a car while walking is frightening, painful and physically disorienting. In New Orleans, crowded streets, narrow neighborhoods and heavy foot traffic can make pedestrians especially vulnerable. If a driver hit you, none of what follows is your fault. Still, the choices you make in the first hours and days can protect your health, preserve evidence and support a claim for the losses you now face because of the accident.
Get medical care first
Your health comes before everything else. Call 911 or ask someone nearby to call for you. Even if you think you can walk away, have emergency responders or a doctor evaluate you. Pedestrian injuries like concussions, internal bleeding and fractures do not always cause immediate pain, and a treatment delay can complicate recovery. Seeing a doctor promptly also creates medical documentation that ties your symptoms to the crash, which matters if an insurer later questions the connection between the accident and your medical condition.
Report the crash and gather what you can
Make sure the police come to the scene and write a report. If you're able, get the driver's name, license plate and insurance information, then ask any witnesses for their phone numbers before they leave.Take photos of the street, the vehicle, your injuries and nearby details, such as traffic signals, crosswalk markings, lighting and debris. This documentation can matter in pedestrian accident claims. If you're too hurt to do this, ask a companion, witness or nearby business whether someone can help preserve important scene evidence.
Be careful with the insurance company
An insurance adjuster may call quickly and sound friendly, but remember that the adjuster protects the insurance company’s financial interests. Do not give a recorded statement, accept blame or agree to a fast settlement before you understand your injuries and the full cost of treatment.Louisiana follows a comparative fault rule, and insurers often try to assign some responsibility to the person who was walking. That argument does not automatically end the claim, but it can affect the amount available.is.
Keep track of how this affects your life
If you're worried about bills piling up, missed paychecks or caring for your family while you heal, you're not alone. Those losses are part of what a claim may address. Save your medical bills, keep a note of workdays you've missed and hold on to receipts for anything you've paid out of pocket. These details can show how the crash changed daily life, not just what the hospital charged or what appeared in the first medical report.
Know your deadline
Louisiana changed its deadline for many injury claims. For accidents on or after July 1, 2024, state law generally gives injured people a two-year deadline from the date injury or damage occurs. Even so, try to start your claim as soon as you can. Early action helps preserve evidence like video footage, witness statements and road conditions, which can fade or change over time and make your claim harder to prove.
Use the first week to decide what comes next
After the immediate shock passes, the most important question is whether your life is returning to normal or getting harder. Lingering pain, missed work or repeated calls from an adjuster may signal that the accident has consequences beyond the first doctor visit. Treat that as a sign to slow down and get a clearer picture of your losses before you sign paperwork, give statements or make settlement decisions about the claim.]]>On Behalf of Bruno & Bruno<![CDATA[Could a car crash lead to a PTSD diagnosis?]]>https://www.brunobrunolaw.com/?p=492512026-06-24T07:35:55Z2026-06-24T07:35:55ZYes, it is absolutely possible to get a diagnosis for post-traumatic stress disorder due to your involvement in a car accident.
People often think of PTSD as something that comes from a person's occupation or an especially traumatic experience, like serving as a soldier in a combat zone. And it is certainly true that these types of things can cause PTSD.But it is also important to remember that a serious car accident, especially where a person suffered serious injuries or witnessed the death of a loved one, could be one of the most traumatic events of their lives. Even though car accidents themselves happen every day, they are not a common occurrence for an individual, and so could leave them with PTSD after the fact.
What do studies tell us?
When looking at the rate of PTSD, some studies have found that it is fairly common. One report indicated that 26% of those involved in the study reported PTSD, or slightly more than one out of every four people involved in a car accident.Exactly what post-traumatic stress disorder looks like can vary significantly from person to person. One person may have flashbacks or nightmares. Another person may practice extreme avoidance behavior, such as being unable to ride in a car after the accident. Another individual could experience panic attacks due to triggering events, such as if they have to drive through the intersection where the crash occurred.PTSD can be very emotionally difficult, and it can impact someone’s personal relationships. It can even change the course of their professional career, especially if they run into issues like being unable to drive and find reliable transportation. Those who have been involved in an accident caused by another driver need to know how to seek financial compensation for lost wages, medical expenses and other damages.
