Common Types of Car Accidents
Any type of unexpected collision, even at low speeds, can cause serious injuries. Car accidents can quickly become disastrous depending on the size of the vehicles, the speed and manner in which they make contact, the location of the crash, whether either driver had time to take evasive action, and other factors. Even the crashworthiness of each vehicle and seatbelt usage will matter.
Several of the most common types of car accidents include:
- Rear-end collisions. These accidents involve the front end of one vehicle colliding with the rear end of another vehicle, often when traffic stops suddenly or a vehicle is stopped at a light or stop sign. These accidents typically occur because the driver of the rear vehicle fails to maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead of them and/or is not paying attention.
- Head-on collisions. A head-on collision occurs when two vehicles make contact when driving toward each other in opposite directions. These extremely serious collisions tend to happen on two-lane roads when a vehicle attempts to pass another but does not see an approaching car. They can also happen when a driver is driving on the wrong side of the road out of recklessness, fatigue, or due to intoxication.
- Side-impact collisions. A side-impact crash involves one car hitting the side of another car at a perpendicular angle, often at an intersection. These can happen when a car tries to run a red light or stop sign and collides with oncoming traffic.
- Sideswipes. These accidents often involve a side impact on both vehicles. When a driver merges or changes lanes without checking their blind spot, they may “sideswipe” the car beside them.
- Rollovers. A rollover is a particularly dangerous accident in which a car’s tires leave the pavement, and the vehicle flips one or more times, potentially landing wrong-side up. Rollovers are more likely when a driver is intoxicated, speeding excessively, or otherwise driving recklessly.
Our Gonzales car accident attorneys are prepared to represent you in claims involving all types of motor vehicle collisions. Whether you were in an accident in Gonzales, Ascension Parish or anywhere in Louisiana, we can help. We represent drivers, passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, and others.
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Common Injuries Caused by Car Accidents
When you get behind the wheel, you make every effort to pay attention to the task at hand and follow the rules of the road. Sadly, not all drivers live up to this responsibility, leading to frequent and sometimes deadly accidents. Even a seemingly minor vehicular collision can result in lasting consequences, including costly medical bills, property damage, and lost wages.
Physical injuries sustained in a car accident can range from the mercifully minor to catastrophic to life-ending. Many resulting conditions will require expensive, ongoing care to resolve.
Common injuries sustained by victims in Gonzales car accidents include:
- Brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Burns
- Fractured limbs
- Organ damage
- Soft tissue injuries, such as whiplash
- Spinal injuries
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Filing a Car Accident Lawsuit in Gonzales, LA
To recover compensation from a negligent driver after a car accident, you must file a personal injury lawsuit before the statute of limitations expires. In Louisiana, you have one year from the date of the collision to take legal action. If a car accident kills someone, qualifying loved ones have one year from the date of the victim’s passing to bring a wrongful death claim.
Our Gonzales car accident attorneys help clients fight for economic and non-economic damages:
- Past, current, and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Rebuilding your life after a serious car accident can seem impossible. Medical bills keep piling up, you have to miss work, and you don't know how you will keep food on the table. Recovering a fair settlement or award gives you the opportunity to put the pieces back together, and it brings peace of mind in knowing that the at-fault party has been held accountable for their actions.
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Why Hire a Gonzales Car Accident Attorney?
To recover compensation, you will most likely have to work with the other driver and their insurance company. Insurance adjusters do not act in your best interest and will generally look for ways to pay you as little as possible. Furthermore, the other driver may claim they were not at fault for the accident in an effort to avoid paying damages. They may even hire their own legal representation.
If you have been seriously injured in a car accident in Gonzales, it is important to work with a skilled attorney who can pursue fair compensation for your injuries and losses. When you hire our team at Chris Corzo Injury Attorneys, you put an experienced lawyer on your side who will go to bat for you. We have the knowledge and experience to help you navigate the complex legal process and can help you understand your rights and the legal options available to you.
Our Gonzales car accident lawyers will work to protect your interests throughout the legal process and help you avoid common mistakes, such as inadvertently saying something that could be used against you later. we will also investigate your circumstances, determine the liable parties, and build a persuasive case that maximizes what you stand to recover.
You do not have to fight for the compensation you deserve alone. We can help you understand your rights and provide the advocacy you need to be the victor, not the victim.
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Gonzales Car Accident FAQ
Can I File a Claim If the Other Driver Left the Scene?
In Louisiana, drivers are required to stay at the scene of an injury-causing collision until police arrive. If a negligent driver attempts to flee, you should make every effort to note their license plate number as well as the make and color of their vehicle. See if there are any witnesses who may have caught the license plate or got a picture on their smartphone. You should still call the police, who can work to track down the driver based on the information you give them.
When we take on a hit and run case in Gonzales, our car accident lawyers make every effort to cooperate with law enforcement as they search for the driver. We will also pursue every possible avenue of compensation for our client in order to maximize their recovery.
Are Delayed Injuries Common After a Car Accident?
In many cases, yes. You may feel shaken up but otherwise fine after a straightforward rear-end accident, for example. However, many injuries, such as whiplash or even traumatic brain injuries, may not be immediately visible or apparent. It may take days or weeks for symptoms to appear. These conditions require prompt treatment, so it is wise to see a doctor as soon as you can after any car accident for a full medical evaluation. They may be able to detect problems and get you the care you need.
Can I Sue If I Was a Passenger in a Louisiana Car Accident?
Yes. Drivers are not the only ones who can file personal injury lawsuits. If you were a passenger in a car and were injured in a crash, you can take legal action. Note that a passenger can potentially sue the driver of car who collides with the vehicle they are riding in or the driver of the vehicle the passenger is riding in. A Gonzales car accident attorney at our injury law firm can help determine your options.
Proudly Serving Gonzales, LA & Beyond
Located in Ascension Parish, Gonzales is fondly known as the “Jambalaya Capital of the World.” Gonzales was named after Joseph Stonewall “Tee Joe” Gonzales, a politician and businessman who served as the first Mayor of Gonzales from 1922-1936. He is also credited with founding the city's first post office in 1887. Gonzales is particularly famous for its annual Jambalaya Festival, which was held for the first time back in 1968. Today, Gonzales is home to approximately 12,500 residents as well as some of Louisiana's most interesting and history-rich attractions, including authentic cuisine and stunning antebellum homes. In 2019, the city was chosen by the National Chamber of Commerce as one of the “Top 5 Cities to Live In.” Our firm is proud to serve clients in Gonzales and the surrounding areas.
Our seasoned Gonzales car accident attorneys also handle cases involving Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare vehicles. Contact us onlineor call (225) 230-3110to explore your legal options.