Car Accident Lawyer in Lafayette

If you sustained injuries in a car crash caused by another driver’s negligence, you have a chance to recover compensation for these damages. A professional Lafayette car accident lawyer can help you secure the money you need to cover your losses.

Our legal team at Galloway Jefcoat has been advocating for injury victims throughout Louisiana for more than 25 years. We have a proven track record of securing fair compensation for our clients. You can learn more by reaching out to a Lafayette personal injury lawyer about your next legal steps.

Our firm offers a free initial consultation to discuss your legal options. We only get paid if we help you obtain a recovery.

Why Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in Lafayette?

Hiring an experienced lawyer can be an essential step in your recovery process. Accident victims with legal representation often recover more compensation than those who do not. A lawyer can prepare a strong argument for your claim.

The attorneys at Galloway Jefcoat are experienced negotiators, having successfully recovered millions of dollars in compensation for our clients in Lafayette Parish. If we cannot reach a settlement, our lawyers have extensive experience preparing court cases. We understand the steps in the legal process of a car crash claim.

Our firm has in-depth knowledge of traffic laws and can prove another driver’s liability for an accident. Working with an attorney protects your claims and boosts your chances of getting maximum compensation. We can also help you avoid common mistakes crash victims make that could devalue their claims.

Car Accident Cases Our Firm Handles

Our firm represents clients who have sustained injuries in various types of motor vehicle accidents. For example, you can turn to us when you need assistance from a:

• Lafayette Head–On Collision Lawyer: Our legal team can identify the liable party after a head-on crash. We know how to build claims that can help you get fair payment for all your losses in this situation.
• Lafayette Rear–End Accident Lawyer: Rear-end crashes often occur at stop signs and intersections. A distracted or speeding driver may strike you from behind in this situation. We can take steps to bring you payment for your expenses.
• Lafayette T–Bone Accident Lawyer: We’re standing by to offer our services if you get T-boned by another motorist. Drivers who speed across intersections and ignore red lights may cause these crashes.
• Lafayette Hit–and–Run Accident Lawyer: You can rely on us to provide the support that you deserve if someone hits you and flees the scene. We can discuss the options you have to secure compensation in this situation.
• Lafayette Rollover Accident Lawyer: Rollover accidents can cause a lot of property damage and severe injuries, especially because they often involve large trucks. We can help you explore your legal options after this type of crash.

The above list contains examples of the types of accident claims we handle. You can reach out now to discuss the specifics of your situation. Having an experienced lawyer on your side throughout the legal process can help ensure that your rights and best interests are protected.

Compensation Available After Your Car Crash

Generally, car accident victims may be eligible to recover compensation for any losses associated with their collision. Experienced car accident attorneys in Lafayette may help you get the money you need to pay for losses such as:

Medical Expenses

Car accidents often result in serious, life-changing injuries. Medical expenses can result in significant financial hardship, not only for the accident victim but also for their family. Fortunately, our team may help you secure funds to pay for your:

• Hospitalization
• Costs for surgery
• Imaging tests
• Emergency services
• Rehabilitation
• Physical therapy sessions
• Prescription medications
• Personal care costs

Your personal injury attorney can help you get the funds you need as you focus on recovering from accident injuries.

Lost Wages

The party responsible for your crash may have to cover any loss of income you face after a collision. Additionally, you could get funds to pay for your loss of future earning capacity if your accident results in a disability.

Property Repairs

Your auto accident attorney may also help you get the money you need to pay for vehicle damage and repairs for any other property damaged or destroyed by the collision. We can help you learn more about these financial damages.

Non-Economic Damages

In some cases, you may receive financial compensation for the non-economic effects of your crash. For example, the at-fault party may have to pay for your:

• Physical pain
• Mental anguish
• Emotional distress
• Disfigurement
• Disability
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Loss of consortium
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Diminished quality of life

Our lawyers understand the physical, emotional, and financial hardships victims may suffer after a serious crash. We focus on recovering maximum compensation for past and future damages. Talk to us now to learn more about non-economic damages.

What Is the Value of Your Car Accident Case?

The value of any case will depend on several factors, including the extent and severity of your injuries, medical expenses incurred, your anticipated recovery time, and more. You can discuss your claim in greater detail with a member of our legal team in a free case review.

Many injury victims wonder about the average settlement amount of car crash claims in Lafayette Parish. In truth, settlement values vary on a case-by-case basis, so we need to review the specifics of your situation before we can provide information about the funds available to cover your financial losses.

Will You Get Punitive Damages?

Louisiana only awards punitive damages in rare cases involving car accidents. These damages punish the liable party, instead of covering your economic and non-economic losses. An experienced attorney can review your situation to see if you qualify for these funds.

Can You Seek Compensation if You Contributed to a Car Crash?

