Posts by Annie Barker
Power of Attorney in Louisiana: What You Need to Know
Practically speaking, a power of attorney is kept on a shelf until it is needed. But when you need one, you REALLY need one, thus it’s important for your Power of Attorney to be efficient and trustworthy. A Power of Attorney is one of the most important legal documents that every person should have in…
Read MoreWhat is Subrogation in Insurance?
Subrogation, often shortened to subro, is the right of your insurance company to request reimbursement from the liable party after they’ve covered your claim. Usually, that reimbursement comes from the at-fault party’s insurance company. After your insurance company’s subrogation claim is approved, those proceeds can help cover the cost of your deductible. These costs are…
Read MoreHow is Louisiana Law Different from Other States?
There are a lot of things Louisiana is known for: its delicious food, the party atmosphere, its French influence, and oddly enough, its legal system. While every other state uses Common Law, derived from English law, Louisiana uses French Civil Law, which is derived from the Napoleonic Code. Legal theory and the role of legal…
Read MoreTop 10 Most Dangerous Trucking Companies in the US
Recent research has shown the importance of trucks to the American economy: over 70% of all goods shipped in the U.S. spend some of their time on a truck. Because they hold so much economic power, trucking companies must be held to certain standards, not only to ensure their workers are treated well but to…
Read MoreExperiencing Headaches After a Car Accident? Here’s What You Should Know
After a car accident, there are many reasons you might have a headache, many of which are fairly benign. However, if you have a constant headache after your car accident, not only can it be painful and debilitating—it can be a symptom of a much more serious injury, such as a traumatic brain injury (TBI)…
Read MoreWhat is Tailgating and Why is it Dangerous?
Under Louisiana law, tailgating is defined as a motor vehicle following another more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of such vehicle and the traffic upon and the condition of the highway (LA RS 32:81). Tailgating can lead to rear-end collisions, which according to the National Highway Transportation Safety…
Read MoreUnderstanding Assumption of Risk in Personal Injury Cases
While personal injury cases can be complex, some—such as a fender bender involving two vehicles—are generally considered simple. However, even these cases can become complicated when the parties dispute the accident’s cause, and lead to a bitter legal fight. In some personal injury cases, the defendant may assert the defense of assumption of risk. Depending…
Read MoreLouisiana Right of Way Rules: Explained
Whether you’re driving to work, taking a day trip to one of Louisiana’s beautiful parks, or walking in one of our bustling towns, you are subject to Louisiana’s right of way laws. A right of way rule defines who must yield to whom at a given intersection, and applies to everyone using the road, whether…
Read More15 Weird Laws in Louisiana
Louisiana is known for its good food, great music, a shared joie de vivre, and … weird laws? Louisiana’s legal system is based on the Napoleonic Code, as opposed to the rest of the country’s, which is based on English Common Law. What’s more, the unique history, culture, and wildlife of Louisiana have led to…
Read MoreSuing for Emotional Distress in Louisiana
After you’ve been hurt due to someone else’s negligence, you probably know you can be eligible for damages caused by your physical injuries and property damage. However, you might find yourself asking, “Can I sue them for emotional distress caused by my accident?” In short, you can sue for emotional distress and mental trauma caused…
Read MoreI-10 East Closed Following a Big Truck Wreck
Between Lake Charles and Sulphur, on December 1, 2022, an accident involving two semi trucks and a truck towing a boat trailer occurred as reported by 107 JAMZ. Responding to the accident, Louisiana State Police closed down I-10 eastbound and diverted traffic to I-210 while cleaning up the mess. Luckily, no injuries were reported in…
Read MoreWhat To Do After Being Hit by an Uninsured Driver in Louisiana
Car accidents can have severe consequences for victims and their families. Not only do survivors have to face the physical pain and mental trauma of their injuries, but a car crash can result in thousands of dollars in medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs. Accident victims can usually file an insurance claim with the…
Read More5 Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Louisiana
Every year, nearly 2,000 Louisiana motorcyclists are involved in traffic accidents, suffering injuries, busted bikes, and for more than 80 of them, wrongful death. While there are a variety of reasons that can contribute to a motorcycle accident, nearly all of them can be attributed to driver negligence. The majority of motorcycle accidents are the…
Read More6 Safety Tips for Driving at Night
Staying safe while driving is often as simple as following the rules and best practices of the road: stay focused, follow the speed limit, and drive defensively. However, driving at night poses its own challenges, and with the days getting shorter, it’s important to drive safely at all times of day. Driving at night is…
Read MoreInjuries Reported in a Big Truck Wreck on I-12
Early Friday morning on October 21, multiple people were injured in an I-12 eastbound tractor-trailer crash, as reported by WWLTV. During the crash, one vehicle was overturned, which could have resulted in further injury and property damage. According to a Facebook post by the Tammany Parish Fire District, one person had to be airlifted to…
Read MoreLouisiana Crime Rates and Statistics
Violent crime has been on the rise around the country since the beginning of the pandemic in 2020. According to the FBI, 1.3 million violent crimes were reported that year—a 5% increase from 2019. While the national violent crime rate is still below the high of the 1990s, some states, like Louisiana, have experienced stronger…
Read MoreLouisiana Ranked in Top 10 for Worst Roads
If you’ve driven for any length of time in Louisiana, you’ve probably noticed the poor state of our roads. In fact, a new study has found that Louisiana is the second-worst state in the country as far as quality of roads is concerned, behind only Rhode Island. Our poor road quality doesn’t help when it…
Read MoreCar Accident Caused by Highway Defect Results in Paraplegia
The experienced car accident lawyers at Gordon McKernan recently secured a large settlement for a client whose accident was the result of a highway defect. Our client suffered devastating spinal cord injuries and was left partially paralyzed after the incident. An accident like this one is made more tragic by the fact that it was…
Read MoreInfants Fall into Apartment Complex Pool, Resulting in Catastrophic Injury
Our team of premises liability lawyers at Gordon McKernan recently filed suit on behalf of a family dealing with the devastating aftermath of their two infant children falling into a pool at an apartment complex. One child was the victim of catastrophic brain injury who unfortunately passed away, and the sister is now quadriplegic due…
Read MoreWhat Types of Car Accidents Cause Traumatic Brain Injuries?
Car accidents are, unfortunately, very common in the United States. There are many causes that contribute to car crashes, such as distracted driving, impaired driving, and many more. While a good percentage of traffic accidents are accidental and result in minor and non-life-threatening outcomes, there are plenty that leads to more life-altering results, such as…
Read MoreTruck Wreck on I-12 Kills Driver in Resulting Blaze
On Wednesday, February 24, near the Hammond exit of I-12, a semi-truck caught fire after striking the cable barrier at the side of the highway. The driver was killed as a result of the blaze. An investigation into the wreck’s cause is still ongoing, but this tragedy is a stark reminder of how important it…
Read MoreSeveral Injured in the Marathon Plant Explosion
This past Monday, February 21, 2022, workers at Marathon refinery in Garyville were impacted by an on-site explosion at about 9:30 am, which led to a fire. Luckily, the fire was quickly extinguished and all employees and contract workers were accounted for, but six employees were mildly injured by the blast and resulting blaze. In…
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