As such a beautiful and diverse community, every time someone loses their life in a car accident in Lake Charles, the grief is only made worse by the realization that the incident may have been preventable. As a local, experienced firm that has served the area for decades, we know that family members need answers, justice, and financial support.
Speak to a fatal car accident lawyer in Lake Charles from Galloway Jefcoat. When you do, you will quickly learn how passionate we are about providing our clients with exceptional legal service with no upfront costs.
You pay us nothing if our Lake Charles car accident lawyer does not win. Our firm has been fighting for clients since our founding in 1996.
Common Reasons Fatal Car Accidents Happen in Lake Charles
Car accidents occur when someone violates the law, putting others at risk. In Lake Charles, we see these tragic accidents occur throughout the commercial districts and residential neighborhoods.
Some of the most common causes include:
- Distracted drivers: Whether on Sale Road or Lake Street, we often see them as the most common cause of fatal accidents. Drivers texting, reading email, updating their vehicle’s navigation, or daydreaming while driving cause most accidents in our area.
- Reckless driving: On roadways such as I-10 and I-210, speed is a major factor, as are illegal lane changes and tailgating other drivers. Reckless operation is often avoidable.
- Congestion and aggressive drivers: In areas such as Sallier Street and Ryan Street, or at the intersection of Common Street and 12th Street, traffic can be a factor in itself, especially when drivers lack the patience to slow down as backups form.
- Inexperience: In some areas, inexperienced drivers or those not paying close attention to the roadway put others at risk. For example, the steep grades on the I-10 bridge require careful management.
- Running red lights: Not obeying traffic signals is a major issue in many areas of the city, especially along major retail corridors like Nelson and Lake Street.
Poor road conditions, impaired driving, and truck driver fatigue also increase the risk of fatal accidents. In every situation, you can expect our team to investigate and build a case for your right to recover damages. Our Lake Charles personal injury lawyer believes in giving you the peace of mind you need through fair recovery of your losses under Louisiana law.
"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."
A Fatal Car Accident Lawyer in Lake Charles Makes a Difference in Your Case
In every accident, police will gather information and evidence, insurance companies will make decisions, and family members will wait for their turn to take action. We believe in empowering families to get justice through aggressive legal pursuit of their rights.
To do this, you can expect our lawyers to:
- Complete a comprehensive investigation. We gather as much information as possible about what happened. Your loved one does not have a voice to share what happened before the incident. We gather witness statements, critical data from surveillance footage, and expert opinions to get all of the facts.
- Determine fault across the board. Insurance companies will not provide you with all the details of your case, which often means the third parties responsible for your injuries and losses may be unknown. We find them, including cities, states, employers, manufacturers, and technicians who put your loved one’s life on the line.
- Comprehensive evaluation of your losses. Expect our legal team to build a strong claim that incorporates all of the losses you have, including the devastation to your current needs and future goals due to the loss of your loved one.
If the insurance company rushes you to close your claim or tells you that you do not have the right to pursue legal action, let us go to work for you instead.
You can expect our fatal car accident attorney in Lake Charles at Galloway Jefcoat to build an accurate claim in accordance with the law.
Take Action Within the State’s Allowable Timeline
In Louisiana, the immediate family members of a person who dies due to a personal injury have the right to seek legal action against those at fault.
The statute of limitations has changed in Louisiana. If the incident occurred on or after July 1, 2024, wrongful death claims (Art 3493.1) are just two years from the date the incident occurred.
We encourage you to schedule a free, no-risk consultation with a wrongful death lawyer serving Lake Charles now to seek justice for your loved one.
"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"
Damages in a Wrongful Death Car Accident
Immediate family members or a representative of the estate may seek legal action against the at-fault party for damages suffered.
That includes damages your family member would have recovered if they survived, as well as damages the family suffers as a result of the loss. Some of the damages we consistently seek after a car accident like this include:
- Final medical costs and end-of-life care at the time of the accident until the passing
- Pain and suffering experienced by the deceased before death
- Final burial and funeral costs
- Loss of income from the date of the accident through the date of death
- The family’s pain and suffering from the incident
- The loss of income that dependents relied on
- Loss of consortium for those in relationships
- Loss of companionship and guidance
There is no simple way through the process of losing a family member, especially when someone could have prevented it. With the guidance of our legal team, we will fight for justice so your family does not have to continue to face financial strain.
We cannot make the situation better by bringing your loved one back into your life, but we can give them a voice.
"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."
Schedule a Free Consultation with Our Lake Charles Fatal Car Accident Attorney Now
You can depend on Galloway Jefcoat to become your advocate in getting results. Set up a free, no-obligation consultation before you speak to the insurance company about your claim.
Let our Lake Charles fatal car accident lawyer ensure you receive fair treatment and the compensation you need to move forward in your life.
"Galloway Jefcoat helped me at a time when I felt lost and taken advantage of by my employer."