Yes, you may still seek compensation if you contributed to your accident. Louisiana allows multiple people to share the blame for a crash.

Louisiana’s comparative fault law allows accident victims to recover compensation even if they contributed to the crash. However, the legal system reduces compensation according to the victim’s percentage of fault.

For instance, if you are awarded $50,000 but found to be 20% at fault, the system will reduce your compensation amount by $10,000. Therefore, you would only receive $40,000. Insurance companies may use comparative fault to try to avoid covering your losses by blaming you for part of the crash. 

Therefore, you need to have an experienced lawyer working on your case, as they may be able to prevent the insurance company from assigning you an unreasonable amount of fault.

We can help, and we understand the reasons why crash victims may be held partially at fault.

Do You Have a Valid Auto Accident Case?

Our experienced car accident lawyers will need to consider several factors to determine if there may be a valid case, such as:

• Details about how the crash occurred
• Date, time, and location of the accident
• The extent and type of injuries sustained
• Evidence you may have gathered (e.g., pictures of the scene or witness statements)

Louisiana is an at-fault state, which means the other driver may be liable for your damages if your lawyer can prove negligence was involved. Negligence has four elements:

• The at-fault party had a duty of care to prevent harm to you and other road users.
• They breached that duty of care by failing to act in a reasonable manner.
• Their actions or inaction caused the crash, resulting in your injuries.
• You suffered actual damages (e.g., medical costs and lost wages).

If your claim has merit, we are prepared to build a strong case on your behalf. There is no cost to talk to a lawyer at our firm, and no upfront fees to retain our legal services.

We know what it takes to conduct a detailed accident investigation. We can:

• Review the police report.
• Check your medical records.
• Collect video surveillance footage (if it exists). 

Our main priority is to assess how the other driver’s negligent behavior led to your injuries and to establish the value of your damages.

We know how to get your car accident report from the police. Typically, we need to submit an official request for this information after a motor vehicle crash. You can rely on us to handle the process, allowing you to focus on your recovery.

How You Get Compensation After an Accident

You have two primary options available to secure financial compensation after your crash. In many cases, we help our clients get the money they need through the insurance claims process. This process requires you to submit a claim to the insurance company that represents the liable party.

We can help by creating the claim and submitting it on your behalf. Our team can also handle all negotiations with the insurance company, potentially bringing you a fair settlement. What if the car insurance settlement offer is too low after a Louisiana crash?

If the insurance company refuses to make a fair offer, we can assist you in filing a lawsuit against the liable party. One of our founders, Thomas “Rusty” Galloway, is a member of the Louisiana Bar Association and has personally handled thousands of injury cases, so you can count on our experience to help.

Injuries Caused by Car Accidents

Motor vehicle collisions can result in many catastrophic injuries. For example, accident victims may need immediate medical care for:

• Whiplash
• Concussions
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Broken bones or fractures
• Spinal cord injuries (SCIs)
• Lacerations
• Soft-tissue injuries
• Organ damage
• Internal bleeding
• Loss of limbs

It is crucial to seek immediate medical care to help link your injuries to the accident. A personal injury lawyer may help you file a claim for funds to pay for your medical bills and other losses. Our personal injury law firm is here to help in this difficult time.

Are There Auto Insurance Requirements in Louisiana?

Yes. In Louisiana, all drivers have to purchase a minimum amount of auto insurance coverage, including liability coverage. If you sustain injuries in a car accident, your lawyer may help you file a claim against the liability coverage in the at-fault driver’s insurance policy.

If you caused the car accident, the liability portion of your policy can provide compensation for the medical expenses of those injured as well as any damage to the other driver’s car.

The minimum liability coverage required by law includes:

• $15,000 for bodily injury to one person
• $30,000 for bodily injury to more than one person
• $25,000 for property damage per accident

While these are the minimum amounts, most drivers purchase more than the minimum amount required under state law.

Liability insurance helps cover personal injury or property damage caused by you, a family member, or anyone else who was driving your car with permission at the time of the crash. You and your loved ones may also be covered if you are driving a rental vehicle or borrowing someone else’s car, up to the policy limits.

What Are Underinsured/Uninsured Motorist Coverage Claims?

If the other driver has no insurance or not enough insurance to cover your damages, you may file a claim with your own insurance company. You could seek compensation from your uninsured/underinsured (UM/UIM) motorist coverage.

This policy may cover any bodily injury you or another passenger in your car sustains due to a crash, including injuries caused by hit-and-run accidents.

In Louisiana, if you purchase UM/IUM coverage, it must match the limits of your liability coverage. Your auto insurance provider must offer this coverage, but it is not a requirement.

Anyone who drives without insurance or gets into a crash without it can receive a fine, have their driving privileges suspended, and have their car impounded.