]]>On Behalf of Bruno & Bruno<![CDATA[How to handle a reckless driver on the highway]]>https://www.brunobrunolaw.com/?p=492502026-06-12T07:50:17Z2026-06-12T07:50:17ZReckless driving poses a serious risk to everyone on the road. Drivers who speed, weave through traffic, tailgate, disregard traffic signals or make unsafe lane changes can increase the likelihood of collisions and injuries.
When encountering a reckless driver, prioritizing safety is essential. Remaining calm and taking appropriate precautions can help protect you, your passengers and other motorists.
Create space, not conflict
When another driver acts dangerously, give them room. Slow down slightly, change lanes when it is safe and avoid matching their speed. Do not brake-check, gesture, honk in anger or block them from passing. These reactions can make the situation worse. Keep both hands on the wheel and watch what is happening around you. If the driver is behind you, move over when possible. If they are in front of you, increase your following distance. A few extra seconds of space can give you time to react if they lose control or cause a crash.
Know what to do next
If the reckless driving creates an immediate danger, call 911 when it is safe. Share the vehicle color, make, model, license plate, location and direction of travel. If a crash happens, move to a safe place if you can. Check for injuries, call for help and wait for officers to arrive. You can also take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, damage or any visible injuries. Afterward, keep medical records, repair bills, police reports and insurance documents in one place. These details may matter if injuries or damage become more serious later.If you were hurt or your vehicle was damaged, it is crucial to seek legal assistance to help you understand your options and avoid mistakes during insurance talks. ]]>On Behalf of Bruno & Bruno<![CDATA[3 ways car crash injuries can derail a professional’s career]]>https://www.brunobrunolaw.com/?p=492482026-05-25T11:54:35Z2026-05-25T11:54:35Z1. Through functional limitations
Regardless of what symptoms a TBI produces, a brain injury has the potential to affect professionals in any career. From issues with balance and motor function to changes in personality and memory deficits, the symptoms of a TBI can prevent a person from returning to their previous line of work.
2. The impact of missed work
When people miss a substantial amount of work, their employers may have a less positive view of their job performance. For those who miss weeks of work due to a TBI or who must attend frequent appointments that require time away from work, their injury-related absences can have a chilling effect on their career development.
3. Changing relationships
A major injury is a personal trauma that tends to have an impact on an individual's closest relationships. Not only do people who have sustained major injuries often notice their family dynamics changing, but their relationships with coworkers, subordinates and clients may change as well. Those changes can potentially have a negative impact on a person's job security or eligibility for advancement opportunities.
Understanding the economic impact of a TBI can help car crash survivors pursue financial compensation more effectively. For those facing long-term career setbacks, options beyond insurance are often necessary given the extent of their losses.]]>On Behalf of Bruno & Bruno<![CDATA[4 delayed whiplash symptoms you should not ignore]]>https://www.brunobrunolaw.com/?p=492472026-05-18T19:06:59Z2026-05-18T19:06:59ZIt is common for people to feel shaken but otherwise fine immediately after a rear-end collision or sudden impact on the road. In many cases, adrenaline masks pain during the first several hours after the crash.
Delayed whiplash symptoms may appear gradually over the next few days as inflammation and muscle strain begin affecting normal movement. What starts as mild discomfort can later interfere with work, driving, sleep and daily responsibilities.
1. Neck pain that keeps getting worse
Many people expect soreness after a collision, but worsening neck pain can signal a more serious whiplash injury. Some individuals notice increasing stiffness when turning their head, checking mirrors while driving or getting out of bed in the morning. Pain that continues spreading into the shoulders or upper back may also indicate ongoing strain in the surrounding muscles and tissues.
2. Frequent headaches after the crash
Headaches that begin after a collision should not be dismissed as simple stress. Whiplash-related headaches often start near the neck and gradually move upward toward the back of the head. For someone returning to office work or caring for children after a crash, recurring headaches can quickly disrupt concentration and normal routines.
3. Numbness or unusual sensations in the arms
A whiplash injury may sometimes irritate nearby nerves. This can create tingling, numbness or weakness in the shoulders, arms or hands. People may first notice these symptoms while typing, lifting groceries or holding a phone for extended periods. Persistent nerve-related symptoms deserve prompt medical attention.
4. Persistent fatigue and sleep problems
Whiplash does not only affect the neck. Pain, muscle tension and discomfort may also make it difficult to sleep normally. Poor sleep often leads to fatigue, irritability and slower mental focus during the day. Some people also struggle with memory issues or difficulty concentrating while recovering from an injury.
