Baton Rouge Fatal Car Accident Attorney

Understanding Fatal Car Accidents in Baton Rouge

Fatal car accidents are a tragic reality that leave lasting impacts on families and the community in Baton Rouge. With traffic congestion and busy roads like Interstate 10 and 12, accidents sadly occur more frequently. The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development reports a high incidence of traffic fatalities yearly, underscoring the necessity for experienced legal representation.

In the aftermath of a fatal car accident, it’s crucial to understand your rights and options. Working with a dedicated legal team like Doran & Cawthorne, P.L.L.C. can help ensure that your family secures the justice and compensation needed to move forward. Our firm is devoted exclusively to personal injury law, giving us the focus to handle even the most complex cases.

The emotional strain after a fatal accident can be overwhelming. It affects not only the immediate family but can ripple through the community, impacting workplaces, schools, and social circles. Understanding the broader implications, Doran & Cawthorne, P.L.L.C. takes a comprehensive approach to each case, considering not only financial impacts but also the profound emotional consequences. We strive to lighten your burden during these challenging times, offering compassionate support alongside our legal services.

Call (337) 222-3526 or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation.

Common Causes of Fatal Car Accidents

Fatal car accidents can occur for various reasons, but many are caused by negligent or reckless driving. Some of the most common causes include:

Drunk Driving: Alcohol impairs judgment, reaction time, and motor skills, leading to deadly crashes.
Distracted Driving: Using a cellphone, texting, eating, or adjusting the radio can take a driver’s attention off the road.
Speeding: Excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases the severity of accidents.
Reckless Driving: Aggressive driving behaviors such as tailgating, running red lights, and weaving through traffic increase the likelihood of fatal crashes.
Poor Weather Conditions: Rain, fog, and slippery roads contribute to loss of control and serious accidents.
Defective Vehicle Parts: Malfunctioning brakes, tires, or airbags can lead to catastrophic crashes.
Failure to Obey Traffic Laws: Running stop signs, making illegal turns, or ignoring traffic signals can cause deadly collisions.

Recovering Compensation from a Fatal Car Accident

When a fatal car accident occurs, the surviving family members may be entitled to compensation through a wrongful death claim. Louisiana law allows certain family members to seek damages for their loss. The parties eligible to file a wrongful death claim include:

The surviving spouse and children
If there is no spouse or children, the surviving parents
If there are no surviving parents, the deceased’s siblings
If there are no surviving siblings, the deceased’s grandparents

Damages that may be recovered in a fatal car accident case include:

Medical Expenses: Any medical costs incurred before the victim’s death
Funeral and Burial Costs: Expenses related to laying your loved one to rest
Loss of Income: Compensation for lost wages and financial support the deceased would have provided
Pain and Suffering: Emotional distress and mental anguish suffered by surviving family members
Loss of Companionship: The loss of love, guidance, and support provided by the deceased

FAQs About Fatal Car Accidents in Louisiana

How long do I have to file a wrongful death claim in Louisiana?

Louisiana law imposes a one-year statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death lawsuit. This means you must take legal action within one year of your loved one’s passing. Failing to file within this time frame could result in losing your right to compensation.

How do I prove negligence in a fatal car accident case?

To prove negligence, you must establish the following elements:

The at-fault party owed a duty of care to the victim
The at-fault party breached that duty
The breach of duty directly caused the accident and fatal injuries
The surviving family suffered damages as a result

Our legal team will conduct a thorough investigation to build a strong case on your behalf.

What if my loved one was partially at fault for the accident?

Louisiana follows a comparative fault rule, meaning compensation may still be available even if the victim was partially responsible. However, the settlement amount may be reduced based on the percentage of fault assigned to the deceased.

How much compensation can I receive in a wrongful death case?

The compensation amount varies based on factors such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and the impact on surviving family members. Our attorneys will evaluate your case to determine the potential value of your claim.

How can I get started with a wrongful death claim?

The first step is to contact an experienced Baton Rouge fatal car accident lawyer at Doran & Cawthorne, P.L.L.C. for a free consultation. We will review your case, explain your legal rights, and guide you through the next steps.

Why Choose Doran & Cawthorne, P.L.L.C. for Your Baton Rouge Fatal Car Accident Case?

Choosing legal representation after a fatal car accident is a significant decision. At Doran & Cawthorne, P.L.L.C., we offer unparalleled dedication to personal injury law, backed by a strong track record of securing significant settlements for our clients. We operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you won’t owe legal fees unless we win compensation on your behalf.

Our Baton Rouge office takes a compassionate approach to client service, ensuring you receive the attention and tailored legal strategies you deserve. We understand the local legal landscape, making us a valuable ally in your pursuit of justice against insurance companies and other liable parties.