The “No Pay, No Play” Law

The state’s “No Pay, No Play” law prohibits uninsured drivers from receiving compensation for the first $25,000 for property damages and the first $15,000 for personal injuries, regardless of who caused the crash.

Our Lafayette auto accident lawyers at Galloway Jefcoat are well-versed in state auto insurance requirements. We can advise you of the exceptions that exist with the “No Pay, No Play” law that could affect your claim.

Is There a Deadline to Take Legal Action?

Insurance companies have their deadlines for filing claims, but the statute of limitations for personal injury claims governs car accident lawsuits in Louisiana. Under this statute, you must take legal action within two years from the accident date.

If a loved one dies in a crash, a wrongful death lawsuit has a one-year deadline from the date of their death.

Can the Statute of Limitations Change?

There are instances where the deadline may change, such as when the victim is a minor. The statute of limitations will also work differently for accident victims who were unaware of their injuries. 

The clock may not start until the date that you should have reasonably discovered your injuries. If you are unsure which deadline applies to you, we recommend speaking with a car accident lawyer in Lafayette. If you miss your deadline, the court will likely dismiss your case.

How Can You Strengthen Your Auto Accident Case?

There are certain things you can do to help protect your health and possibly strengthen your case:

Reporting the Crash

All drivers in Louisiana must report a car accident as soon as possible to the local police department under the following conditions:

• It results in injury or death.
• Any property damage.

Written reports are also required by the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections (DPSC) within 24 hours if the crash resulted in injury, death, or more than $100 in property damage.

The responding officer will investigate the accident scene to determine the cause of the accident, assess the damage, and identify who may be at fault. The police report could be helpful in settlement negotiations.

Gathering Evidence

Evidence gathered at the scene may help prove that you did not contribute to the crash. If you are physically capable, gather some critical evidence, including pictures and/or video of the accident, your injuries, and property damage. 

Seeing a Doctor

You can seek medical attention, even if the accident seemed minor. Some symptoms may take days or weeks to appear. Delaying medical care can cause your symptoms to worsen. The last thing you want is for the insurance company to question any injuries you sustained and try to deny you coverage.

You can learn more about the steps to take to build your accident injury claim with a car accident lawyer in Lafayette.

How Should I Handle An Insurance Company After a Crash?

After being involved in a crash, an insurance company adjuster will likely contact you to find out what happened. It is essential to choose your words carefully when speaking with them. The insurance company’s objective is to pay out as little money as possible in claims.

Avoid saying “I am sorry” or “I feel okay,” as these statements could be seen as admitting fault or imply that your injuries are not that serious. Anything said to the insurance company should be brief and honest. Stick to the facts and avoid providing unnecessary information.

We can provide more information about why admitting fault for a Louisiana car crash is a bad idea.

Recorded Statements for the Insurance Company

The insurance company may push you to give them a recorded statement about your crash. Are crash victims required to give insurance companies a recorded statement?

You have every right not to have your statement recorded. You also do not have to take the first settlement offer you receive. The first offer is usually lower than the actual value of your damages.

Allow Your Lawyer to Handle Insurance Companies

If an insurance adjuster does contact you, we recommend referring them to your lawyer. They will have a better understanding of what the insurance company is looking for and can provide sound legal advice. 

A lawyer can also communicate with them on your behalf throughout the legal process and answer all the questions you should have about a settlement offer.

Our law office has extensive experience helping our clients make a full financial recovery. You can discuss your legal claim and the steps we’ll take to deal with the insurance company during a complimentary consultation.

What Are Some Common Negligent Behaviors That Can Lead to a Crash?

Our Lafayette car accident lawyers have extensive experience handling car accident cases resulting from driver negligence. We are prepared to investigate the accident, gather supporting evidence, interview witnesses, and more to build a strong case for compensation on your behalf.

Negligent behavior that can lead to a crash includes:

• Distracted driving (i.e., texting or eating),
• Drowsy or fatigued driving
• Speeding
• Reckless driving
• Failing to yield
• Unsafe lane changes
• Disobeying traffic signs and signals
• Drunk driving

If you believe that your car accident was due to one of these negligent behaviors or something similar, reach out for a free review of your claim from a Lafayette car accident lawyer. We are committed to fighting for maximum compensation from the negligent driver.

Contact Us After an Accident in Lafayette

Reaching out to an experienced lawyer after a crash can be beneficial to you in many ways. Galloway Jefcoat has been helping car accident victims obtain fair and just compensation for more than two decades in the state of Louisiana and throughout Lafayette Parish.

We understand how insurance companies operate and the tactics they employ to delay, devalue, or deny claims altogether. An initial consultation is entirely free and confidential. 

We only receive payment for our services if we successfully help you obtain compensation via a settlement or verdict. You can find our office in Lafayette, about 15 minutes from the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Find out more about how a Lafayette car accident attorney can help by reaching out right now.