Lafayette Car Accident Lawyer

Lafayette Car Accident Attorney

A careless driver can wreck more than just a car. They can affect someone’s physical health and work life. In Lafayette, victims don’t have to just take it. Louisiana law gives crash survivors the right to fight back. This can be done with the help of a Lafayette car accident lawyer.

Always Focused on the Case

Our clients tell us that they feel like we’ve known them for years. At Blake Jones Law Firm, LLC, we’ve helped clients across the Gulf Coast with serious car crash cases. We’ve helped families receive life-changing results. We’ve won verdicts like a $1 million settlement for a highway fatality and $594,000 for a family after a fatal pileup.

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What to Do Right After a Crash

When a car crash happens, things move fast. Injuries and confusion make it hard to think clearly. But your actions after a wreck can protect your health. The most important actions include:

• Call the police. Officers write police reports. This becomes important in showing fault later. Even if the crash seems minor, having that report on record helps if your injuries get worse. The other driver might try to change their story, too.
• Get medical care. Some injuries don’t show up right away. Waiting can hurt your health and weaken your claim. Let paramedics check you at the scene. Go to a hospital or clinic if you feel dizzy or have numbness.
• Take photos and videos. Use your phone to capture the damage and the surrounding scene. This can help prove how the crash happened. Document the full extent of the harm by recording skid marks and injuries, too.
• Exchange info with the other driver. Get the other driver’s name, contact information, license plate, and insurance company. Be polite, but don’t apologize or admit fault. You might not know who actually caused the crash.
• Talk to witnesses. If someone saw the crash, ask for their name and phone number. Independent witnesses can help confirm your side if the other driver denies what happened.

These steps can strengthen your case from day one. They also make it easier for an attorney to step in and help.

Fault and Liability

In Louisiana, fault in a car crash doesn’t always fall on just one person. The state uses a system called comparative fault. That means more than one person can be blamed for a crash. Each person is held responsible for their share of the blame.

For example, if both drivers involved commit traffic violations, both might be found at fault. More serious offenses, like running a red light, might result in most of the blame. However, minor violations can still lead to fault. This reduces how much they can recover. If someone is 25% at fault, they can only collect 75% of their total damages.

This system can get complicated when multiple cars are involved. Insurance companies use multiple forms of evidence when assigning fault. They also often try to shift the blame. That’s why it’s important to collect evidence early.

Compensation Available

If you’re hurt in a car crash in Lafayette, the law allows you to seek financial recovery. That recovery is called damages. It’s meant to cover both financial losses and personal harm.

You can claim money for things like medical bills and lost wages. You can also recover damages for pain and suffering. This covers the mental and physical toll of the crash. If the crash caused a long-term injury, the claim can include future medical care. Unfortunately, not everyone involved in a car accident survives. In 2023, there were 44,762 deaths related to motor vehicle crashes in the US. Wrongful death claims work a bit differently.

If someone dies in a crash, the family can recover funeral costs and lost financial support. They can also file for the loss of love and care the person would have provided. Every case is different, but the law allows recovery for both money lost and the personal impact of the harm.

Why Do I Need an Attorney?

Filing a car accident claim sounds simple. But insurance companies have teams that know how to push back. A lawyer can help make sure your rights are protected from the start.

FAQs

How Is Fault Determined in Lafayette Car Accidents?

Fault is determined in Lafayette car accidents using comparative fault. That means each driver can be held responsible for a share of the crash. If one driver ran a red light but the other was speeding, both could be partially at fault. Insurance adjusters and courts look at the evidence to decide who caused the wreck. They then calculate how much blame each party carries.

How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Lafayette?

To file a car accident claim in Lafayette, you have two years from the date of the crash. That deadline is strict. If you miss it, the court can throw out your case. Some claims might involve exceptions, but those are rare. It’s smart to act fast. A quick start can preserve details that support your claim.

What If the Other Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?

If the other driver doesn’t have insurance, that doesn’t mean you’re out of options. You might be able to file a claim through your own insurance. Many drivers have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage without realizing it. If you don’t have it, you may still have other legal options that an attorney can explain to you.

Can I File a Claim If My Loved One Was Killed in a Lafayette Car Crash?

You can file a claim if your loved one was killed in a Lafayette car crash. There were 30 traffic-related fatalities in Lafayette Parish in 2024. In Louisiana, filing a claim can help cover funeral costs and lost income. Only certain family members can file. The law sets rules on who qualifies.

Help Is Available

It’s estimated that motor vehicle-related crashes cost Americans $513.8 billion in 2022. Don’t let pressure from insurance stop you from getting what you’re owed. Schedule a consultation with Blake Jones Law Firm, LLC, to talk to someone who knows how Lafayette car accident law works.