Our team also emphasizes open communication and transparency throughout the legal process. From the initial consultation to the final resolution, we keep you informed every step of the way. This commitment to client-focused service helps you make informed decisions and ensures that no question goes unanswered.

Let us help you attain the justice your family deserves. Don’t hesitate to contact us today at (337) 222-3526; we are here to support you in your time of need.

Seven Figure Offshore Settlement $1.2 Million
The firm reached a seven-figure settlement on behalf of an offshore worker who was injured in an incident offshore. The plaintiff had to undergo surgery to repair a neck injury, but couldn’t return to his same employment.
Dump Truck Accident $1.0 Million
Doran and Cawthorne’s client was struck and pushed into a ditch by a dump truck that attempted to pass our client, while our client was attempting to make a left-hand turn. Our client experienced neck, upper and lower back, and right sciatic pain because of this collision.
18-Wheeler Interstate Collision $1.0 Million
The firm’s client was injured when his car was run off the interstate highway by an eighteen-wheeler. The client sustained significant injuries but managed to reach maximum medical improvement (MMI) without surgical intervention.
Rear-End Collision $900,444
Our client was a professional truck driver who, while in the course and scope of his employment, was rear-ended by another commercial vehicle. Plaintiff in this matter had serious injuries and underwent spinal surgery.
Serious Car Accident $557,601
Doran & Cawthorne’s client was side-swiped by the defendant-driver, causing her to run off the road into a field. Liability and medical causation were contested.
Rear-End Collision $525,561
The plaintiff in this matter was rear-ended by a company truck in the early morning hours. The air bags did not deploy, nor did Plaintiff lose consciousness. However, his vehicle was a total loss.
Contested Accident $385,000
This case involved a contested accident. Plaintiff claimed the accident was caused when the defendant crossed into his lane. The defendant’s version of events was directly contradicting.
Illegal Highway Merge $385,000
The plaintiff in this matter was attempting to merge onto Interstate 10 when the defendant illegally merged into our client’s lane of travel, causing our client’s vehicle to violently crash into the wall of the interstate.
Low Impact Collision $275,000
Plaintiff was struck by a commercial driver on a residential road, causing a low-impact collision. The firm’s client did have some preexisting medical issues with his neck and back.
Rear-End Collision $272,803
Doran and Cawthorne’s client was stopped in traffic due to an automobile accident a couple of yards ahead. The defendant was inattentively driving a commercial vehicle, failed to see that our client had stopped, and violently rear-ended our client’s truck.

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The Doran & Cawthorne Difference

WHAT OUR TEAM BRINGS TO THE TABLE

Relief
An injury is a devastating thing to have to deal with and a legal case on top of it can seem impossible. Our firm’s personal injury attorneys are able to offer peace of mind when you know that someone with experience and commitment is handling the situation.
Litigation
When a case can’t be worked out through negotiation, Doran & Cawthorne has no qualms about taking the matter to court. Whether before a judge, or jury, we will gather the evidence necessary to present your case before the fact-finder in the best light.
Negotiations
It is all too common for insurance companies to offer less than what they know to be fair. Our lawyers will negotiate on your behalf, and won’t compromise for anything less than the amount they know you should be receiving.
Results
Our lawyers don’t just talk it…we strive to deliver. You can rest assured you’ll have experienced personal injury counsel with Doran & Cawthorne on your side.
Experience
Having handled hundreds, if not thousands of injury cases in Louisiana, Texas and elsewhere, we can assess the best options for each case.
Advice
Our firm’s attorneys will guide you in the right direction to make sure your case is developed effectively to your advantage.

This law firm is literally a force to be reckoned with!
“They were sincerely concerned about my best interest and kept me informed all along the way. They did not skip a beat in their knowledge and efficiency. In the end, I most definitely came out on top!”
- Rachaell D.
Thank you for doing the good work, Doran & Cawthorne!
“Doran & Cawthorne is a firm that puts clients first. The attorneys are passionate about their work. The staff is caring, diligent, and efficient in getting the job done. I recommend this firm to all of my family and friends.”
- Angela B.
Recommended to all those who need real talk and results.
“I was treated with respect and dignity as they realized this case meant a lot to me. I was counseled and represented with confidence and pride.”
- Eddie L.
Choosing this firm was one of the best decisions of my life.
“If you're ever in need of an attorney to bite down on the law on your behalf, I recommend Doran & Cawthorne. Not only are you treated with dignity but also welcomed with TRUE concern & compassion.”
- Anita J.
They make all the difference.
“The Doran and Cawthorne team was diligent and a delight to work with. Their genuine concern and care are unparalleled. I recommend them to everyone!”
- Micaela S.

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