Baton Rouge Car Accident Lawyer

Baton Rouge Car Accident Attorney

Car accidents affect millions of people a year. These collisions can be terrifying and traumatic, even when they are minor. In major car accidents, the harm can be severe, even fatal. If you were in a car crash, it can be frustrating to deal with an auto insurance claim after such a damaging event. You should see an experienced Baton Rouge car accident attorney to manage your claim or claims on your behalf and get the recompense you need from the party at fault. Get in touch with our lawyers to schedule a free legal consultation.

Although you work to remain careful when driving, this doesn’t prevent all accidents. Dangerous road conditions, faulty car components, and unsafe or negligent drivers can all result in serious collisions. These parties can be held accountable for the failures that led to the accident. Getting the financial coverage that you deserve after a crash can be handled by an attorney while you rest and recover.

The Law Firm of Mesa B. Jefferson, LLC: Supporting You After a Crash

It can be daunting to find the right attorney after a crash. At The Law Firm of Mesa B. Jefferson, LLC, we want to provide you with quality legal care personalized to your needs. We understand that you need an advocate who will stand strong against the insurance providers and civil claims, and we want to give you that help. We fight vigorously for your rights and work to ensure you have no out-of-pocket costs.

Mesa Jefferson has been practicing law for nearly 18 years and uses that extensive experience to support individuals and families in Louisiana who have been injured. She understands the importance of a strong and effective attorney with integrity. She has successfully negotiated claims and settlements from car insurance providers and wants to continue supporting the community in which she lives and works.

The Law Firm of Mesa B. Jefferson, LLC, works to maximize the recompense you receive in a car crash claim, holding the parties at fault accountable for their actions.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Baton Rouge

The cause of the crash is important when filing an insurance claim or a civil claim, as it can help determine what party or parties were at fault. Some of the common reasons for car crashes in Baton Rouge are:

• Distracted driving, which occurs anytime a driver takes their eyes or attention off the road. Drivers may be distracted by texting, changing their music, eating, drinking, talking to others in the car, or other distractions. When a driver is distracted, accidents are more likely because they are not paying attention to the changes on the road. Distracted driving is one of the main causes of accidents.
• Driving after consuming drugs or alcohol. This is illegal and can result in the driver being accused of gross negligence. Driving after consuming drugs or alcohol inhibits a driver’s ability to think quickly or clearly, make rational decisions, and react quickly. All of these factors increase the likelihood of an accident.
• Speeding, which gives a driver less time to react and increases the damage of a collision when it does occur. Speeding may also include going too quickly for the current weather, visibility, or road conditions.
• Other forms of reckless driving also increase the chances of accidents. This includes failing to yield, tailgating, aggressive driving, ignoring stop lights and stop signs, and other actions that break traffic laws and put others on the road in danger.
• Driving fatigued, which is very similar to driving drunk. When a driver operates their vehicle tired, they have slower reaction speeds. They may even fall asleep at the wheel.
• Hazardous road conditions, including those from inclement weather or from poor road maintenance. Bad weather and low visibility may be a factor in the accident, but drivers are the ones responsible for appropriately altering their speed. Construction work can also be a hazardous condition that leads to accidents.
• Motor vehicle malfunction, where an essential component of a car breaks. Although rare, this can cause a car crash where no drivers are at fault. A broken car component can be a manufacturer defect or due to wear and tear. It may be the driver or owner’s fault for not maintaining their vehicle, or it may be the fault of the manufacturer or the last auto repair shop the vehicle went to.

When Does Negligence Lead to Liability?

Negligence is the most common way to hold someone liable for a car crash. Under the theory of negligence, an at-fault driver does not have to be trying to cause you harm or do something illegal in order to be liable for the damages of the crash. Negligence in itself does not mean fault, however. In order to hold someone liable, they must be found at fault based on the following criteria:

1. Duty. They failed to provide you with the care that all drivers on the road owe to one another.
2. Breach. They breached this duty by negligent action or inaction.
3. Cause of fact. This breach of care caused the crash.
4. Damages. The accident resulted in you suffering injury and damages.

Most car accidents are the fault of another driver on the road. However, they could also be the fault of an agency responsible for maintaining the roadway, a vicariously liable truck driver employer, or the designer of a part that is found to be defective. Negligence is not always the way in which these parties are held liable. Liability may be due to intentional misconduct, recklessness, or even strict liability.

If multiple parties are at fault for an accident, claims can be filed against all the parties at fault, and each is liable for their portion of the damage. This can assist you in getting the maximum compensation possible in your case, but it also makes the process much more complicated. An attorney is crucial to helping you investigate an accident, determining the party or parties at fault, and holding them liable.

What Compensation Can You Receive in a Car Crash Claim?

When a car crash was another party’s fault, you have the right to recover the full damages that you directly suffered from that accident. The recompense you recover in a car crash claim depends on many factors, including the coverage of the driver at fault, their level of negligence, and the skill of your attorney. Some of the damages you may be able to recover include:

• Past and ongoing medical bills.
• Expected future medical costs and complications.
• Lost salary and lost earning capacity.
• Pain and suffering damages.
• Loss of enjoyment of life.
• Property damage.

Some damages, like the cost of your past medical bills, are straightforward to calculate. However, many damages recoverable in a car crash claim are more complicated. Determining the value of non-economic damages like pain and suffering or the value of future potential medical bills is much easier with a Baton Rouge skilled attorney who knows how to navigate those costs.

FAQs

Q: What Are Most Lawyers’ Fees for Car Accidents?

A: Most lawyer fees for car accidents are a percentage of the final civil settlement. This percentage varies based on the complexity of the case and whether it goes to trial or is settled out of court. If you do not receive a settlement at the end of the case, you do not owe them any attorney’s fees. It’s critical to always discuss contingency fees with your attorney prior to working with them.

Q: How Long After a Crash Can You Sue in Louisiana?

A: After a crash in Louisiana, the length of time that you have to sue may vary. However, if you file after that time, you will be unable to receive compensation for your losses. For the most accurate information, you should seek advice from a Baton Rouge car accident lawyer.

Q: How Are Pain and Suffering Calculated in Louisiana?

A: Pain and suffering can be calculated in different ways, but the calculations rely largely on the severity of your injuries and the length of time they are expected to affect you. Your attorney can help determine a fair amount to seek in pain and suffering damages. They could make their calculations by multiplying your economic damages by a number to determine those damages, or the amount could be based on the number of days it will take you to recover.

Q: Is Louisiana a No-Fault State?

A: No, Louisiana is not a no-fault state for car accidents, so insurance claims can be filed with the insurance provider of the driver who caused the accident. A car insurance claim is needed to recover property damages, medical bill costs, and lost income, among other damages. If the auto insurance coverage doesn’t cover the damages, a personal injury claim may be necessary.  In no-fault states, each driver files with their own insurance company, even if one was at fault.

Find the Right Attorney After Your Car Collision

You should not have to pay for the costs of a car crash that was not your fault. Contact The Law Firm of Mesa B. Jefferson, LLC, today and learn how we can assist you in recovering the recompense you deserve.