Car crashes can lead to life-altering injuries, physical pain, and emotional trauma. If the injured victim is unable to work while recovering, the mounting medical costs and other bills can be financially devastating.
At Galloway Jefcoat Injury Attorneys, founded in 1996, our car accident lawyer in Lake Charles brings over 30 years of experience to your case. Call our Lake Charles personal injury lawyer to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. We only get paid if we secure compensation for you.
Eligibility for Filing a Car Accident Case
Your first step is to set up a free consultation with our car accident attorney in Lake Charles. This is our opportunity to learn about your accident and for you to learn about our legal services.
We will consider numerous factors about the accident to determine if you have a case, including:
- The date, time, and location of the crash
- Details about what led up to the crash
- The type and extent of injuries you suffered in the crash
- Any evidence you were able to collect, such as photos or witness testimony
Our Lake Charles car accident lawyer provides free case evaluations. This is a starting point for understanding your losses and the legal options available to you. There is no risk in speaking with us about your losses, and you are under no obligation to work with us if you decide not to.
"I have used Galloway Jefcoat a few times and have always been very satisfied. Furthermore, all of the people who work there are very professional, nice, and courteous."
How We Prove Negligence in Car Accidents in Lake Charles
Because Louisiana is an at-fault state, the plaintiff (injured victim) or their attorney must provide proof of the other party’s negligence. It is up to you and your attorney to provide evidence of negligence. That means obtaining evidence for each of these four elements:
- The at-fault party owed a duty of care to reasonably prevent harm to you and others on the road
- The at-fault party violated that duty of care when they failed to act in a reasonable manner
- The actions or inactions of the at-fault party led to the crash and caused you to sustain injuries
- You sustained real damages, such as medical costs and lost wages
If we validate your claim, our Lake Charles car accident attorneys are ready to build a strong case. You can learn more about your legal options without paying us anything. Case reviews are completely free and carry no obligation.
"Galloway Jefcoat are amazing professionals who are very client focused. They will guide you thru all the details to help get your litigation solved. I was involved in a crash that ultimate required a knee replacement"
The Complexity of Proving Negligence and Liability
Victims of serious car accidents must prove negligence to recover fair compensation for their losses. The complexity of this process is that insurance companies will work diligently to discredit your statements and, in some cases, try to limit the compensation paid to you.
When you hire a car accident lawyer in Lake Charles, we will work to navigate any obstacles you have, including:
- Denials of coverage from the insurance company, often stating that the driver was not their responsibility
- Denials of claims for unfair reasons
- Significantly reduced settlement amounts that do not cover your losses
- Delays that push you beyond the statute of limitations
- Aggressive or unfair behavior
Most of our cases end with a settlement out of court in our clients’ favor. If the insurance company is unfair to you, expect us to go to court to hold them accountable to the fullest extent allowed by law. You can trust us to navigate the limitations of negligence and build a clear, hard-to-dispute case.
"As a client of Galloway Jefcoat for over two years I want to take a minute to say how much I appreciate the team handling my case."
Benefits of Hiring a Lake Charles Attorney
At Galloway Jefcoat Injury Attorneys, we do not get paid unless you do, so while outcomes are not guaranteed, we will not take on a case that is unlikely to succeed.
This may be why accident victims who hire a qualified attorney often recover significantly more compensation than those who try to handle their claim on their own. While each case is unique, we take a variety of steps to pursue a favorable outcome, such as:
- Fully investigating the crash that caused your injuries
- Taking pictures of the accident scene
- Examining the police report and your medical records
- Getting statements from credible eyewitnesses
- Obtaining any available video footage of the accident
- Taking legal steps to preserve evidence before it is destroyed or lost
- Utilizing an accident reconstruction specialist, if needed
- Communicating with third parties, including your insurer, on your behalf
- Represent you if your case goes to trial
- Keeping you informed and quickly responding to your questions
Our car accident attorney in Lake Charles is the advocate you need in these challenging cases. We treat every case with careful attention to your needs. That ensures you have access to the resources necessary to build your claim.
"Great experience, from day 1 I felt like I finally had someone on my side and that feeling didn't leave me for 1 single moment."
The Value of Your Car Accident Case
To negotiate with the insurance company fairly and with good results, our car accident lawyer in Lake Charles needs to seek as much evidence as possible to build your case.
The value of your case depends on many factors, including the severity of your injuries and the types of medical care you need. We will gather evidence to support every claim of loss.
One of the most important factors to remember about car accident case value in Lake Charles is the skill and dedication of your lawyer. You deserve a legal team that is willing to put in the hard work to build your case. Expect us to be comprehensively thorough in evaluating every way this incident is impacting your life.
The losses you suffer fall into one or more specific categories. This typically includes economic and non-economic damages, and in rare cases, punitive losses. The value of each car crash claim varies based on numerous factors, such as the type and severity of your injuries.
