Who Do I Sue after a Car Accident in New Orleans?

The establishment of fault is a critical component of the civil claims process in Louisiana. In order for you to obtain an award for the losses you endured in a car accident, we will need to establish based on a preponderance of the evidence that the named party is liable for your suffering. 

With that being said, there are several parties that could have played a part in the cause of your collision, and figuring out which party or parties should be brought to justice is half the battle in a New Orleans car accident claim. Read on to learn more about the various individuals and entities that could be at fault for your crash-related injuries.

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development

When the roads you are driving on are the issue, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LaDOTD) could be liable for your damages. 

This is because the LaDOTD is responsible for maintaining the integrity of the roadways in Louisiana. If there is a large pothole that has gone unfilled for some time, for example, or if there was a missing street sign that caused the collision, we would look to the LaDOTD for culpability in your car crash.

Negligent Drivers

The most common cause of auto wrecks in New Orleans is negligent drivers. Some frequently seen poor driving practices include operating a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, drowsy driving, distracted driving, and aggressive driving. 

Aggressive driving would include actions like following too closely, speeding, changing lanes without signaling, and running stop signs and lights, for example. 

Parts Manufacturers and Automakers

Other parties that are often tied to auto accident liability are parts manufacturers and automakers. When a part on any involved vehicle malfunctions, causing a collision, the manufacturer’s potential role in the crash is carefully examined. 

Whether they used defective parts intentionally to cut costs or failed to ensure the safety of the parts before they were installed in your vehicle, the parts manufacturer or automaker should be held accountable for their negligence.

Get Help from a New Orleans Car Accident Lawyer

If you have suffered devastating injuries in an auto wreck and you are unsure of how to go about bringing a claim against the liable party, speak with an experienced New Orleans car accident lawyer at the Law Office of Braud & Gallagher. 

We offer injury victims across NOLA and the state of Louisiana complimentary claim reviews where we can learn more about the details of each case. To schedule your review, just give our office a call at 1-800-256-5674 or submit the online contact form we have included below.