Central Car Accident Lawyer
Being involved in a car accident in Central, LA, isn’t something anyone wants to experience. You may be facing physical injuries, emotional struggles, and financial losses that are hard to deal with. On top of that, you have to figure out how to file an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit to ensure you get the compensation you’re entitled to.
Fortunately, there are professionals available to help. If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Central, Louisiana, Palmintier Law Group is here for you. Contact us today at (225) 344-3735 to schedule a free consultation with a Central car accident lawyer.
How Palmintier Law Group Can Help If You’re in a Car Accident
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Central, LA, our legal team can help you get the justice you deserve. The following are some of the steps we will take to help you once we are hired.
First, we will gather all relevant evidence to try to prove that another party was at fault. This often includes medical records, photos from the accident scene, witness statements, video footage, and even reports from accident reconstruction experts.
Next, our team will negotiate with the defendant and their insurance company to try to come to an agreement on a settlement amount so you can avoid the stress and uncertainty of trial.
Finally, if an agreement can’t be reached, we are always prepared to fight for you in front of a judge and jury.
For help after a car accident in Central, Louisiana, we’re here for you. Contact Palmintier Law Group today to schedule a free consultation with a Central personal injury attorney.
How Common Are Car Accidents in Central, Louisiana?
Car accidents in Central, Louisiana, and its wider region often result in serious outcomes.
In 2021, Central recorded one fatal car accident. For the larger area of East Baton Rouge Parish, where Central is located, there were a total of 73 fatalities in traffic-related incidents in 2023. This number included the deaths of 2 cyclists and 24 pedestrians.
As of August 2024, there were already 25 fatalities in East Baton Rouge Parish for the year. This total includes five pedestrians.
If you’ve been affected by a car accident in Central, Louisiana, or the surrounding areas, it’s important to seek medical attention and legal guidance.
What is My Car Accident Case Worth?
Determining the worth of your car accident case is complicated, as it depends on a number of different factors. Here are some of the main elements that affect compensation:
Severity of Injuries
The more severe the injuries, the higher the medical expenses. In most cases, this leads to increased compensation.
Insurance Coverage Limits
Recoverable damages may be capped by the at-fault party’s insurance policy limits. If these limits aren’t enough to cover your losses, you’ll need to file a personal injury lawsuit to recover the difference.
Availability and Strength of Evidence
Solid evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, and surveillance footage, strengthens your position during negotiations. Demonstration of fault through evidence is key to disputing any comparative negligence claims against you.
Skill of Attorney
An experienced attorney can effectively negotiate with insurers, present evidence during litigation, and make sure all avenues for compensation are explored, ensuring you get everything you’re truly entitled to.
It’s difficult to say how much your case is worth without having an attorney review it. Reach out to us today so we can help you determine what you are entitled to.
What Kind of Damages Are Available to Car Accident Victims?
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, it’s essential to understand what you may be entitled to. There are three primary types of damages available.
Economic damages are quantifiable losses you’ve suffered from the accident. They most often include medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage.
Non-economic damages are those that are more difficult to quantify, as they can’t be determined by looking at expenses or financial documents. These usually include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of consortium, and disability or disfigurement.
Punitive damages are sometimes awarded for conduct that is particularly egregious. They are intended to punish the defendant and deter similar behavior in the future. In Louisiana, these types of damages are only awarded in some cases of drunk driving accidents.
The best way to determine what you’re entitled to is to speak with a car accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Can I Recover Compensation If I’m Being Blamed For a Car Accident in Louisiana?
In Louisiana, you can still recover compensation even if you are partially at fault for a car accident. This is due to the state’s implementation of the pure comparative negligence rule. Under this rule, each party involved in an incident is assigned a percentage of fault. If you are successful in your case, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of the responsibility.
For instance, if you’re found to be 30% at fault for an accident and your total damages amount to $100,000, under Louisiana law, you could still recover 70% or $70,000.
We’ll Fight to Recover Compensation For All Of Your Car Accident Injuries
Car accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, varying greatly in severity. Common injuries include:
- Whiplash
- Concussion
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Burns
- Nerve damage
It’s important to seek immediate medical attention after a car accident, as some injury symptoms can be delayed or hidden. Prompt treatment not only supports your health but also bolsters any future claims for compensation you may pursue.
What Causes Most Car Accidents in Central, Louisiana?
In Central, Louisiana, as in many regions across the United States, car accidents are often the result of a combination of factors that compromise road safety. Understanding these causes can help drivers make informed decisions on how to mitigate risks while on the road.
Distracted Driving
One of the leading causes of car accidents is distracted driving, which includes activities such as texting, eating, or adjusting the radio while driving. These distractions divert attention from the road, leading to potential collisions.
Speeding
Exceeding the speed limit or driving too fast for the road’s current conditions significantly increases the likelihood of an accident. Speeding reduces the driver’s ability to react to sudden changes in traffic, contributing to crashes.
Driving Under the Influence
Operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs remains a significant risk factor for accidents. Impaired judgment and slowed reaction times can result in disastrous outcomes.
Weather Conditions
Adverse weather conditions, such as rain, fog, or icy roads, can severely affect driving safety. Reduced visibility and slippery surfaces require greater caution and slower speeds.
Reckless Driving
Aggressive driving behavior–including tailgating, frequent lane changes, and failure to yield–is another common factor in accidents. These actions increase tension on the road and can provoke dangerous situations.
If you were involved in an accident and believe someone else caused it by engaging in one of these behaviors, reach out to an attorney for help.
How Do I Prove Negligence After a Car Accident in Louisiana?
To prove negligence after a car accident in Louisiana, you must clearly demonstrate the following four elements:
- Duty: You must show that the defendant had a legal duty toward you. In car accident cases, this step is fairly easy, as all drivers have a responsibility to follow traffic laws and prevent harm to others on the road.
- Breach: It’s essential to provide evidence that the defendant failed to fulfill this duty.
- Causation: You need to prove that the breach directly caused your injuries.
- Damages: Finally, you must demonstrate that these injuries led to specific damages.
Proving negligence is essential for success in your car accident claim. Our experienced attorneys can help you do this.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Car Accident in Louisiana?
In Louisiana, you generally have one year from the date of your car accident to file a lawsuit. However, there are select circumstances that can extend or shorten this deadline.
Due to the strict deadline, it’s important to reach out to a car accident lawyer as soon as possible to ensure you don’t miss your chance to file a claim and recover the compensation you’re entitled to.
Contact Our Central Car Accident Lawyer For a Free Consultation
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in or around Central, Louisiana, we can help you recover the compensation you need and deserve. You shouldn’t have to handle these losses on your own when someone else caused the accident. Let us help you with all the legal aspects of your claim while you focus on healing. Contact Palmintier Law Group today to schedule a free consultation with a Central car accident lawyer.