Baton Rouge Car Accident Attorney

Common Causes of Car Accidents

Although many regulations have been put in place to minimize distraction, drivers still regularly text and talk on cell phones while driving, causing many accidents. Whether it is distractions, negligence, or reckless driving behavior, those who are liable for the accident may owe the victim property damage, medical costs, and lost earning compensation. No matter the cause, we can fight for you.

Top car accident causes include:

• Driver distraction
• Driver fatigue
• Poor visibility
• Bad road conditions
• Traffic violations
• Speeding
• Drug and/or alcohol use
• Tire blowout
• Mechanical failure

Common Injuries in Car Accidents

Common injuries associated with car accidents include:

• Whiplash and Neck Injuries: Whiplash happens when the head is suddenly jolted backward and forward, straining the neck muscles and ligaments.
• Back Injuries: The power of a car crash can cause severe damage to the spinal cord and surrounding muscles. Victims often experience herniated discs, fractures, or soft tissue injuries. Back injuries can severely impact mobility and, in extreme cases, lead to partial or total paralysis.
• Head and Brain Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) happen when a violent blow to the head disrupts normal brain function. TBIs can vary from concussions to more serious injuries like brain contusions or hemorrhages, resulting in cognitive impairments, mood changes, or even permanent disability.
• Broken Bones: Fractures are common in car accidents, particularly to the arms, legs, ribs, and collarbones. Depending on the severity, broken bones can require surgery and extensive rehabilitation.
• Internal Injuries: The effect of a crash can also cause internal injuries like organ damage, internal bleeding, or punctured lungs. These injuries often demand immediate medical attention and can be life-threatening if untreated.
• Cuts and Lacerations: Broken glass, debris, and metal can cause severe cuts and lacerations during a collision. While some of these injuries could only require stitches, others could lead to substantial blood loss or infection.
• Psychological Trauma: Car accidents don't just cause physical injuries; many victims suffer from emotional and psychological trauma, like post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, or depression. The mental toll of an accident can impact all aspects of a victim's life and may require professional treatment.

How to Determine Liability & Establish Fault

Because Louisiana is an "at-fault" state, liability is a key issue in any car accident claim. To recover compensation, you must be able to prove that someone else was liable for the accident and your resulting damages. In most cases, this means proving that the other driver was negligent.

In some cases, though, you may be able to hold someone else liable for your damages.

For example:

• If the other driver was working at the time of the accident and was on the job, you may be able to hold his or her employer vicariously liable for your damages.
• If the other driver was intoxicated at the time of the accident, you may be able to hold the bar or restaurant that served him or her alcohol liable under Louisiana's dram shop laws.

These are just a few examples of how another party may be liable for your car accident.

At Doran & Cawthorne, P.L.L.C., our car accident attorneys in Baton Rouge have the experience and resources to handle all types of motor vehicle accident claims, including those involving complex issues of liability. We can investigate your case, gather evidence, and work to prove the other party's negligence or fault.

Do I Have a Car Accident Claim?

Determining whether you have a proper car accident claim depends on several factors. Louisiana law requires proving the following elements to hold another party liable for your injuries:

• Duty of Care: Every driver has a duty to operate their vehicle safely, following traffic laws and exercising caution to prevent accidents.
• Breach of Duty: To establish liability, it must be shown that the other driver breached their duty of care. Common examples of breaching this duty include speeding, running a red light, distracted driving, or driving under the influence.
• Causation: You must also prove that the breach of duty directly caused the accident and your injuries. In other words, you wouldn't have been injured if the other driver's actions hadn't occurred.
• Damages: To seek a claim, you must demonstrate that the accident resulted in actual damages. This can include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and more.

How Long After a Car Accident Can I File a Claim in Louisiana?

In Louisiana, you have a limited amount of time to file a personal injury lawsuit after a car accident. This is called the statute of limitations. In most cases, the statute of limitations for a car accident claim in Louisiana is one year from the date of the accident. If you do not file a lawsuit within this time frame, you will be permanently barred from recovering compensation for your damages.