5. Ongoing emotional upset
Long-lasting pain after a collision can affect emotional well-being over time. Frustration, anxiety and mood changes sometimes develop when symptoms interfere with work, hobbies or family responsibilities. In more serious cases, chronic pain may continue long after the original car accident.If another driver caused the collision, it may also be wise to seek legal guidance about your options and potential financial recovery.]]>On Behalf of Bruno & Bruno<![CDATA[How to protect yourself after a tourist hits your car]]>https://www.brunobrunolaw.com/?p=492432026-05-15T09:20:41Z2026-05-15T09:19:59ZGet the right information before the driver leaves
After any crash, safety comes first. Move out of traffic if you can, call 911 if anyone is hurt and wait for law enforcement when the damage or injuries justify a report. Louisiana law requires drivers involved in a crash that results in injury, death or property damage over $500 to give immediate notice to the proper law enforcement agency.
Before the tourist leaves the scene, collect as much information as possible. This may include:
The driver’s name, phone number and home address
Driver’s license and plate information
Rental car company details
Insurance company and policy number
Photos of both vehicles, the road and traffic signs
Names and contact details for witnesses
If the other driver says they are “just visiting” or flying home soon, that detail matters. It may become harder to reach them later.
Do not rely on the rental company to sort it out
A tourist crash can involve several possible insurance sources. The driver may have personal auto coverage, rental car coverage, credit card coverage or a temporary policy purchased at the counter. Those layers can create confusion.
Louisiana law generally requires registered vehicles to carry liability coverage, with minimum policy limits set by state law. The Louisiana Department of Insurance explains that auto liability coverage pays for injury or property damage the policyholder causes, up to the policy’s limits.
This is where documentation becomes important. Keep copies of the police report, medical records, repair estimates, rental car receipts and missed-work records. If the crash happened in New Orleans traffic, motor vehicle claims may depend on evidence gathered before the visitor disappears into another state.
Watch for injuries that appear later
Some crash injuries do not feel serious right away. Pain from whiplash, back injuries, concussions or soft tissue damage may increase after the adrenaline wears off.
Get medical attention if something feels wrong, even if you walked away from the scene. Delayed care can give an insurance company room to argue that the crash did not cause your symptoms.
Keep control of the claim early
A tourist hitting your car can turn a normal crash into a frustrating paperwork fight. The driver may leave town, the rental company may point to another insurer and adjusters may ask for statements before you know the full extent of your injuries.
Protect yourself by staying organized, getting medical care and avoiding quick agreements that do not reflect the real cost of the crash. The sooner you build a clear record, the harder it becomes for an insurer to treat your claim like a minor travel inconvenience.]]>On Behalf of Bruno & Bruno<![CDATA[Watch out for inexperienced teen drivers this summer]]>https://www.brunobrunolaw.com/?p=492412026-05-01T21:34:52Z2026-05-01T21:34:52ZTeenage drivers across the United States have the highest fatal accident rate when compared to other age groups. There is always some level of risk, and it is largely because they are inexperienced. A driver who has not had much practice is going to make avoidable mistakes, and some of those mistakes are going to lead to traffic accidents.This summer, teen accident rates are only going to climb. Research finds that these rates go up every summer, in the roughly 100 days between Memorial Day and Labor Day. You may not be a teenager yourself, but this means that you also face elevated risks anytime you are out with your family, commuting to work, driving to the grocery store or otherwise sharing the road with these young drivers.
Why do the rates go up?
It is not that teenagers are necessarily more dangerous in the summer, but that they are on the road more often.In this sense, school actually helps to keep them and others safe. Teenagers who are in class spend far less time driving. During the summer, they have a lot more free time, and some of them work summer jobs, so a higher percentage of drivers around you will be teenagers.It is also possible that teens will make risky decisions during the summer. They may be more likely to drink and drive as they socialize with their peers. They may get distracted while driving with their friends and talking to passengers. Summer can be a carefree and fun time, but if that leads to irresponsible driving, it can also cause severe auto accidents.
Compensation for medical bills and more
If you are involved in an accident caused by another driver, you could find yourself facing high medical bills, substantial lost wages and other damages. You may have a right to financial compensation, so it is important to know what legal steps to take.