Economic Damages
Economic damages include any type of verifiable losses you have. This may include documentation, such as receipts or pay stubs, showing missed days. These are real, quantifiable damages resulting from a victim’s injuries, including the cost of:
- Hospital stays
- Surgical procedures
- Diagnostic testing, such as MRIs and X-rays
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Vehicle or other property damages
- Rehabilitation therapy
- Prescription medication
- Physical therapy
- Devices to assist with mobility
These are very real losses, and while easy to document and value, they are not always easy to see. Victims may not account for all their losses, especially out-of-pocket expenses. Our car accident lawyer in Lake Charles will work diligently to look at all possible forms of these damages.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages refer to the physical pain and emotional suffering caused by an accident. These are often substantial claims but far more subjective. That makes it harder for you to know what to include in your claim.
They may include things like:
- Emotional distress
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Mental anguish
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Disfigurement
- Scarring
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
- Diminished quality of life
Our licensed Lake Charles auto accident lawyers are experienced negotiators. We are committed to aggressively pursuing full compensation for the injuries and other financial losses you have suffered. We look at all factors playing a role in your non-economic damages, such as the impact on your future.
When You Partially Contributed to the Crash
Accident victims who contributed to a crash may still be eligible to seek compensation. That said, under Louisiana’s comparative fault law, if a crash victim does share liability, any compensation they are awarded will be reduced by their determined degree of fault.
What does this mean for you? If you are awarded $100,000 in compensation but are found to be 20% at fault, the award would be reduced by 20%, leaving you with $80,000. We do not want you to see your claim reduced because of an unproven fault.
Having a knowledgeable attorney on your side is important. We work to try to prevent you from being assigned more than your fair share of fault. Through the collection of evidence, accident reconstruction, and expert statements, we often reduce the fault assigned to you.
Louisiana’s Minimum Car Insurance Requirements
Louisiana drivers must obtain at least the minimum required auto insurance coverage. This coverage helps protect your financial assets if you are involved in a crash. The state’s minimum car insurance coverage includes:
- $15,000 for injuries to one person
- $30,000 if two or more persons are injured in an accident
- $25,000 in property damage per accident
If you cause a crash, this coverage helps pay for the other party’s medical expenses and property damage. However, if you are injured in a crash, your attorney may help you to seek compensation through the at-fault party’s liability insurance. Keep in mind that the amounts listed above are minimum coverage requirements.
Underinsured/Uninsured Motorist Claims
In some situations, filing a claim against the at-fault driver becomes impossible. Your insurance may be able to help. In Louisiana, uninsured/underinsured (UM/UIM) motorist coverage must be offered to new policy purchasers, but it is not required protection. That said, it is a coverage that could prove valuable if:
- You are injured in a hit-and-run crash
- The at-fault party that struck you has little or no insurance
Our Lake Charles car accident lawyers are committed to pursuing full compensation from the available insurance policies. We have helped many crash victims obtain insurance compensation and are prepared to counter the insurance company’s attempts to deny or undervalue your claim. This includes taking the insurance company to court if necessary.
Louisiana Has Deadlines for Filing a Legal Claim
There are deadlines to be aware of after a car crash, including how long your insurance company gives you to report a claim. In Louisiana, the statute of limitations has been changed from one year to two years. If your car accident occurs on or after July 1, 2024, you have just 24 months to file for compensation.
Though rare, there are situations where different deadlines may apply. For example, a deadline may be extended if the injured victims are underage minors and unable to file their own claim.
It is important to mention that if you miss your deadline, the court will likely dismiss your case, and you may lose your opportunity to pursue compensation. Our Lake Charles auto accident attorneys can discuss your claim and help you understand what deadline may apply in your situation.
Important Steps to Protect Your Car Accident Claim
Our attorneys will handle all case prep for you once you contact us and start working with our team, but there is a great deal you can do before we even touch the case that could help you. Ideally, you will take these steps. If you did not do so, do not worry. Our team will gather evidence to substantiate and strengthen your case.
Our attorney will gather evidence at all available levels, including by seeking video footage and using expert witnesses. While this is the case, we encourage you to know how to protect your rights. That starts when you are in an accident and know what to do after it.
If you hire an attorney, they can work to protect your claim throughout the legal process. However, before you even call our team, these steps can help you to protect and strengthen your claim:
Report the Accident
Put your safety at the top of the list of priorities. Get out of the way of additional risk. Call 9-1-1 immediately to report your crash to the local police department. In Louisiana, it is required to call the police if the incident:
- Causes an injury or death
- Results in property damage of $500 or greater
The Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections (DPSC) also requires a written report of any collision that caused one or more persons to suffer an injury, death, or property damage estimated at $100 or more under RS 32:398. In most situations, it is in your best interest to have the police at the scene of the accident. They are valuable resources for collecting data and proving fault.
