Timeline of a Car Accident Lawsuit in Lafayette, LA

Filing a car accident claim is a fairly straightforward process, but it can still be an overwhelming one. It’s useful to know the timeline of a car accident lawsuit in Lafayette, LA, so you know what to expect if you’re involved in a crash. Even when you hire an attorney to navigate Lafayette car accident laws, it’s beneficial to understand what you’re up against when you file a car accident claim.

Car Accidents in Louisiana

Even the safest drivers run the risk of being in an accident. There were a total of 811 traffic fatalities and another 3,624 serious injuries from car accidents reported across Louisiana in 2023. There were 60 crashes reported in Lafayette that year, 31 of which involved injuries.

The Timeline of Lafayette Car Accident Cases

If you wish to file a personal injury claim after a car accident in Louisiana, you typically must do so within two years of the incident. When you file your claim, it’s critical to have all the proper documentation and evidence ready to go. That way, you can present a strong argument to establish the other party’s fault for the accident. You can expect delays in the process if you don’t have all the necessary information. If you hire an attorney, they can handle all this for you.

Once you file, you can expect to be in contact with the at-fault party’s insurance provider to assess damages and determine a fair amount of compensation. Most claims of this nature settle out of court through these negotiations, but it’s important that you stand up for yourself during this process. Insurers are going to try to get you to settle for the lowest possible amount.

It’s beneficial to hire a car accident lawyer to represent you throughout these negotiations. They can use their knowledge of Lafayette car accident laws and past experiences to fight for fair compensation for your case. Moreover, your attorney can continue representing your interests in court if an agreement cannot be reached through negotiations.

Common Delays in the Car Accident Claim Process in Lafayette

The time it takes to settle a car accident claim in Lafayette can vary greatly, depending on the details of the case and everyone’s ability to cooperate with one another. Common delays in the process typically occur when negotiations stall or when cases have to go to court. Difficulties in retrieving evidence and miscommunications can also cause major delays.

A Louisiana car accident attorney can manage these procedures and keep your case moving as quickly as possible.

FAQs

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in Lafayette?

The cost of hiring a Lafayette car accident attorney is going to vary, depending mostly on your total settlement amount. Most car accident attorneys work for a contingency fee, which means they collect their fees from your final settlement.

This is beneficial for accident victims because they don’t have to pay anything upfront and won’t be trapped paying for services they can’t afford. You can also typically set up an appointment to learn more before you choose.

How Much Can I Recover From a Car Accident Claim in Lafayette?

The amount you recover from a car accident claim in Lafayette is ultimately going to depend on the strength of your case and your percentage of fault for the incident. As of January 2026, Louisiana is switching from a pure comparative fault law to a modified comparative fault law. This means your total settlement is going to be affected by any percentage of fault you had in an incident. It’s important to have a strong claim backed by evidence.

Is It Difficult to Win a Car Accident Case in Lafayette?

The process of filing a claim after a car accident is fairly straightforward, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy to win your case. Your chances of winning your case and securing fair compensation hinge on your ability to present a strong claim backed by clear evidence.

It’s important to quickly hire a lawyer; they can gather information that clearly establishes fault and demonstrates the scope of your losses. They can use that to secure the maximum available compensation.

Do I Have to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer to File a Claim in Lafayette?

You’re not legally obligated to hire a car accident lawyer to file a claim after a crash in Lafayette, but it can be critical to have a legal professional on your side. A car accident attorney can investigate your claim to gather key pieces of evidence that strengthen your case. They can negotiate with the at-fault party and their insurance provider to secure your settlement. Your attorney can also be ready to represent your interests in court, too.

Hire a Car Accident Lawyer to File a Car Accident Claim in Lafayette

The aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming, but it’s crucial that you act quickly to ensure your safety and ability to recover damages for your losses. Fortunately, you don’t have to go through everything on your own. In fact, it’s highly recommended that you hire a car accident lawyer to represent you through the claims process.

Our team at Blake Jones Law Firm has over five decades of experience in navigating complex Louisiana injury cases. We’ve secured countless settlements for our clients and earned a stellar reputation along the way, including:

• AV® Preeminent™ rating with Martindale-Hubbell
• Lawyers of Distinction
• Members of the National Board of Trial Advocacy
• Rated by Super Lawyers®
• Top 10 Trucking Trial Lawyers

We understand the car accident claim process, and we’re comfortable working with the City Court of Lafayette or the 15th Judicial District Court, depending on the scope of your case. If you’re ready to discuss your case in more detail, all that’s left to do is reach out to a car accident attorney you can trust. Learn your case’s likely timeline in a free consultation with a Louisiana lawyer today.