Port Allen Injury Attorneys

Understanding the Law and Driver Responsibility

Every state maintains its own laws ensuring the safety of its citizens. Louisiana is no exception. In fact, the state of Louisiana defines a very clear and strict set of laws governing the motorists who use its roadways. Individuals who violate these laws place themselves and their fellow motorists in danger, risking a severe injury. Louisiana personal injury law can be very explicit in this regard.

Car accident injuries

Excessive speed is one of the most common causes of vehicle accidents and can turn a minor incident into a fatal wreck. For example, the laws of physics tell us that a 35 mph impact is 30 percent more violent than a 30 mph impact. You can imagine the outcome of a 75 mph wreck. Driving at such a speed at night or during inclement weather reduces your reaction time further.

Speeding and personal injury

The maximum speed limit in Louisiana is 70 mph, and the General Speed Law in the state mandates you not exceed a reasonable speed. When in Louisiana, you must drive at an appropriate speed based on the area, road and traffic conditions, and light and weather conditions. Also remember the following:

• Louisiana often posts minimum speed limits on highways
• You must not drive so slowly that you impede traffic
• Reduced speed limits are mandated in the following areas:
  • Streets near schools and playgrounds
  • Marked school crossings when children are present
  • Streets in residential or business areas

Vehicle maintenance and personal injury law

Louisiana understands that regular maintenance and repairs are necessary to ensure a vehicle is roadworthy, particularly large vehicles like tractor-trailers. In fact, the state mandates that commercial trucking companies ensure all of their 18-wheelers are regularly and properly maintained. Louisiana personal injury laws, when applied to truck accident cases based on inadequate vehicle maintenance, often lead to more than one liable party.

Contact Port Allen personal injury lawyer today

The Baton Rouge personal injury law firm of Marks and Lear, PLC can represent you following an automobile accident in Louisiana. Our experienced and savvy personal injury attorneys understand the various traffic safety laws in Louisiana and can help protect your legal rights and, if necessary, obtain damages and other compensation during this trying episode in your life. Contact us today online or call 225-383-5678.