Louisiana Injury Lawyers Blog

April 27, 2023

The Need for Speed: But at What Cost?

Many people enjoy being adventurous and getting a thrill. All-Terrain Vehicles are great for this as they allow you to get outside, enjoy some fresh air, and have some off-road fun all at the same time. In fact, many individuals grow up riding ATVs with their family and friends and even learn to operate them at a very young age.

However, this fun activity can instantly turn into a tragedy. Unfortunately, ATV accidents are fairly common and can result in just some cuts and scrapes or life- threatening injuries or worst of all, death.

April 14, 2023

How Much Weight Does a Police Report Actually Carry In the Courtroom

by Cardone Law Firm

“GET THE POLICE REPORT!” It is a statement that we hear quite often from clients whenever there is an auto accident and there is a dispute as to who is at fault. And while a police report is important to your claim, some may be surprised to learn that a report is not the end all be all for your case.

Yes…police reports do serve as a very useful piece of evidence after a car accident. They identify parties and witnesses, provide narratives and statements of what happened, help in establishing fault, and provide basic information surrounding the incident. Sometimes, officers will even state which party they believe is responsible for the accident and if any citations were issued as a result. Essentially, these reports can be used effectively in settlement negotiations with the insurance company as they contain a significant number of facts and typically paint a clear picture of the accident.

March 24, 2023

Bones vs. Steel- Who Wins?

by Cardone Law Firm

Spring has sprung! And, for many of us, that means getting back to enjoying the sunshine, warm temperatures, and longer hours of daylight. To take advantage of this, many people are outside on the busy streets walking, jogging, running, and cycling.

While being outdoors and exercising can be great for your physical and mental health, you must also be aware of the safety issues that come along with this choice. Far too often, I see pedestrians and cyclist ignoring the rules of the road. It only takes one quick second for this ignorance to backfire on you.

March 13, 2023

I’D RATHER HAVE UNINSURED MOTORIST COVERAGE THAN COMMIT ADULTERY

by Cardone Law Firm

A legendary basketball coach was invited to give an inspirational speech to religious leaders. Midway through the speech the group broke for refreshments. Two punch drinks were offered…. One, was spiked for the Catholics, the second was unspiked for the Baptists.

The coach was talking to a rather self-important Baptist minister who mistakenly took a sip of the spiked punch. When he realized that the punch was spiked, he defiantly poured it back into the punch bowl, telling the coach…”I’d rather commit adultery than drink spiked punch.” To which the coach dryly responded, “by God, I didn’t know I had a choice”! ADULTERY OR SPIKED PUNCHED?

March 5, 2023

Why You Should Add Uninsured Motorist Coverage to Your Auto Policy

by Cardone Law Firm

If you’ve been injured in a car wreck that is not your fault, you will always look to the at fault driver to pay for your damages. But what happens if that driver did not have insurance? Or did not have enough insurance to fully compensate you? What if you are involved in a hit and run? If this is the case, we would turn to your own auto policy to see if you carry uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage.

While Louisiana does not require drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage (UM), it is never a bad idea to add it to your policy. In fact, 15% of Louisiana drivers do not have auto insurance. Although drivers are required to carry minimum liability insurance, not all drivers abide by this rule, so it is always important to have an extra layer of coverage for yourself in case of an accident.

February 17, 2023

Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler! How to Stay Safe This Mardi Gras

by Cardone Law Firm

Mardi Gras is undoubtedly one of the biggest holidays in New Orleans. Nearly 1 million enthusiastic visitors fill the streets each year to celebrate the exciting carnival season. However, with the Mardi Gras excitement, comes a much greater risk of injury due to large crowds, overconsumption of alcohol and carefree partying.

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission found that the Mardi Gras holiday is the most dangerous holiday for car accidents on Louisiana highways. The New Orleans Police Department revealed that they routinely see a spike in car accidents in the two weeks leading up to Fat Tuesday as visitors begin to trickle in. In fact, the Saturday before Mardi Gras is the most active day for collisions with over 120 accidents happening on that day each year since 2017.

February 10, 2023

What You Should Do After a Slip and Fall on a Cruise Ship

by Cardone Law Firm

Nearly 30 million people board cruises each year. No one anticipates being injured on their vacation, but accidents can happen to anyone. Undoubtedly, slip and fall accidents are one of the most common types of accidents that occur aboard cruise ships. This kind of accident seems inevitable with slippery surfaces, crowded common areas and the motion of the sea. So, what should you do if you’ve been injured on a cruise ship?

First, it is important to understand the difference between an accident and negligence of the cruise ship. As we know, sometimes accidents happen. You may trip over your own feet or not pay attention to what you are doing. In that case, no one is to blame; however, other accidents are due to the negligence of the cruise line and its employees. If this is the case, the cruise line will be liable for the injured passenger’s injuries. This includes medical bills, future medical treatment, pain and suffering, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, loss of consortium, etc. This is because shipowners owe a duty to exercise reasonable care for the safety of its passengers Kermarec v. Compagnie Generale Transatlantique, 358 U.S. 625 (1959).

February 3, 2023

Most Common Reasons for Gangway Accidents on a Cruise Ship

by Cardone Law Firm

Boarding a cruise ship can be very exciting. This usually means you are in for some relaxation and fun. But what happens if you are injured on the gangway before the excitement even starts? What if your method of entering and exiting the vessel presents an unsafe condition?

Essentially, a gangway is the narrow ramp used to bridge the gap between the land and the vessel so that passengers can board and exit the ship. They are typically positioned at an incline and have handrails and textured floors to prevent slips or falls. However, sometimes conditions are not safe, as such, and accidents happen on these gangways.

January 19, 2023

Why an Accident Report is Crucial to Your Claim

by Cardone Law Firm

Have you ever been involved in a car crash and wondered what you should do next? After making sure that everyone is okay and does not require immediate medical attention, call the police. In many cases, the police officer will come to the scene and write an accident report. This report can be very important for your personal injury claim.

Although an accident report itself is not typically admissible as evidence in court, it is used as a great source of information as to the basic facts of the accident such as location, time, driver information, witness statements, police narrative, and more.

November 23, 2022

Stay Safe This Thanksgiving

by Cardone Law Firm

Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel times of the year. In fact, the American Automobile Association anticipates nearly 55 million people will be traveling for this year’s holiday. With the increase in traffic on the roads, there is also an increase in the likelihood of an auto accident occurring. To ensure that you and your family stay safe this Thanksgiving, we have included some tips for safe travels.

Before you get on the road this year, be sure to: