Auto Accidents

Defensive Driving

April 21, 2021 | by Broussard, David & Moroux

Defensive driving is a driving skill that allows you to protect yourself from possible accidents or collisions. Actions such as looking ahead, keeping your eyes moving, and more are just a few tips of defensive driving. Here are more defensive driving that you can follow to help keep you and others safe.

Focus on your driving – don’t let your phone, radio, or children distract you from the road.
Don’t speed – the faster you are traveling, the longer it takes to stop, and higher speeds can potentially cause a more dangerous collision.

School Bus Crash in Duson

April 19, 2021 | by Broussard, David & Moroux

On Tuesday March 30^th a school bus crashed in the city of Duson. The crash occurred as the result of an SUV crossing the center line and striking the bus. Thankfully there were no children aboard the bus at the time of the accident. Passengers of the SUV and the bus driver were transported to the hospital for treatment. A field sobriety test was conducted for the driver of the SUV and there was no conclusive evidence of impairment, but the driver of the SUV was found to be at fault for the accident and issued citations. All individuals are expected to make a full recovery.

Remember to follow the rules of the roadway and practice safe driving to reduce your risk of accidents and injuries.

The attorneys at Broussard, David & Moroux have the knowledge and experience necessary to handle cases of this nature and will fight to obtain fair compensation for your injuries. If you, or a loved one has suffered harm because of the fault of another, contact the attorneys at Broussard, David & Moroux to discuss your legal rights at (337) 233-2323 (local) or (888) 337-2323 (toll-free).

6 Vehicle Car Accident Closes I-10

April 16, 2021 | by Broussard, David & Moroux

On Monday, March 29 all lanes of I-10 east-bound of the Mississippi River Bridge were closed due to multiple car accidents. There were two separate crashes, one causing the other that involved a total of six vehicles. One vehicle transporting sheet metal collided with the back of another vehicle causing debris to fly and scatter across the roadway. No injuries were immediately reported.

Accidents can happen at anytime and anywhere. To help ensure the safety of yourself, and others, remember to practice safe driving and stay attentive of other drivers.

The attorneys at Broussard, David & Moroux have the knowledge and experience necessary to handle cases of this nature and will fight to obtain fair compensation for your injuries. If you, or a loved one has suffered harm because of the fault of another, contact the attorneys at Broussard, David & Moroux to discuss your legal rights at (337) 233-2323 (local) or (888) 337-2323 (toll-free).

Motorcycle Crash in Thibodaux

April 12, 2021 | by Broussard, David & Moroux

Last month, the Thibodaux Police Department responded to an accident involving a motorcycle and a motor vehicle. The accident occurred when the driver of the motor vehicle failed to yield to the oncoming motorcycle, and improperly turned left in front of the motorcycle causing it to strike the vehicle head on. Though the driver of the motorcycle was wearing a helmet, he sustained critical injuries after being ejected during the crash and was taken to a local hospital for treatment.

Accidents can happen at anytime and anywhere. When operating or riding on a motorcycle, it is always important wear a helmet and other protective gear, but vigilance is the best way to avoid crashes and injuries. To help ensure the safety of yourself and others, always remember to practice safe driving and stay attentive of other drivers, especially motorcyclists.

The attorneys at Broussard, David & Moroux have the knowledge and experience necessary to handle cases of this nature and will fight to obtain fair compensation for your injuries. If you, or a loved one has suffered harm because of the fault of another, contact the attorneys at Broussard, David & Moroux to discuss your legal rights at (337) 233-2323 (local) or (888) 337-2323 (toll-free).

Fatal Hit-and-Run Accident Leaves Bicyclist Dead in St. Landry Parish

March 29, 2021 | by Broussard, David & Moroux

24-year-old Ryan Fontenot was riding his bike eastbound on U.S. Highway 190 in the early morning hours last week when he was struck from behind by an unknown vehicle. While looking to make a left-hand turn into Acadian Medical Center from the turning lane, the unknown vehicle hit Mr. Fontenot and propelled him off of his bike and into the westbound lane where he was struck again, causing fatal injuries. Sadly, Mr. Fontenot was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver who struck Mr. Fontenot after he was ejected from the bike showed no alcohol in his system and no signs of impairment. However, the driver who initially hit Mr. Fontenot from the rear fled the scene immediately after the accident.

Though officers are unsure of the type of car that fled the scene, officers believe the hit-and-run vehicle is a ram pickup truck with damage to the left front bumper, headlamp, and fender.

What Comes Next – A Glimpse into The Post-Accident Legal Process

March 26, 2021 | by Broussard, David & Moroux

An average of 16,500 car accidents occur daily across the United States. In the blink of an eye, a rear-end car accident can completely turn one’s life upside down by causing life-altering injuries. Such an event can leave one lost as to what to do next, scared as to the daunting recovery process that lies ahead, and confused as to where to even begin. Some insight into the expected process of legal settlements may aid you or a loved one in making important decisions following a tragic accident.

In Louisiana, a car accident resulting in an injury, death, or property damage resulting in over $500 requires the parties by law to contact the local police department. Following the accident, an injured party should seek legal assistance. This will significantly offset the post-accident burdens of both filing a claim with the negligent party’s insurance company and gathering supporting evidence like medical examinations, photos, and witness testimony.

