Lafayette Car Accident Lawyer

Lafayette Car Accident Attorney

Car accidents can have devastating physical and emotional effects, leaving you in pain and facing overwhelming medical expenses, lost income, and various hardships. If your injuries were caused by a negligent driver, you have the right to seek compensation for your suffering and losses. To help you in your case, seek assistance from a Lafayette car accident lawyer.

At the law office of Chris Villemarette, Trial Lawyer, our mission is to help you secure full and fair compensation for your injuries and the challenges brought upon by a careless or reckless driver. Contact our experienced Lafayette car accident attorney today.

Types of Car Accidents

All car accidents in Lafayette involve different causes and injuries. This is why no two car wrecks can be handled exactly the same by insurance companies. Insurance coverage also varies to serve as protection from a multitude of incidents. Before filing an accident claim, it’s important to note what type of accident you were involved in and how you wish to handle it. Below are a few commonly reported accidents.

Multi-Car Accidents

A multi-car accident includes:

• Rear-end collisions
• Two collided vehicles stopped in the middle of traffic
• Vehicle pileups, or collisions, involving several vehicles

Typically, it is one driver’s negligence that causes a major collision involving several cars. Other factors that can impact these types of accidents are poor weather conditions, speeding, road construction, drivers under the influence of alcohol, and tailgating.

Driving Under the Influence

Many of the car crashes that happen on the road are caused by those who are driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. As driving under the influence of substance use inhibits the driver’s ability to focus, it poses great risks to the driver’s and others’ safety. Unfortunately, due to slower reflexes, deadly crashes are often a result. Even prescription medications can affect a person’s reaction speed, so make sure that you know how your body handles it before driving.

Distracted Driving

With the advancements of technology come more distractions for drivers. In Louisiana, it is illegal to read texts or type text messages while driving. It is also illegal to scroll through social media feeds or make posts while driving. Additionally, phone calling is not legal in school zones while school is in session. Distracted driving is a serious offense, so rather than risk injuring yourself or others, put your phone down while you are driving.

If you have been an accident victim of distracted driving or in an auto accident due to another driver’s negligence, you may deserve compensation for vehicle damages, medical bills, and other related costs.

Speeding

No matter what type of vehicle, any car that is going above the speed limit can cause an accident, as it is difficult to suddenly stop a car with a fast momentum. Speeding inhibits a driver’s reaction time and requires a longer distance to fully come to a stop. These types of vehicle incidents are often a result of the driver going too fast in inclement weather, going above the speed limit, and racing.

Driving While Tired

All too frequently, an individual gets behind the wheel but is not fully alert. Driving while drowsy is similar to driving while under the influence of alcohol, as reflexes are slower than normal, and it is difficult to focus. In some cases, the fatigue may be so great that the individual may even fall asleep while driving. This can lead to drifting into another lane or off the road, which can cause deadly accidents, both for the driver and others on the road.

Determining Liability

The Louisiana laws that determine liability for a car accident operate under the principle of pure comparative negligence. Sometimes, there may be several parties responsible for the accident that can be legally required to pay compensation.

Applying this to your case can result in you being compensated for losses by multiple parties, including the driver responsible for the crash and their employer if they were driving for work. You also may be compensated by any government entity if they did not properly maintain the roads. Even a manufacturer or auto mechanic can be held liable if a mistake was made in constructing or repairing your vehicle.

In some circumstances, you may be awarded compensation even if you are partially to blame for the accident. Keep in mind that if more individuals are involved in a car crash and a personal injury claim is the result, the case becomes more complicated.

Injuries Sustained by a Car Accident Can Lead to Compensation

If you have been in a car wreck that wasn’t your fault and you sustained serious injuries, you may be able to receive compensation. With the help of a car accident lawyer, you can receive payment for medical treatment, wages lost from having to take off work, emotional trauma you’ve experienced, and property damage. Receiving compensation for an accident that wasn’t your fault can help make up for personal injuries.

Experienced Lafayette Parish Car Accident Lawyer

We take pride in our ability to not only determine who is at fault for the accident but also identify the party responsible for the financial damages incurred. We also take pride in our keen skill of finding insurance coverage when the insurance company says no coverage exists and making that insurance coverage apply even when the insurance company denies coverage.

Mr. Villemarette does not handle cases in bulk. We have no need to rush for quick and simple settlements. Our goal is to maximize your recovery from the insurance company and avoid lower payouts insufficient to cover your expenses.

We fight for compensation on behalf of clients who have suffered injuries in motor vehicle accidents, including:

• Head injuries and traumatic brain injuries
• Soft tissue injuries
• Broken bones
• Paralysis
• Spinal cord injuries and paraplegia
• Neck injuries

If you have experienced any of these injuries, you deserve comprehensive compensation, including:

• Medical expenses, both current and future
• Physical pain and suffering
• Mental pain and suffering
• Lost wages
• Lost earning capacity
• Vehicle damages

In addition, we provide compassionate representation to families who have tragically lost a loved one in a car accident. Wrongful death and survivorship claims are unique and require a skilled and experienced Lafayette car accident lawyer to navigate through the legal obstacles. While you focus on healing and grieving, we will safeguard your financial interests.

FAQs for Lafayette Car Accident Lawyers

Q: How Long After a Car Accident Can You Sue in Louisiana?

A: You can sue up to one year after a car accident in Louisiana. While it may seem like a long timeframe, keep in mind that the statute of limitations can be reached quickly when factoring in medical treatments, negotiations with insurance companies, and any investigation that is necessary for determining who is at fault.

Q: Is Louisiana a No-Fault State?

A: No, Louisiana is not a no-fault state. Instead, it is considered a fault state, which means that it is the responsibility of the accident victim to provide proof of the other driver’s negligence in causing the accident. Additionally, the victim holds the driver accountable for compensation of vehicle damages, personal injuries, and medical costs. Victims can file a claim on the at-fault party’s car insurance, or they can file a legal claim on the driver if their insurance is insufficient.

Q: What Should You Do After a Car Accident in Louisiana?

A: After you have a car accident in Louisiana, you must first stop and move your vehicle to a safe place if possible. Then, call 911 in case anyone has sustained injuries. Exchange your contact information with the other drivers. You will then need to report the incident to your auto insurance company. If you have sustained serious injuries and want compensation, contact a car accident lawyer.

Q: What Are Pain and Suffering Damages in Louisiana?

A: Pain and suffering damages in Louisiana are a type of non-economic damages. These types of damages do not have a fixed cost, such as a medical bill. Non-economic damages include:

• Physical and emotional pain
• Physical disability
• Emotional anguish
• Disfigurement
• Depression
• Hopelessness
• Loss of services
• Loss of companionship

Pain and suffering damages can be difficult to prove, so it is wise to consult with a car accident lawyer for assistance.

Contact a Skilled Car Accident Lawyer in Lafayette, Louisiana

Do not hesitate to seek the support you need. Contact our Louisiana car accident lawyer today or call us at 337-232-3100 to schedule a consultation with a tenacious trial lawyer who is prepared to fight for your rights in negotiations or the courtroom.