Were you injured in a car accident in Baton Rouge, LA? Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers is here to help. Reach out online or call (225) 263-4787 to schedule a free consultation with a Baton Rouge car accident lawyer today!
We have decades of legal experience. We use our knowledge and extensive resources to fight for the rights of victims and their families. Our lawyers have recovered millions of dollars through negotiated settlements and jury verdicts for our clients.
We can answer any questions you may have. We are here to help you when you need trusted legal counsel after a car crash in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
How Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help You With a Claim in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Our Baton Rouge personal injury lawyers are nationally recognized by numerous legal organizations. They are recognized as Louisiana Rising Stars by Super Lawyers and the Top 40 Under 40 Trial Lawyers by The National Trial Lawyers. Our legal team has the means, skills, resources, and legal expertise to handle the most complex car accident claims in Baton Rouge, LA.
When you hire our top-rated Baton Rouge lawyers, you can trust we will:
- Complete a thorough accident investigation
- Analyze the cause of the accident to determine who is responsible
- Hire leading expert witnesses to obtain opinions and other evidence to strengthen your case
- File all documents required to pursue insurance and injury claims
- Defend you against allegations of contributory fault
- Negotiate a favorable settlement on your behalf
- File a lawsuit and fiercely argue your case at trial if the at-fault parties refuse to agree to a fair settlement amount
We understand the devastation caused by car accidents. That is why we are aggressive and fierce advocates for our clients. With years of experience, we are ready to fight for the compensation you need to replace income, pay medical bills, and relieve the financial burden.
Call our law offices today to schedule a time to meet and discuss your case for free.
Why Should I Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in Louisiana?
Hiring an experienced attorney can mean recovering all the money you need and deserve. Studies have shown that accident victims who hire an injury lawyer can recover up to 3.5x more compensation from their claims than those who don’t.
An attorney will protect you from mistakes that could hurt your chances of recovering full compensation. They will investigate your accident and gather evidence proving liability. They will also handle communications and negotiations with the insurance company throughout the claims process, putting pressure on them to settle for a fair amount.
Moreover, they will calculate the value of everything you have lost so that you know much to demand from the other side.
How Much Is My Baton Rouge Car Accident Claim Worth?
Many factors affect how much you receive. Some increase the value of your case, while others can reduce it. As just one example, a case involving a broken bone is likely worth more than one only involving a minor bruise.
Considerations that impact the value of a claim include:
- The type and severity of your injuries
- The duration of your recovery period
- Whether you sustain permanent impairments
- Your level of fault for causing the collision
- The parties involved in your case
- The availability of insurance coverage and the policy limits
- The evidence you have proving fault
- Whether you can return to your job
- How your losses impact your quality of life, both inside and outside the home
Our Baton Rouge car accident attorneys will calculate the full value of your claim prior to demanding compensation from the at-fault party. That way, you can recover what your claim is actually worth and get as much money as you are entitled to.
What Is the Deadline for Filing a Car Accident Claim in Baton Rouge, LA?
A statute of limitations sets deadlines to file personal injury lawsuits. Missing the deadline could result in your case being dismissed without the court considering its merits.
In Louisiana, effective 7/01/2024, you generally have two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit. If your crash happened before that date, you’ll likely only have one year to take legal action.
However, the facts of your case and exceptions to the statute can change the general deadline. Therefore, we encourage you to contact our office by phone or online as soon as possible to discuss your case with an attorney.
What Damages Can I Receive After a Car Accident in Baton Rouge, LA?
The damages you receive for a car accident claim depend on the facts specific to your case. Generally, victims can recover economic damages for their financial losses.
Examples of economic damages include:
- Past and future medical bills and expenses
- Travel expenses to and from doctor appointments
- Lost wages and benefits
- Property damage
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Long-term nursing/personal care
- In-home services
- Reduction in earning capacity
- Funeral expenses in wrongful death cases
Accident victims also experience pain and suffering. Louisiana tort laws provide compensation for non-economic damages, including:
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Impairments and disabilities
- Diminished quality of life
- Mental anguish
- Diminished quality of life
- Emotional distress
Our lawyers will work hard to calculate all of your damages. That way, we can recover all the compensation you deserve from the opposing party.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
Most attorneys in this area of the law operate on a contingency fee basis. We understand that being in a collision can create a financial crisis for your family. It can be challenging to meet living expenses during your recovery. Therefore, you may worry about how you can afford to hire a car accident lawyer in Baton Rouge.
You do not pay any attorney’s fees unless and until we win your case. Our attorney’s fees are based on a percentage of the amount we recover for your claim. Feel free to call us with any questions you might have about the contingency fee payment system.
