When an auto accident occurs and causes injuries, the person who was to blame for the accident can find themselves being sued. When one is facing a lawsuit, it is important they are represented by an Auto Accident Defense Attorney in Lafayette LA. While an attorney cannot guarantee the outcome of an injury claim, they can often make the process much easier for a defendant to endure. The process will begin with a consultation appointment with the attorney.
There are three basic defenses that can be used when an attorney is defending an accident case:
* Comparative negligence assigns a percentage of fault to both parties in the accident. If the attorney can prove the fault was shared, they can reduce the amount of compensation the defendant would be required to pay out, should the plaintiff win their claim. In most states, plaintiffs found to be 50% or more responsible for an accident are not allowed to pursue compensation from the defendant.
* Contributory negligence can be used in certain circumstances. This defense, if proven, prevents anyone that contributed to the accident from suing the other contributors. In this scenario, everyone is responsible for their own measurable damages, no matter how much of a percentage they were to blame for causing the accident. An Auto Accident Defense Attorney in Lafayette LA can help a person determine if this will be a viable defense for them.
* There is also the option of defending a claim with failure to mitigate damages. When a person is injured in an auto accident, they are required by law to prevent themselves from becoming further injured. Those who make their injuries worse will end up recovering less if they are awarded compensation. An attorney will work to gather evidence to support this defense.
If you are facing the defense of your lawsuit, it is important you get legal assistance right away. An attorney can help you through all of the steps in the process and will work to ensure your case is properly defended. For more information, visit chrisrichardattorney.com. This legal team can give you a greater level of peace of mind as you are sued. You can also visit them on Google+ for more information.
