Were you injured in an auto accident in Lafayette, LA? Contact a Lafayette car accident lawyer from Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers at (337) 473-2991 to schedule a free consultation.
With compassion for you and commitment to your recovery journey, our firm is here to help. Our Lafayette car accident attorneys are dedicated to protecting your rights and fully evaluating every aspect of your case, ensuring nothing is overlooked.
If you’ve been involved in an auto accident in Lafayette, Louisiana, we are here for you.
How Mansfield Melancon Can Help if You Were in an Accident
Here’s how our Lafayette personal injury attorneys can help:
- We examine all aspects of your case and collect as much evidence as possible supporting your claim, often including medical records, witness and expert testimony, and video footage if available.
- We calculate the full extent of your damages, which includes not just immediate costs but also potential long-term expenses.
- We use our negotiation skills with insurance companies to ensure you are offered fair compensation that truly reflects the impact of your injuries and other losses from the accident.
- If reaching an acceptable settlement is not possible through negotiations, our attorneys are ready to represent and fight for you in court.
If you find yourself injured in a car wreck in Lafayette, Louisiana, and are in need of legal support, don’t hesitate to contact Mansfield Melancon to schedule a free consultation with a Lafayette car accident lawyer.
Why Should I Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
If you hire a car accident lawyer, their main goal will be to secure as much money for you as they can. That’s because attorneys in this area of the law only get paid if they successfully handle your case – and the more they get for you, the more they receive as well.
Hiring an attorney can benefit you because:
- The opposing party will likely have an attorney; insurance companies have entire legal departments on their side. You can level the playing field if you hire an attorney, too.
- Your lawyer can hire experts to make your case even stronger. Some experts can help establish the value of your claim, and others can assist in establishing liability.
- If you’re blamed for your accident, you could recover less compensation. A lawyer can respond to allegations of blame appropriately and effectively.
- With a lawyer in your corner, you can take the time you need to focus on your medical recovery. During that time, your attorney can take legal action on your behalf.
While it’s true that you don’t need a lawyer for every car accident, it’s almost always in your best interest to reach out for a free consultation. You can get some initial legal advice about your options at that time.
How Much Money Can I Get From a Car Accident Case?
Determining the value of a car accident case is difficult since every situation is unique. Factors typically influencing its worth include:
- The extent and severity of your injuries, both physical and emotional, as well as any financial losses because of them, will affect your case. The more severe your injuries, the higher your settlement or verdict will typically be.
- The insurance coverage limits of the at-fault party’s policy will play a role in how much your case can settle for. Some policies have higher limits, which afford more room for compensation than others with lower limits.
- If you are found partially at fault for the accident, the concept of comparative negligence may reduce your compensation proportionately to your share of responsibility.
A skilled accident lawyer in Lafayette has the ability to negotiate and present a persuasive case, which greatly influences the outcome. The right attorney can effectively argue for maximum compensation on your behalf.
This brief overview of factors affecting the worth of your car accident case is not exhaustive. It’s important to get personalized advice based on the specifics of your situation.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Car Accident in Louisiana?
As of 7/01/2024, in Louisiana, you generally have a two-year window from the date of your car accident to file a lawsuit. However, if your collision occurred before 7/01/2024, you may have as little as one year to take legal action.
This is known as the statute of limitations. If you fail to act within the appropriate timeframe, you typically forfeit your right to seek compensation.
Several exceptions may either shorten or extend the period. It’s advised that you reach out to an attorney as soon as possible so they can ensure that you file your personal injury claim within the deadline.
What Kinds of Damages Are Available to Car Accident Victims?
Crash victims in Lafayette, LA, may be eligible to pursue various categories of damages related to their incident. The categories include:
- Economic Damages – These quantifiable losses include direct financial impacts like medical expenses and lost earnings due to an injury or disability caused by a car accident. It would also include property damage from the incident.
- Non-Econonmic Damages – This category addresses the less tangible impacts of the accident, such as pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Punitive Damages – Although less likely, punitive damages may be awarded in very limited situations in Louisiana. A notable example that can result in punitive damages is when the victim is injured by a drunk driver. These additional damages are meant to be a punishment for the defendant and a deterrent to similar behavior in the future.
