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Auto Accident Lawyers in Lafayette, Louisiana

Motor vehicle accidents are a serious problem in Louisiana and throughout the United States. Thousands of people are injured or killed in traffic accidents each year. According to the NHTSA, fatal car crashes claimed 35,485 lives in 2015 and 37,461 lives in 2016 in the United States. In addition to the deaths caused by car accidents, over two million people are injured each year in traffic accidents. The Louisiana State University’s crash data reports for 2017 state that 76,469 people were injured in vehicle-related accidents statewide and 747 were killed in traffic accidents that year.

The Law Offices of Blaine J. Barrilleaux has been assisting clients in recovering compensation for damages caused by car accidents for almost 20 years. Call 337-989-1212 to schedule a free consultation with a car accident lawyer. We serve clients in Lafayette, Metairie, and the surrounding areas.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Lafayette, Louisiana

In some cases, poor weather conditions, defectively designed roads, dangerous road conditions, or defective automobile parts contribute to the cause of car accidents. However, most car accidents involve some type of driver error. When a driver is negligent, that driver can be held liable for any damages caused by the crash, including medical expenses, income loss, property repairs, and other damages.

Examples of driver negligence that can contribute to the cause of a traffic accident include:

  • Texting While Driving or Talking on a Cell Phone
  • Speeding, Reckless Driving, and Other Traffic Offenses
  • Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol and Drugs
  • Drowsy or Fatigued Driving
  • Inexperienced Drivers
  • Distracted Driving (i.e. eating, grooming, adjusting controls, searching for fallen objects, etc.)

The cause of an accident determines who is liable for your damages. Our experienced Lafayette auto accident lawyers investigates the car crash to determine the cause of the crash and identify the liable party or parties. By thoroughly investigating the accident, we increase the chance that you will receive maximum compensation for all damages.

Car Accident FAQs

If you’ve been involved in a car accident, you will likely have a lot of questions. Knowing what to do next and where to turn for help can be incredibly stressful and difficult. We know what you’re going through and have compiled some of the top frequently asked questions surrounding car accidents, with answers provided below.

While no two cases are the same, it’s usually in your best interest to speak with an experienced auto accident attorney as soon as possible after being injured in a car accident that was someone else’s fault. Waiting too long to hire a lawyer in these situations can make the legal process more difficult and can even jeopardize your claim altogether.

If you’ve been hurt in a car accident in Lafayette, Metairie, New Orleans, or another surrounding Louisiana community, don’t wait to contact The Law Offices of Blaine Barrilleaux. The sooner you reach out to our team, the sooner we can review your case and help you figure out how best to proceed. For more information on this topic please review our blog, When To Get an Attorney For a Car Accident.

Many people hesitate to contact a lawyer after being involved in a car accident because they worry they can’t afford one. At The Law Offices of Blaine Barrilleaux, we strongly believe that everyone should have access to quality legal representation after being hurt in an accident that wasn’t their fault. That’s why we’re proud to work on a contingency-fee basis. This means that there are no upfront costs to hire us and our payment depends on the success of your case. In other words, you won’t owe us a penny unless we win the case for you.

The answer to this question is in two parts. In the immediate aftermath of a car accident, the most important thing is the health and safety of you and your fellow traveling companions. If you’ve been involved in a serious accident, it’s crucial to call 911 to the scene and receive proper medical attention for any injuries. If you’ve been in a fender bender or a minor accident, you can also call (337) 291-8620 to file a police report over the phone. Please note this number is for non-emergencies only.

Even after your accident, you may face many other challenges, from property damage to missed time at work. With this in mind, it’s also vitally important that you contact an experienced lawyer who can help you handle these challenges, navigate the insurance claims process, and help you begin to move forward with life after your accident.

If you were completely unharmed after being involved in a car accident, you may be able to handle the next steps and any property damage insurance claims alone. Many times, a lawyer is needed when serious injuries and damages have been sustained; these claims are often very complicated and it can be difficult to get everything you’re entitled to from the insurance company. However, it can never hurt to discuss your options with an attorney, no matter how minor the car accident. At The Law Offices of Blaine Barrilleaux, case reviews are 100% free and there’s no obligation, so you have nothing to lose.

You should always see a medical professional after being involved in a serious car accident, even if you aren’t sure if you’re hurt. Some injuries can be internal and take days or even weeks for noticeable symptoms to arise, such as head trauma. Seeing a doctor immediately after your accident will ensure any injuries are properly diagnosed and treated, which can prevent further, more serious health problems later down the road. In addition to your health, being evaluated by a doctor immediately is also crucial to your car accident claim, as these records can help prove that your injuries were a direct result of your accident.

If you were responsible for a car accident, you may need to hire an attorney, depending on the circumstances of the accident. Keep in mind that for car accidents, there are two types of attorneys: plaintiff attorneys and defense attorneys. Plaintiff attorneys, like those at The Law Offices of Blaine Barrilleaux, represent individuals who were harmed in accidents that weren’t their fault. Defense attorneys, on the other hand, represent the at-fault party. If you’ve caused an accident, you may need to consider consulting a defense lawyer for help with your case.