Further, an attorney can file suit against a negligent party, thereby holding that party liable for their actions. The lawsuit must be brought within 1 year of the date of the accident or else the claim is forever lost. Once the legal process begins, parties will work tirelessly to reach what is known as a settlement. A settlement resolves the dispute by dropping the claim before reaching trial in return for a monetary compensation. Settlement processes can last anywhere from a few months to a few years depending on the severity of the injuries and the accident. In the settlement process, the injured party seeks recompense for physical pain and suffering, repair or replacement of their car, medical expenses, mental anguish from the accident, lost wages, as well as other forms of damages.

Fog Causes Accident With Stalled Vehicle

March 19, 2021 | by Broussard, David & Moroux

An early morning accident was the result of fog in Caddo Parish. A stalled vehicle was rear-ended when another driver failed to stop due to a decreased visibility associated with the foggy conditions. Though fog is typically something motorists often encounter in the early morning, accidents like this serve as a reminder to remain vigilant even in situations we often encounter on the road.

The attorneys at Broussard, David & Moroux have the knowledge and experience necessary to handle cases of this nature and will fight to obtain fair compensation for your injuries. If you, or a loved one has suffered harm because of the fault of another, contact the attorneys at Broussard, David & Moroux to discuss your legal rights at (337) 233-2323 (local) or (888) 337-2323 (toll-free).

https://www.ktbs.com/news/local/fog-may-have-contributed-to-crash-in-south-caddo-parish/article_fcbaa4bc-858d-11eb-864c-f72b239e1eea.html

Tragic ATV Accident in New Iberia

March 18, 2021 | by Broussard, David & Moroux

A 73-year-old man died from injuries sustained in an ATV accident. While at a gas pump one of the three passengers accidentally stepped on the accelerator causing the ATV to strike a nearby planter. The force of the collision caused the ATV to almost flip on its side and ejected the other passenger before striking a parked truck.

The driver of the ATV was cited for operating an ATV on a public roadway and, pending toxicology, there may be additional charges. Information regarding the additional passenger is unknown.

Broussard, David & Moroux offers their condolences and sympathy to the family and friends during this difficult time.

Vermillion Parish Jury Awards Over $1.48MM to Plaintiffs in 18-Wheeler Collision

January 10, 2020 | by Broussard, David & Moroux

Plaintiffs Latoya Fontenot and Michael Robertson were injured when an 18-wheeler changed lanes and struck their vehicle. There was minor property damage on the Fontenot’s vehicle and neither plaintiffs sought medical attention at the scene. Robertson and Fontenot began treating with chiropractor Dr. Rowdy Gautreau. When conservative measures failed, Robertson and Fontenot both presented to Dr. William Brennan, a Lafayette neurosurgeon. Dr. Brennan performed a laminectomy on Robertson; one year later, Brennan performed a fusion at L4/5 L5/S1. Dr. Brennan also performed a three-level cervical fusion on Latoya. Michael Robertson was enrolled in pain management after the accident and was treating with Dr. Sanjiv Jindia for chronic pain. At the time of the accident, Robertson was working offshore.

Defendants defended the case on all angles: liability and damages. On the first morning of trial, defendants stipulated to liability. With respect to damages, defendants attacked Robertson’s credibility, particularly the fact that Robertson, a convicted felon, had testified that he did not return to work after the accident despite evidence that Robertson returned to his job for six days. Defendants also argued that Robertson failed to disclose his 2010 treatment to “chronic back pain” to his treating physicians and that he overexaggerated the facts of the crash and the property damage to the vehicle. With respect to Fontenot, the defendants argued that while Fontenot was treating with Dr. Brennan and complaining of neck pain, the visits she made to her primary care providers contained no mentions of neck pain.

Plaintiffs experts were as follows: Sy Arceneaux and Stony Landry, vocational rehabilitation, and John Theriot, economist. Defendants retained Dr. James Domingue to give expert testimony about Latoya Fontenot’s EMG, and Dr. Chambliss Harrod to provide an Independent Medical Exam regarding the plaintiffs’ need for surgery.

New York Family Fighting for Fair Compensation in the Face of Unjust Taxi Law

June 10, 2019 | by Broussard, David & Moroux

The parents of Sherena Hundalani, 26, are fighting for justice after their daughter was tragically killed by a taxi in Queens, New York. Hundalani was standing on a sidewalk in front of a Mobil Station on February 24, 2019, waiting to cross the street, when a taxi struck her from behind, dragged her underneath the car, and then fled the scene. Hundalani was taken to a hospital before she later succumbed to her injuries. The taxi’s driver, Lakhvinder Singh, was questioned by police and claimed that the vehicle malfunctioned before he was then released without having any charges pressed against him. The case is still being investigated.

The suit, which names City of New York, the Department of Transportation, and the Taxi and Limousine Commission, alleges that Singh was using the Mobil station as an illegal turnaround at the time of the incident, a common practice among taxi drivers in that location. Hundalani’s parents, Prakash and Bina, claim that the various city agencies were aware of the dangerous conditions that led to their daughter’s death and allowed them to continue. “We are devastated beyond words by the loss of our beautiful Sherena,” they expressed. “We are grateful to so many friends who have supported us and expressed their love for our daughter, but there must be accountability when an innocent young woman is killed by a taxi licensed by the City of New York while standing on the sidewalk of all places.”

Though the Hundalani’s are seeking $25 million in damages, an outrageous New York taxi and limousine regulation is potentially standing in their way. That is, under current New York City law, insurance payouts for those injured or killed by a standard taxi or limousine are limited to $100,000 per person, $300,000, per accident, $200,000 in personal injury protection, and $10,000 in property damage. As a result, the city’s streets and sidewalks are being opened to reckless, unlicensed, and underinsured bicyclists as well as underinsured taxis and limousines who face very little threat of legal or financial consequences following a crash.