If you’re dealing with the aftermath of a car accident and are wondering about potential compensation for damages, our experienced team is here to help.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
Most car accident attorneys work for a contingency fee instead of a flat rate or by the hour. With this payment method, hiring a lawyer for your case costs you nothing upfront. It also costs you nothing in attorney’s fees unless your lawyer wins compensation for you.
If your attorney secures a jury verdict or settlement agreement, they will receive a percentage as payment for their work. In most cases, this percentage will be around 33-40%.
Under the contingency fee structure, your lawyer has an incentive to recover as much money for you as possible. In addition, you can afford a top-rated attorney even if your accident has left you with mounting financial expenses.
Can I Recover Compensation If I’m Being Blamed For a Car Accident in Lafayette?
Yes, in Louisiana, you can still recover damages even if you are partially at fault for a car accident under the system of pure comparative negligence used in this state.
Under this rule, each party involved in an accident may be found to hold a certain percentage of the fault. If the injured party who brought the lawsuit is awarded compensation, it would then be reduced based on their percentage of fault, if any.
For example, if you are in a car accident and deemed to be 30% at fault, with damages totaling $10,000, your award would be reduced by your share of the fault – so you would receive $7,000 instead of the full amount.
Will My Car Accident Case Go to Trial?
Most car accident cases don’t go to trial. However, we prepare each case for that possibility because it benefits our clients. In some circumstances, it may be best to file a lawsuit and take your case to court.
If liability is disputed or if the insurance company doesn’t offer a fair settlement, for instance, we may file a lawsuit against them. Once we do, we can get more information from the other party through the pretrial discovery process. This could reveal important evidence to help your case.
Trials are also time-consuming and expensive. We won’t hesitate to take your case to that stage if needed, but the at-fault party might not. They might even be willing to offer a more favorable settlement on the fact you’re represented by an experienced attorney.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Lafayette?
The initial moments after a car accident can be terrifying. For better or worse, they can also significantly impact the outcome of your claim. Keep in mind the following:
- Call 911 and get law enforcement to the scene. The police will create a report that can be used to support your claim.
- Receive prompt treatment from a medical professional. Not all injuries will have symptoms immediately, and medical records can also help your claim.
- Do not apologize for the crash or accept responsibility for it. Doing so could hurt your case.
- Exchange information with the other driver(s) involved in the crash. Document the scene with photographs and video and obtain information from eyewitnesses if you can.
Next, contact an experienced car accident lawyer for a free consultation. Your attorney can advise you on your next steps with the unique information of your accident on hand.
Types of Car Accident Claims We Handle
With 50 years of combined experience, our team is equipped to help you with any type of claim. The following are just a few examples of cases we specialize in:
Rear-End Crashes
Rear-end car accidents can cause serious injuries. Contact our Lafayette car accident lawyers for a free case review today.
Intersection Crashes
Traffic activity at intersections is high, making them a likely location for wrecks. Reach out to our Lafayette intersection crash lawyers to learn about your legal options.
Distracted Driving Accidents
Inattentive driving is a leading cause of collisions. If you were involved in this type of collision, contact our Lafayette distracted driving accident lawyers for help.
Speeding Accidents
Speeding is a crime, which could make it easier to prove liability for your claim. Learn more by contacting our Lafayette speeding accident attorneys for a free case assessment.
DUI Crashes
You deserve maximum compensation if you were injured in a drunk driving crash. Contact our trusted Lafayette DUI accident lawyers today for assistance.
We can also help with other accident cases not listed above. Give us a quick call today to get started no matter the nature of your collision, as you may be entitled to substantial money damages.
Who Could Be Liable for My Injuries Resulting From a Car Accident?
Any party whose actions (or inaction) contributed to the cause of your crash could be held liable. Examples of possibly liable parties include:
- Other drivers
- Pedestrians, passengers, bicyclists, and motorcyclists
- Insurance companies
- Businesses
- Government entities
If you’re not sure who might be liable for your accident injuries, that’s okay. Contact us for a free case review, and we can look into who might be responsible and how we can help.
Common Types of Car Accident Injuries
Car wrecks can cause life-changing harm and serious injuries, including the following:
- Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Broken bones
- Strains and sprains
- Soft tissue injuries
- Crushing injuries
- Burns
- Road rash
- Amputations
- Whiplash
- Paralysis
- Leg injuries
- Nerve damage
- Wrongful death of a loved one
If you’ve sustained injuries in a crash, we can help you file a claim for compensation. Call an attorney with our firm for qualified assistance throughout the process.