]]>On Behalf of Bruno & Bruno<![CDATA[Distracted driving is a preventable crash cause]]>https://www.brunobrunolaw.com/?p=492402026-04-16T12:02:02Z2026-04-16T12:02:02ZDrivers have a duty to do what it takes to keep people on the roadways safe. While some of these drivers may believe that they can safely multitask while they drive, that’s never the case. Distracted driving is one cause of crashes that’s fully preventable if drivers make the choice to give their full attention to driving.
The issue is that many people don’t realize that they’re succumbing to distracted driving, which is a major problem. The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that anything that takes the driver’s attention away from driving is a distraction.
Distinct forms of distractions
There are three specific forms of distractions that the CDC recognizes. These include:
Manual distractions: Taking hands off the wheel
Visual distractions: Taking eyes off the road
Cognitive distractions: Taking thoughts off driving
Many activities that a driver does while driving can include more than one of those forms. Think about texting while driving, which is more common than many people realize. The driver has to reach for their phone, which is a manual distraction. They have to look at the phone to see what was said, which is a visual distraction. They have to think about what the message says and their response, which is a cognitive distraction. Using a phone isn’t the only distraction that can have a negative impact on the driver’s ability to drive. Other common distractions include eating, drinking, changing the audio, adjusting the temperature and speaking to other passengers. When a distracted driver causes a crash, the victims may need considerable medical care, which is costly. Those victims may opt to pursue a compensation claim. The time to do this is limited. Working with someone familiar with these matters may be beneficial for them.
]]>On Behalf of Bruno & Bruno<![CDATA[Can someone blame their GPS for a car accident?]]>https://www.brunobrunolaw.com/?p=492392026-03-31T14:52:26Z2026-03-31T14:52:26ZIf you get involved in a car accident, the other driver may have a number of excuses, trying to shift the blame away from themselves. One common excuse in the modern era, when many people use GPS navigation systems on their phones, is that they will say the GPS is at fault.
For instance, say that they turned the wrong direction down a one-way street and caused a head-on collision with your vehicle. You were going the correct direction, and they clearly were not, so you believe that they are obviously at fault.But the other driver says that it was actually the GPS unit that was faulty. It instructed them to turn, they followed those instructions, and so they say they are not liable for the resulting crash.
The driver still holds responsibility
Even if that driver is telling the truth, they are still responsible for the accident.Generally, the law considers a GPS unit to be a tool that a driver can use. The driver themselves is still responsible for any actions they take, such as turning the wrong way down a one-way street. They should have realized that the GPS was wrong when they saw the appropriate road signs or the flow of traffic, so it is still their fault that they blindly followed the instructions, rather than deviating from the suggested course.It is very common for drivers to try to pass the blame to someone else or act like they were not responsible, even though they have clearly caused a car accident. If you find yourself in this position, be sure you know what legal steps to take as you seek financial compensation for medical bills, lost wages and more.]]>On Behalf of Bruno & Bruno<![CDATA[Why spring hazards make driving the Causeway so dangerous]]>https://www.brunobrunolaw.com/?p=492382026-03-16T16:04:50Z2026-03-16T16:04:50ZLove it or hate it, the New Orleans Causeway remains a major route for commuters traveling from the Northshore to Metairie and New Orleans. But you don’t have to suffer from gephyrophobia (fear of crossing bridges) to experience anxiety while traveling the Causeway.At just short of 24 miles long, the Causeway has miles where no land is visible in the middle section of the bridge. Daily commuters can encounter motorists who stop midway, frozen in fear, needing police to drive them the rest of the way across the water.
Just another drive for locals
For South Louisiana residents, the drive is usually mundane. But even regular drivers admit that there can be times when navigating the Causeway commute can be more difficult than others.Spring is one season with its share of Causeway dangers. Learn more below about the hazards of driving the Causeway.
High winds and spring storms
Spring winds can whip themselves into tornadoes fast around here. While officials close the Causeway to drivers when conditions get too dangerous, motorists can still face danger from high winds. These winds are even more hazardous in driving rain with lightning bolts lighting up the sky.
Commuters drive into the sun both ways
If you are driving the Causeway every day from Mandeville to Metairie, you face both the rising and setting sun on your daily commutes. The sun can distort the eye’s perception and diminish vision.This can obviously make the commute more risky for motorists. While this danger is present year-round, in the Spring, drivers may still be adjusting to Daylight Savings Time. This can bring additional uncertainty into the mix.
Did you suffer injuries in a Causeway accident?
If you were injured while driving on the Causeway due to another motorist’s negligence, please understand that there may be a path ahead for civil justice.]]>