Can I Receive Damages if I Contributed to the Cause of a Car Accident in Baton Rouge, LA?
Some states prohibit victims from recovering compensation if they are partially to blame for causing their injuries. Louisiana is not one of those states. Instead, Louisiana has adopted a comparative fault law.
Victims can recover compensation for damages even if they are partially to blame. However, their compensation is based on their level of fault.
Suppose a jury decided you were 40% to blame. The judge would reduce your damages by that amount. Therefore, if the jury awarded you $1 million, you would only receive 60% or $600,000.
The law makes an exception in cases of intentional torts. If the person who caused your collision acted intentionally, comparative fault would not apply.
Will My Case Go to Trial?
Most cases settle without the need for trial — around 95%. The chances are good that your case will settle. However, there are some instances where trial is unavoidable and may be in your best interest.
Your case may need to go to court if:
- The insurance company denies your claim, devalues your damages, or refuses to settle for a fair amount
- The insurer is blaming you for the accident
- There are multiple at-fault parties in your case
In these scenarios, the court/trial process may be your only avenue for recovering full compensation for your losses. An experienced injury attorney can help you understand the pros and cons of filing an injury lawsuit and evaluate whether your case has a likelihood of trial.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Baton Rouge?
The moments after a car accident are extremely overwhelming. However, there are certain steps you must take to protect your health and your accident claim.
At a minimum, you should:
- Call 911 to report the accident and request EMS if necessary.
- Exchange contact and insurance information with the at-fault driver (you’ll need this to file an injury claim).
- Get contact information from any witnesses to the collision.
- Take photos and videos the accident scene for evidence.
- Seek immediate medical treatment for visible and under-the-skin injuries.
Finally, you should contact an experienced car accident attorney in Baton Rouge for a free consultation. Your lawyer can help you understand your rights and options for recovering compensation.
Types of Car Accident Claims We Handle
Our team has extensive experience handling all types of cases. We’ve recovered top awards involving many different types of collisions.
We frequently obtain top compensation in the following accidents.
Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end crashes are among the most common car crashes. They can result in serious injuries to the head, back, and spine, to name a few. Our Baton Rouge rear-end collision lawyers can help you seek maximum compensation.
Head-On Crashes
Head-on collisions often result in serious and fatal injuries due to the speed and force of these accidents. If another driver struck you, our Baton Rouge head-on collision lawyers can help you get money for your medical bills and other losses.
Rollover Accidents
Rollover crashes can result in catastrophic injuries, including paralysis, amputations, and even wrongful death. If a careless driver caused your wreck, our Baton Rouge rollover accident lawyers can help you get justice.
Highway Accidents
Highway accidents often involve high speeds and big impacts. They frequently lead to serious injuries and fatalities. Our Baton Rouge highway accident lawyers can help you seek maximum compensation after a highway collision.
Intersection Accidents
Intersection crashes are dangerous because they often involve multiple cars traveling in different directions. They can even result in a chain accident. Our Baton Rouge intersection accident lawyers can help you get money.
Other Accidents
Our legal team also represents clients who have been hurt in:
- Sideswipe collisions
- T-bones
- Parking lot accidents
- Left-turn accidents
- Hit-and-run accidents
- Collisions caused by uninsured or underinsured drivers
- Accidents at/near construction sites
- And more
Contact our law office today to learn more about our practice areas and how we can help you get maximum compensation.
Who Could Be Liable For My Injuries After a Car Accident?
Many different parties could share responsibility for your car accident. Further, that means any party that contributed to your collision is responsible for their portion of liability.
The following parties are often named as defendants in injury claims:
- Careless drivers
- Truck drivers and trucking companies
- Motorcyclists
- Bicyclists
- Pedestrians
- Bus drivers and transit companies/agencies
- Rideshare drivers
- Taxi drivers
- Car and part manufacturers
- Mechanics
- Government agencies
It’s important to seek compensation from every party that caused your crash. Your lawyer will investigate to identify all the liable parties who owe you compensation — so you don’t miss out on much needed compensation.
How Negligence Affects Your Baton Rouge Car Accident Claim
Since Louisiana is a third-party liability state, you will have to file a claim or lawsuit against the at-fault driver to recover compensation. Most car accident lawsuits are based on negligence. Negligence occurs when a person fails to use reasonable care and causes an accident/injury.
Negligence requires proof of four elements:
- The at-fault driver owed you a duty of care to avoid harming you.
- The driver breached that duty by failing to act reasonably in the moments leading up to the crash.
- The driver caused your accident.
- You suffered damages.
You must satisfy all elements to win your claim. If you share fault for the accident, Louisiana’s pure comparative negligence rules will reduce your compensation by the amount of fault a judge or jury assigns you for the case.
