Baton Rouge Car Accident Lawyer
The Palmintier Law Group has represented thousands of individuals injured in car accidents and aggressively pursued these types of claims for decades. Whether negotiating with insurance adjustors or taking the case to trial, we are highly experienced at successfully resolving these matters.
Under the law, the person at fault in an auto accident must compensate the victim. In many cases, the issue of who is at fault is argued, as well as the amount of damages. These and many other issues must be resolved if an injured person is to be fully and justly compensated. In our experience, people injured in auto accidents often wait too long to seek counsel to help with their claims. In most circumstances, an injured party has only one year from the time of the accident to sue the person at fault otherwise such right is deemed forfeit.
Types Of Car Accidents
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Rear end accidents
- Head on collisions
- T-bone accidents
- Multi vehicle accident
- Hit and run
- Pedestrian accident
Injuries Caused By A Car Accident In Baton Rouge
What To Do After A Car Accident In Baton Rouge
A car accident is a traumatic experience, whether it is a minor fender bender or a major collision. The situation is even more distressing when the accident was not your fault. You are likely to be in shock in the immediate aftermath of the accident and not thinking clearly.
However, there are several simple steps you can take after a car crash that help ensure everyone’s safety and make the insurance claim process run smoothly.
- Check everyone for injuries
- Call for emergency help for anyone who appears to need it. Even if everyone involved appears to be unharmed, you should still call emergency services, since not all injuries are immediately apparent.
- Call the police as well and have a police report filed. Ask for a copy of the report when it is available to keep for your records. Get the names and badge numbers of all police officers.
- Watch what you say. When the police arrive, be very careful about what you say to them. There are many innocent-sounding things you may say that can make it seem like you are admitting the accident was your fault. Even something as simple as saying “I’m sorry” to the other driver could be used against you.
- Exchange information with the other drivers. Get their names, license plate numbers, driver’s license numbers and insurance information.
- Take photos of yourself and all vehicles involved. Try to get pictures of the vehicles at several different angles, which can help insurance companies get a more thorough idea of the damage.
- Contact a lawyer to discuss your case.
After you have gotten over the shock of the accident, speaking with a car accident lawyer could be beneficial. If you were injured, you could face high medical costs and lost wages, in addition to mental distress and anguish. A personal injury claim based on the other driver’s negligence could help you recover compensation for these and other potential costs.
How can parents protect their rights after a crash?
If you are a parent of a small child who has been injured in a car accident in Louisiana, you may be facing many challenges and uncertainties.
You may be worried about your child’s health, recovery and future. You may also be dealing with medical bills, lost income and emotional distress. You wonder what your legal options are and how you can get the compensation you deserve.
Statute of limitations
If you miss the statute of limitations deadline, you may lose your right to sue and recover compensation.
In Louisiana, the general statute of limitations for personal injury cases is one year from the date of the accident. However, there are some exceptions and extensions that may apply to cases involving minors.
Children
According to Louisiana Civil Code Article 3492, if the victim is under 18 at the time of the accident, the statute of limitations is suspended until they reach 19. But, this does not apply to claims against governmental entities or public employees, which have shorter deadlines and require prior notice.
Parents
Additionally, Louisiana Civil Code Article 2315.1 provides that parents or legal guardians of minors who have been injured by another person’s fault have a separate claim for their own damages, such as medical expenses and loss of consortium. This claim is subject to the general one-year statute of limitations from the date of the accident.
Therefore, if you are a parent of a small child who has been injured in a car accident in Louisiana, you should not delay seeking legal advice. Even if your child has more time to file a lawsuit, you may have less time to pursue your own claim.
Moreover, waiting too long may jeopardize your chances of obtaining evidence, witnesses and favorable settlements.
Types Of Damages After A Car Accident
Damages are the monetary compensation that you can recover for your losses after a motor vehicle accident. Economic damages are those that can be easily calculated and documented, such as medical bills, lost wages, property damage and future expenses related to the injury.
Non-economic damages are those that are more subjective and harder to quantify, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life and disfigurement.
Auto Accident Attorneys That Fight For Your Best Road To Recovery
The Palmintier Law Group strongly believes that an injured party should contact an experienced auto accident attorney as soon as possible after a car accident. This will allow the law firm to better preserve the evidence, interview witnesses and protect your rights.
If you have been hurt in an accident caused by a careless or reckless motorist, we can guide you through the process of filing a claim against any party that caused your injuries.
Call 225-325-0275 or contact us now for a free consultation.