Police Report Filing
A police report is critical documentation that the insurance company will use to determine whether to pay for your losses. The police report, completed by the responding officer, will contain important details about the crash. This includes:
- Diagrams of where the vehicles came to rest
- The location and type of damage
- Driver statements
- Witness testimony, if available
- The responding officer’s conclusion about the cause of the crash
It is a good idea to get a copy of your police report soon after your accident. When you get it, review it carefully to make sure you agree with all the facts. If you find errors, contact the police department and speak with the investigating officer to learn how to have them corrected. The police report provides key information, but it also links the accident to any injuries and other losses you sustained.
Collect Evidence at the Scene
What happens in the moments after an accident can prove critically important to protecting your case, especially in relation to evidence. If you can do so safely, try to collect evidence at the crash scene. Use your cellphone to take pictures of the crash scene, capturing:
- Nearby landmarks
- Road debris from the crash or fresh tire marks in the road
- Both vehicles are shown together to show how each vehicle came to rest
- Damage to each vehicle
Do not put yourself in harm’s way for this process. However, any evidence you can obtain from the scene will become a valuable tool later. It can help to show who is at fault and validate your claims of loss.
When possible, take these details down with your phone. If you cannot take photos, record yourself stating what you see and experience. Read our client testimonials to learn more about our firm.
Seek Immediate Medical Care
This helps ensure your injuries are stabilized and cannot worsen. Getting immediate medical care also helps to protect your claim as it creates an official medical record and diagnosis of your injuries, along with details of the care you received.
When you delay seeking medical help, you leave room for the insurance provider to argue that your injuries could have happened elsewhere. This can significantly damage the value of your claim and your long-term prognosis for recovery.
Our attorney will help you facilitate access to medical records later. In addition, we will help you build your claim with medical experts. However, all of this hinges on you getting medical care immediately so that those injuries are documented and clearly linked to your accident.
Handling Communication with Insurance Companies
Soon after reporting your accident to the insurance company, you may hear from the adjuster. Adjusters are trying to find a way to get an accident victim to admit some amount of fault or downplay the severity of their injuries.
Here are three different options for responding to a phone call from the insurance company:
- Let the call go to voicemail to find out who is calling and what they want
- Answer the call and respond with prepared answers that provide only basic information
- Call a qualified lawyer first for legal help. They can speak with the insurance company for you
If you do talk to an insurance adjuster before calling an attorney, keep your answers concise. It is in your best interest not to apologize, as that may seem to be an admission of fault. In addition, do not discuss your injuries.
Keep responses short and do not embellish. Even if you think you might be partly at fault, wait until you speak with an attorney and find out for sure. At Galloway Jefcoat Injury Attorneys, we are prepared to fully handle your claim and guide you through every step of the legal process.
Car Crash Cases Our Firm Handles
Our car accident lawyer in Lake Charles is your advocate, no matter what happened in your accident. Our team of legal professionals at Galloway Jefcoat Injury Attorneys is ready to help victims who were injured in a variety of car crashes, including:
- Rear-end collisions
- Multi-vehicle crashes
- Head-on collisions
- Hit-and-run crashes
- Rollover accidents
- T-bone crashes
- Side-impact collisions
- High-speed crashes
Our car accident lawyer in Lake Charles works closely with victims to build a strong case, no matter the type of case. If something else happened to you, do not hesitate to reach out to us for more support.
Our extensive experience makes us a resource for any car accident victim. Learn more about overlooked distractions that can cause car accidents.
Common Injuries in a Car Accident Case
The severity of the accident varies significantly. Our attorney works with victims with all types of injuries requiring medical care and treatment.
Common injuries that victims may suffer in these types of crashes include:
- Whiplash
- Concussion
- Fractures
- Organ damage
- Internal bleeding
- Lacerations
- Soft-tissue damage
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Loss of Limbs
Let us work with you to build your claim if you have any of these injuries. It is critical that you do not speak to the insurance company without legal representation if you have any injuries resulting in catastrophic losses, such as loss of hearing or sight, paralysis, or chronic pain.
Your case is valuable, and you deserve fair treatment. Learn how you can get compensation for whiplash after a car accident.
Common Negligent Behavior That May Cause a Crash
Understanding the cause of your Lake Charles accident is also very important. In our 30 years of handling car crash claims, we have seen a wide range of negligent behavior.
Some of the common forms of negligence that lead to car crashes include:
- Distracted driving
- Driving drowsy or fatigued
- Excessive speeding
- Unsafe lane changes
- Failure to yield
- Disobeying traffic laws, signs, and signals
- Driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs
- Aggressive driving
We will prove what happened in your case through evidence. You do not need to know the causes to contact us. Even if it is crystal clear that the other party is at fault, we still want to hear from you, evaluate your case, and build a claim for you. Learn more about how distracted driving is a problem in Louisiana.
Our Car Accident Attorneys in Lake Charles Are Ready to Help
Hiring a qualified and experienced attorney after a collision may help protect your best interests throughout the legal process. Galloway Jefcoat Injury Attorneys has decades of experience fighting for victims.
Discuss your case with our car accident attorney in Lake Charles now. We offer free consultations. You pay nothing unless we win your case.
"Galloway Jefcoat helped me at a time when I felt lost and taken advantage of by my employer."