Types of Injuries After a Car Accident
Our legal team has experience handling claims involving all types of injuries, including:
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Amputations and loss of limbs
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Neck injuries and whiplash
- Back injuries
- Fractured, crushed, and broken bones
- Severe burns
- Soft tissue damage
Our lawyers communicate with your doctors to document your losses. We can help you locate medical specialists and experts who can assist in determining impairment ratings and permanent disabilities.
Common Causes of Auto Accidents in Baton Rouge, LA
Many of the car crashes that occur in Baton Rouge are preventable. The accidents would not have happened had it not been for the actions of another party. Generally, these circumstances give rise to a negligence claim for damages.
Common causes include:
- Distracted driving
- Failing to follow Louisiana traffic laws
- Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs
- Speeding and reckless driving
- Texting and driving
- Fatigued and drowsy driving
- Aggressive driving and road rage
- Illegal or unsafe maneuvers such as improper lane changes, tailgating, and failing to yield the right of way
Other factors could contribute to why a car wreck happens. A Baton Rouge car crash could involve defective or malfunctioning car parts/systems, defectively designed intersections, unsafe road conditions, and poor weather conditions.
Any party who contributed to the cause of the crash could be responsible, including the drivers, passengers, manufacturers of defective parts, trucking companies, government entities, and others.
A Baton Rouge auto accident lawyer will identify each party who may be liable. We’ll pursue claims against all responsible parties to maximize your recovery for any type of car accident, including accidents involving a rental car, multi-vehicle accidents, hit-and-runs, and more.
Baton Rouge Car Accident Statistics
Baton Rouge is one of the state’s most populous areas. It is also one of the worst cities in the nation for traffic. With so much congestion, accidents are bound to happen.
According to the LSU Center for Analytics and Research in Transportation Safety, East Baton Rouge Parish experienced 20,535 traffic accidents in 2023. At least 8,081 people were injured, while another 72 were killed.
Most Dangerous Intersections in Baton Rouge
Collisions can happen anywhere in Baton Rouge; however, some intersections have proven to be more dangerous than others.
The following are some of the most dangerous intersections in Baton Rouge:
- Airline Highway and Florida Boulevard
- Bluebonnet Boulevard and Perkins Road
- Florida Boulevard and Sherwood Forest Boulevard
- Florida Boulevard and College Drive
- Perkins Road and Essens Lane
If you were harmed in an intersection accident, it is crucial to consult an attorney as soon as possible. These cases can be complex, with multiple parties involved.
Car Accident FAQ
Can I Recover Damages If an Uninsured Driver Caused My Crash?
Yes. You may have a right to compensation through an uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM) policy. You may also be able to secure a personal judgment against the driver. An attorney can help you understand your legal options.
Do I Have to Report a Car Accident to the Police?
Most likely. Louisiana law requires drivers to report any auto accident that causes death, injury, or property damage over $500. You must also report any accidents involving an intoxicated driver.
How is Fault Determined in a Car Accident?
The insurance company will investigate the accident to determine who is at fault and whether they are liable. They will determine fault by examining accident records, video footage, and other evidence.
How Long Will It Take to Settle My Car Crash Case?
The time it takes to settle your case will depend on a variety of factors, including the severity of your injuries and the complexity of your case. Some cases can be settled in a matter of months. Others take years. Your injury lawyer will help you understand the possible timeline for settlement in your case.
How Do I Get My Accident Report in Baton Rouge, LA?
Police reports are public records. You can visit Baton Rouge Police headquarters during business hours to purchase a copy of your accident report. You can also request a report by mail at the following address:
Baton Rouge City Police
Attn.: Traffic Records
9000 Airline Highway
Baton Rouge, LA 70815
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Baton Rouge Car Accident Lawyers
Don’t let an insurance company pressure you into accepting a low settlement offer in Baton Rouge, LA. Insurance companies will try to intimidate you to avoid paying the fair value of your claim. Generally, claims are worth more than insurance companies offer.
Before you accept a settlement offer, call Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers for a free case review with our Baton Rouge car accident attorneys. We’ll work hard to get you the best results possible for your case.
Highly Rated Car Repair Shops in Baton Rouge
- Meineke Car Care Center – 2276 College Dr, Baton Rouge, LA 70808
- Auto Pro Car Care Center – 9544 Burbank Dr, Baton Rouge, LA 70810
- Gordon & Sandifer Auto Service – 3825 Perkins Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70808
- Main Street Car Care Center – 2131 Main St, Baton Rouge, LA 70802
- 360 Automotive Solutions – 1334 Florida Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70802
*Disclaimer – we do not endorse these companies or profit from having them listed on our website.
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