While you can contact an attorney at any time, it’s always in your best interest to do so as soon as possible after your accident. In the state of Louisiana, car accidents are governed by a one-year statute of limitations. Under this law, bodily injury and property damage lawsuits must be filed within one year of the date of your car accident. While most car accident claims are settled and do not require a lawsuit to be filed, it’s always important to keep this time limit in mind. Filing a lawsuit after the one-year statute of limitations is likely to result in no compensation for your injuries and other losses.

Sometimes. Most car accident claims are able to be settled through negotiations between your lawyer and the other driver’s insurance company without the need for a trial. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, it may become necessary to file a lawsuit and take your case to court.

Keep in mind that even if you do need to file a lawsuit, you may not have to appear in a courtroom. A settlement can be reached at any time, even after a lawsuit has been filed. No matter the situation, having an experienced lawyer on your side to handle the negotiations will be to your advantage, especially in the event that your case does go to trial.

Unfortunately, there is no single answer to this question, as no two car accident cases are the same. The amount of time it takes to settle a car accident claim depends on the unique circumstances of the accident and many other variables. If you’ve been hurt in a car accident that wasn’t your fault and are wondering how long it will take to get a settlement, it’s in your best interest to contact a car accident lawyer who can review the facts of your case and help you proceed as quickly and efficiently as possible.

If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Louisiana and have more questions about your legal options and what to do next, please don’t hesitate to contact our team at The Law Offices of Blaine Barrilleaux. We’re always here to help.

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Proving Liability in a Louisiana Car Accident Claim

To recover money for an injury claim, you must prove that another party was at fault. We begin by determining the cause of the crash. Some car crashes are more complex, especially collisions involving multiple vehicles, commercial trucks, dangerous road conditions, and defective parts. We rely on the network of resources and experts accumulated over 20 years to assist our legal team in investigating the crash and identifying the liable parties.

Some of the potential parties named in car accident claims include:

When the driver is at fault (i.e. failing to stop, driving too fast, etc.), the driver can be held responsible for damages. In most cases, it is the driver’s insurance company that negotiates and pays the claim.

A company, such as a trucking company, overnight mail service, or pizza restaurant, can be held responsible for damages caused by one of its drivers or in one of its vehicles.

If a dangerous road condition contributed to the cause of the accident, a government entity could be liable for damages. In addition, sub-contractors or third parties working for the government could be potentially liable for damages.

In the case of a defective car part, the manufacturer of the part and/or the vehicle may be named as a party to the claim.

Because it is extremely important to ensure that the correct parties are named, you should work with an experienced Metairie auto accident lawyer. The Law Offices of Blaine J. Barrilleaux has almost two decades of experience handling car accident claims.

Do I Need a Lafayette Auto Accident Attorney to File My Claim?

It is usually in your best interest to consult an attorney before you discuss your claim with the insurance company for the other party. Insurance adjusters work for the insurance provider. An adjuster’s goal is to protect the company by denying your claim or paying as little as possible to settle your claim. The adjuster is not working for you.

Unless you are familiar with the tactics used by insurance companies to undervalue claims, you could settle your car accident claim for much less than the claim is worth. Remember, once you settle your claim, you cannot reopen the claim even if you discover additional damages or losses.

Consider working with a legal team who protects your best interests, someone who understands the laws governing personal injury claims in Louisiana. An auto accident lawyer who will not back down and who will take your claim to court if necessary to protect your right to receive full compensation for all damages.

What Our Clients Are Saying

5 Star Testimonials

Dawn M.

Mr. Blaine Barrilleaux and his staff made this process as painless as possible. This was my first time going through a lawsuit and he and his staff made me very comfortable and went above and beyond to make sure I understood the process and what to expect. I would recommend this law firm to anyone seeking help.

Lafayette, Louisiana USA

Donna

Anytime I needed anything Blaine’s team was there to help me. They were friendly and on top of everything I asked for. I really appreciate how hard and quickly they worked to resolve my case. I would highly recommend Blaine Barrilleaux Law for anyone needing legal help.

Lafayette, LA, USA

Jeff and Michelle

Blaine Barrilleaux and his staff went beyond what was ever expected. Blaine was very easy to talk to and he listened to all my needs and concerns. They truly care. Thanks Blaine for all you did for us.

Lafayette, Louisiana, USA

Kimberly S.

Blaine and his staff treated my family with the most respect. Blaine cares for his clients and goes above and beyond for them. Thank you Blaine for all your hard work and time in my case.

Morgan City, LA, USA

Call for Your Free Case Review Now!

The Law Offices of Blaine Barrilleaux is a personal injury law firm in Louisiana with offices in both Lafayette and Metairie. Our law firm welcomes a wide range of personal injury cases including auto accidents, truck accidents, workers compensation and wrongful death. To schedule a consultation with one of our practicing attorneys, please give us a call at 337-989-1212 or complete our inquiry contact form.

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