How Much Can Someone Sue for a Car Accident in Louisiana?

Victims of car accidents are often frustrated with the other parties involved. They often ask, “How much can someone sue for a car accident in Louisiana?” The answer to this isn’t very straightforward because it’s different for every accident.

Experienced Car Accident Attorneys in Louisiana

Blake Jones Law Firm serves clients throughout South Louisiana, including Lafayette, New Orleans, and the surrounding areas. Our attorneys are familiar with the unique issues Louisiana residents face, along with the Louisiana car accident laws that help victims recover compensation for their injuries.

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How Much Can Someone Sue for a Car Accident in Louisiana?

The value of a claim can be hard to estimate without a thorough examination of the circumstances. However, some common expenses in these claims include:

• Medical bills. This is one of the most costly parts of most car accident cases. Medical treatment for injuries can be pricey, especially if surgery or an extended stay at the hospital is needed. This can be estimated by reviewing the bills and medical records the victim accumulated during the treatment process.
• Lost wages. The median household income in Louisiana is $60,986. A person’s income can be significantly affected if they get injured in a car accident. Fortunately, those damages can be accounted for in a personal injury claim.
• Damage to vehicles. Most car accidents involve some kind of damage to most vehicles involved. If the vehicle’s airbags are deployed, it is normally considered totaled and cannot be repaired. This means your compensation package can include the overall value of the repairs or the car itself, depending on the circumstances.
• Pain and suffering. This category deals more with the emotional consequences of an accident. Injuries can lead to permanent issues with daily life. This can affect people mentally. These damages also include the anguish people often experience in the immediate aftermath of a vehicle collision.
• Punitive damages. These are normally only given out if the driver who caused the accident was behaving in an especially horrific way. This includes excessive intoxication or reckless driving behaviors that needlessly endanger people on the road. Punitive damages are less common than the other types of damages.

In 2024, there were 38,007 crashes in Louisiana. While there is no official limit to the amount of damages you can recover, it’s important to request a total that makes sense in the context of your case.

How Do I Recover These Damages?

To recover your damages in a car accident claim, you must prove that the other driver was at fault for your injuries by causing the accident. This can be done in multiple ways.

First, every driver must try to protect others on the road by driving safely. This is called a duty of care. If they engage in dangerous behaviors that risk others’ safety, it is considered a breach of that duty.

Additionally, you must prove that the other party’s negligent or reckless actions caused the accident. This can be difficult to do without professional legal representation.

It might seem like the injuries are easy to prove, but you also need to prove that they came directly from the accident. This is why getting medical attention as soon as possible after the accident is necessary.

Why Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?

One of the most important reasons for working with a lawyer is that they can determine the value of your individual claim. This is crucial to know before insurance companies start calling.

Many insurers try to offer settlements as soon as possible while you are still recovering. Some people accept these offers out of desperation or ignorance without realizing how small they are.

Consulting an attorney ahead of time can prepare you to face an insurance company. In fact, hiring an attorney might mean that you do not need to communicate with the insurance company at all. A lawyer can take care of it for you, as they know how to handle insurers’ tactics.

Why Choose Us for Car Accident Cases?

Blake Jones Law Firm has recovered damages for victims in serious accidents. On dangerous roads like I-10, people are at risk of high-speed collisions. One of our clients was sideswiped on this interstate. We secured $500,001 in damages for the victim, which helped them recover after such a traumatic event.

FAQs

What Is the Difference Between a Legal Claim and a Settlement in a Car Accident Case?

The difference between a legal claim and a settlement in a car accident case is when it takes place. If a settlement is reached, then the claim does not have to be formally filed in court. Most claims resolve in a settlement because it is cheaper than going to court. In some cases, however, the case must go to court because the parties involved cannot agree.

What Is Pain and Suffering in a Car Accident Claim?

Pain and suffering in a car accident claim is meant to offer restitution for the emotional elements of a car accident. It can include multiple factors that might apply in different situations. For example, serious injuries might cause permanent visible damage or disability, which can affect someone’s mental health.

What Are the Chances of Winning a Car Accident Claim?

The chances of winning a car accident claim are lower without professional legal representation. An attorney can recover larger settlements and increase the odds of winning an official court filing. No case is guaranteed, but a case that is developed by a legal professional is usually more thorough and successful.

What Do You Do If Someone Files a Claim Against You for a Car Accident in Louisiana?

If someone files a claim against you for a car accident in Louisiana, contact your insurance company. Their goal is to pay out as little as possible, so they are already working to negotiate with the other party. Consult an attorney to see if there is any additional evidence you can use to improve your position.

Get Honest Legal Guidance

To obtain any money from a car accident settlement, you must prove that the other party is at fault. If you need to collect further evidence for your claim, an attorney can do so. Schedule a consultation with Blake Jones Law Firm to learn more.