Similarly, if the accident caused the death of a loved one, the statute of limitations for a wrongful death lawsuit in Louisiana is generally one year from the date of the person's death.

It is important to speak to a car accident lawyer in Baton Rouge as soon as possible after a crash to ensure that your claim is filed within the appropriate time frame. At Doran & Cawthorne, P.L.L.C., we can help you understand how the statute of limitations applies to your case and take the necessary steps to protect your right to recover compensation.

How Much Is My Car Accident Case Worth?

One of the most common questions we get from clients is, "How much is my case worth?"

Unfortunately, this is not an easy question to answer. Every car accident claim is unique, and the value of your case will depend on a number of different factors, including the severity of your injuries, the amount of your medical bills, whether you are able to work, and more.

Most car accident victims are entitled to recover both economic and non-economic damages.

• Economic damages are the financial losses you incurred as a result of the accident and your injuries, such as your medical expenses and lost wages.
• Non-economic damages are the more intangible losses you suffer, such as your pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.

At Doran & Cawthorne, P.L.L.C., we can help you understand what your car accident case is worth and fight for the maximum compensation you are owed. We will carefully calculate your damages and work to ensure that no losses are overlooked.

Do I Need a Lawyer for a Car Accident?

After a car accident, you may be feeling overwhelmed. You are likely facing mounting medical bills and other expenses, and you may be unable to work. You may be in pain and unsure of what to do next. The good news is that you do not have to face this situation alone.

A Baton Rouge car accident lawyer from Doran & Cawthorne, P.L.L.C., can help you navigate the legal system and fight for the fair compensation you are owed. Our legal team knows how to handle insurance companies, and we are not afraid to take your case to trial if necessary.

We can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf and work to get you a fair settlement. If a settlement cannot be reached, we can take your case to court and fight for a favorable verdict.

When you turn to our firm for help, you can expect to receive the one-on-one attention you deserve. We will take the time to learn the details of your case, answer your questions, and address your concerns. We are always available to our clients, and we take pride in our ability to provide the exceptional legal service they need and the supportive counsel they deserve.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Baton Rouge

Knowing what to do in the immediate aftermath of an auto accident can help you protect your health and your rights. Here's what you should do after a crash in Baton Rouge:

• Call 911 — If anyone is seriously injured, you need to call 911 for medical help. You should also call the police, as you will need a police report to file a claim with your insurer.
• Move to safety — If you are able to do so, move your vehicle out of the way of traffic.
• Exchange information — Get the names, contact information, and insurance information of all involved drivers.
• Document the scene — If you are able to do so, take pictures of the scene of the accident, as well as your injuries and any vehicle damage.
• Report the accident — You will need to report the accident to your insurance company, but it is generally best to not give a recorded statement to the insurer until you have spoken to a lawyer.
• See a doctor — Even if you do not think you were seriously injured, you should see a doctor as soon as possible after the accident. Some injuries, such as whiplash and certain types of traumatic brain injuries, do not cause symptoms right away.
• Call a lawyer — Reach out to Doran & Cawthorne, P.L.L.C. for a free consultation with one of our experienced auto accident attorneys in Baton Rouge.

Get a Free Consultation With Our Car Accident Attorney in Baton Rogue

If you have experience, call Doran & Cawthorne, P.L.L.C., for a free consultation. We can help you get the compensation you need to cover lost wages, physical pain, and more. Whether you have serious injuries such as broken bones, paralysis, or spinal cord injuries, or minor injuries like whiplash, we can help you.

Don’t face insurance companies by yourself, as they try to settle quickly for as little as possible. Get the protection and compensation you need for your injuries with firm and qualified representation.

For help with recovering compensation after a collision, contact us online or call (337) 222-3526 to schedule a free initial consultation with our Baton Rogue car accident lawyers.