Opelousas Car Accident Attorney

What to Do After a Car Accident

Here's a step-by-step guide on what to do following a car accident:

• Ensure Safety: Your first priority is safety. If possible, move to a safe location away from traffic. Make sure to turn on your hazard lights to help alert other drivers.
• Call 911: Report the accident to the police, especially if injuries or significant damage occur. The police report will be required for your insurance claim and any legal action.
• Seek Medical Attention: Some injuries may not be instantly obvious even if you feel fine. Getting a medical evaluation ensures that all injuries are documented.
• Gather Information: Collect all parties' names, contact information, and insurance details. Also, gather contact information from any witnesses.
• Document the Scene: Take pictures and videos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. This evidence can be vital for your claim.
• Notify Your Insurance Company: Inform your insurance provider about the accident immediately. Provide them with the necessary details and cooperate with their investigation.
• Consult a Car Accident Lawyer: An experienced car accident lawyer can guide you through the legal process, ensuring your rights are well protected and you obtain the compensation you rightfully deserve.

Common Causes of Car Accidents

Almost everyone exhibits some kind of unsafe behavior while driving. From going a few miles over the speed limit to being distracted by the radio, everyone has been guilty of these actions at one time or another.

While they may not seem like a big deal in the moment, it is true that even a small moment of less-than-safe driving can result in an accident. Of course, there are also the more obvious examples of unsafe vehicle operation, such as drunk driving.

The following issues may have been factors in your car accident:

• Speeding
• Distracted driving
• Reckless driving
• Defects in a vehicle or vehicle parts
• Poor road construction
• Outside forces, such as inclement weather
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Common Injuries in Car Accidents

Common injuries may include:

• Whiplash: A common injury caused by the rash head and neck jerking motion during a collision. Symptoms include neck pain, stiffness, and headaches.
• Broken Bones: Fractures can occur in various body parts, including arms, legs, ribs, and facial bones. They often require immediate medical treatment and long-term recovery.
• Head Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and concussions can result from a strong impact to the head. Symptoms may include confusion, dizziness, headaches, and memory problems.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord could result in partial or full paralysis, requiring extensive medical care and rehabilitation.
• Internal Injuries: Internal bleeding and harm to organs like the liver, spleen, or kidneys can be life-threatening and may not be immediately visible.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: These include sprains, strains, and contusions, affecting muscles, ligaments, and tendons. They can cause pain, swelling, and limited mobility.
• Psychological Injuries: The emotional impact of a car accident could result in conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.

Navigating Insurance

Following a car accident, you have multiple options for ways to recover compensation. An insurance claim is one of these options. Louisiana is considered an “at-fault” state for car insurance, so drivers who have been injured in a car accident must file a claim with the liable driver’s insurance company in order to recover compensation for your damages.

After a car accident in Louisiana, it is likely that the at-fault driver’s insurance company will attempt to contact you. It is important that you do not talk to the insurance company without your attorney. As much as it may seem like the insurance company is trying to help you, their ultimate goal is making money, and they do this by paying as little in settlements as possible.

Without the guidance of a lawyer, many people mistakenly say things to insurance companies that can jeopardize their case. We will stand by your side to ensure your rights are protected and that you get the compensation you need.

How to Determine Liability for a Car Accident

In order to recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages after a car accident, you must first identify who caused the crash. In many cases, fault seems obvious, as you can clearly see who you collided with.

However, your situation may not be as clear-cut as you think — a multitude of unseen factors could have been at play in your accident. For example, while a collision may appear to be a simple case of driver negligence, it’s possible that a malfunction in their vehicle hindered their driving ability. In which case, the car manufacturer would be at least partially to blame.

Liable parties in your car accident case may include:

• The driver you collided with
• Another driver
• A vehicle manufacturer
• A mechanic
• A construction company or municipality responsible for maintaining the roads

When To Hire a Car Accident Lawyer

As a general guideline, it’s best to contact a lawyer after a car accident as soon as you can. There are a couple reasons for this, the first being the statute of limitations. The statute of limitations is a law which places a specific limit on how long injury victims have to file a claim before they lose their right to. According to the Louisiana Civil Code Article 3492 the state of Louisiana has a one-year timeline. This means you have one year to file your claim, or you will most likely be unable to do so, no matter how severe your injuries. There are some exceptions to this law where the filing time can change so it's important to speak to an attorney about the specifics of your case.

Beyond the statute of limitations, which applies to all personal injury claims, car accident injuries are typically different than other injuries in that they are most usually soft tissue injuries. Soft tissue injuries are injuries that affect the tendons, ligaments, and muscles. These types of injuries can be tricky in that they usually progressively get worse over a few days or weeks after the injury occurred.

Because of this time delay, many injury victims sign a compensation agreement with an insurance company before talking to a car accident attorney only to discover later that their injuries are worse than they initially believed but are not able to recover any additional compensation. If you have suffered injuries at the hands of a negligent driver, talk to our Opelousas car accident attorney for help today!

Maximizing Your Car Accident Compensation

After a car accident, it can be overwhelming to deal with the aftermath, including medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. At Doran & Cawthorne, P.L.L.C., our Opelousas car accident lawyers are dedicated to helping you maximize your compensation and get the care and support you need during this difficult time.

We work tirelessly to ensure that you receive compensation for:

• Medical expenses, including future treatment costs
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Property damage, such as vehicle repairs or replacement
• Pain and suffering, including emotional distress and mental anguish
• Other damages related to your car accident

How Our Car Accident Attorneys Can Help You

Don't let the stress of a car accident weigh you down. Let our Opelousas car crash attorneys handle your case so you can focus on healing. Here are some ways we can help:

• Thorough investigation: Our experienced attorneys will conduct a detailed investigation into the accident, gathering evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and medical records to build a strong case for maximum compensation.
• Calculating damages: We will work closely with you to understand the full extent of your injuries and damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future medical needs. Our goal is to ensure that you receive fair compensation for all of your losses.
• Negotiating with insurance companies: Dealing with insurance companies can be complex and overwhelming. Our skilled negotiators will handle all communications with insurance adjusters on your behalf, fighting for a fair settlement that reflects the true value of your claim.
• Litigation if necessary: If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, our dedicated trial attorneys are prepared to take your case to court. We will aggressively advocate for your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Factors That Affect Your Car Accident Compensation

Car accidents can result in a variety of physical, emotional, and financial damages. If you were injured in a car accident that was caused by someone else's negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. However, the amount of compensation you receive will depend on several factors.

Factors that can affect your car accident compensation may include:

• The severity of your injuries
• The cost of your medical treatment and rehabilitation
• The extent of your property damage
• The impact of the accident on your daily life and ability to work
• The insurance coverage of the at-fault driver
• The strength of your legal case and evidence

At Doran & Cawthorne, P.L.L.C., we are dedicated to helping you maximize your compensation. We understand the complex legal and insurance issues involved in car accident cases and will fight to protect your rights and interests.

Call Our Opelousas Car Accident Attorneys Today

The details of your case are completely unique, so it is important to discuss those details with an attorney. We look forward to helping you!

Contact us online or call (337) 222-3526 to speak with our Opelousas car accident lawyers.