What Causes Most Car Accidents in Lafayette, Louisiana?
In Lafayette, Louisiana, various factors contribute to car accidents.
Some of the causes include:
- Speeding
- Drunk Driving
- Fatigued Driving
- Weather Conditions
- Tailgating
Understanding the causes of car accidents in Lafayette can help you stay safe. If you’ve been in an accident due to another driver’s negligence, we are here to provide experienced legal representation.
Car Accident Statistics
Motor vehicle accidents in Lafayette, Louisiana, happen with unfortunate frequency, indicating a persistent need for awareness and stronger safety measures.
The number of fatal collisions per capita in Lafayette surpasses all other areas of the state. In 2022 alone, there were 10,641 reported traffic accidents within Lafayette Parish. Statistics show that October tends to be the most dangerous month for drivers in the area – around 10.1% of both fatal and non-fatal injury crashes occur during this month.
Over recent years, Mardi Gras has emerged as a high-risk period for driving. During Mardi Gras in 2022, Lafayette experienced a crash rate of 33 accidents per 100 hours.
Traffic accidents in Lafayette tend to peak towards the end of the week; Thursdays and Fridays together account for about 33.3% of traffic incidents.
With Lafayette’s troubling number of traffic accidents, staying informed and exercising caution is crucial. If you find yourself affected by a car accident in the area, know that legal support is readily available.
Most Dangerous Roads and Intersections in Lafayette
With a high number of vehicles passing through, there’s much that can go wrong in these areas. A few of the intersections that are prone to danger in Lafayette are:
- Grace Lane and La Neuville Road
- Silkwood Street and University Lane
- Ambassador Caffery Parkway and Johnston Street
- Chalmette Drive and US-167
Meanwhile, some of the more precarious roadways in the area include:
- Main Street
- Johnston Street
- US-90
- Ambassador Caffery Parkway
Paying extra attention to the road in front of you while traveling in these locations can help keep you and your family safe. If you were involved in a crash anywhere in Lafayette, a lawyer with our team can help you secure money for your damages.
How Do I Prove Negligence After a Car Accident in Louisiana?
To prove negligence after a car accident in Louisiana, you’ll need to establish four key elements.
- Duty of Care – First, it must be shown that the defendant had an obligation to act with reasonable care under the circumstances and keep others safe. For instance, all drivers have a duty to follow traffic laws and operate their vehicles safely to prevent harm to others on the road.
- Breach of Duty – Next, you must demonstrate that the defendant failed to uphold this duty. This could be a driver running a red light, as this is a breach of common traffic laws.
- Causation – This element requires demonstrating a direct link between the defendant’s actions and your injuries. For example, if the driver was running that red light and crashed into your vehicle, it can be established that this breach was what caused the accident.
- Damages – Lastly, there must have been damages resulting from that negligence – like personal injury or property damage; any medical bills incurred for treatment following an accident would qualify here.
Proving these elements can require a nuanced approach. Evidence such as accident and police reports, witness testimonies, video footage, and records depicting injury-related expenses can substantiate a case for negligence after a car accident.
Contact Our Lafayette Car Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
Navigating life after a car accident can be complicated, bringing unexpected challenges that you shouldn’t have to deal with while focusing on your recovery. At Mansfield Melancon, our goal is to make this process easier for you.
Our legal team will fight to get you justice and the compensation you’re entitled to. For help after a car accident in Lafayette, LA, contact us to schedule a free consultation with our Lafayette car accident lawyer.
Highly Rated Car Repair Shops in Lafayette
- Danny’s Auto Repair – 111 Dear St, Lafayette, LA 70501
- Dave’s Car Care Center – 1400 W Pinhook Rd, Lafayette, LA 70503
- Stan’s Auto Center – 3203 Johnston St, Lafayette, LA 70503
- Mike’s Car Care Center – 103 Rena Dr, Lafayette, LA 70503
- Robert’s Auto Repair, Inc. – 308 Guilbeau Rd, Lafayette, LA 70506
*Disclaimer – we do not endorse these companies or profit from having them listed on our website.
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