If you were injured in a car accident in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, you likely have many questions. That’s why Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers has prepared this list of Baton Rouge car accident frequently asked questions and answers.
We also provide free consultations where you can ask questions about your specific situation. Call us today at (225) 263-4787 to get started with yours.
How Can Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers Help Me After a Car Accident in Baton Rouge, LA?
After a car accident, you might be confused about your legal rights and options.
A Baton Rouge car accident lawyer can help by:
- Meeting with you during a free case review to learn about the accident and explain your rights
- Investigating the accident to determine who is at fault
- Gathering evidence to support your claim
- Assemble information about the full extent of your damages
- Communicating with insurance companies and others about your case
- Negotiating with the insurance company for maximum compensation
Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers has over 50 years of combined experience. Our Baton Rouge personal injury attorneys have successfully recovered tens of millions of dollars in compensation for our clients over the years. Call us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
How Common Are Car Crashes in Louisiana?
According to the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission (LHSC), 811 people died in traffic accidents in Louisiana in 2023. 3,623 people were seriously injured in auto accidents in Louisiana that same year.
According to the LHSC, the leading causes of automobile accidents throughout the state are:
- Alcohol and drug use
- Distracted driving
- Aggressive driving
Driver error, including speeding, unsafe passing, and failing to yield, results in many avoidable crashes each year.
Is Louisiana a No-Fault State for Car Accidents?
No. Louisiana is not a no-fault state for car accidents. Instead, the driver found at fault for the accident is responsible for paying for the damage they cause, typically through an insurance claim with their liability insurance provider.
What Kinds of Injuries Do Baton Rouge Car Accident Victims Suffer?
Car accident victims can suffer various types of physical injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Amputations
- Internal injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
Car accidents can also cause psychological injuries, such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Our lawyers will work relentlessly to fight for compensation that fully acknowledges the harm you’ve suffered.
Will My Insurance Go Up After an Accident That Wasn’t My Fault?
No. Louisiana law specifically prohibits insurers from increasing premiums if you are in an accident and are not considered at fault for it.
What Financial Compensation Can I Recover After a Car Accident?
Louisiana car accident victims can seek compensation for the damages they sustained as a result, which may include:
- Medical expenses: Costs related to medical treatment, rehabilitation, ongoing care, and future medical expenses
- Lost income: Lost wages and reductions in your long-term earning capacity
- Property damage: Costs to repair or replace your damaged vehicle
- Pain and suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, and anxiety caused by the accident
- Mental anguish: The emotional trauma and psychological harm you suffered because of the accident
- Disfigurement and scarring: Changes in your physical appearance
Our Baton Rouge car accident attorneys can fight for the maximum financial compensation you are entitled to under the law.
What Is My Car Accident Case Worth?
Factors that can affect your case value may include:
- The type of injuries you suffered and their severity
- The type and duration of your medical treatment
- Who is responsible for your injuries and their insurance coverage
- Whether more than one driver contributed to the accident
- Whether you contributed to the accident
- Any permanent disabilities or impairments you suffered because of the accident
- How the accident has impacted your life
An experienced car accident lawyer can carefully investigate your case and assess its value.
How Is My Compensation Affected If I Am Partly to Blame for the Accident?
Louisiana uses a pure comparative fault system if the victim contributed to the accident. Therefore, you can still pursue compensation even if you were partly at fault. However, your compensation is reduced by your degree of fault.
Will I Have to Go to Court?
While most car accident claims are resolved through an insurance settlement, it may be necessary to file a lawsuit to seek fair compensation and show you are serious about the matter. However, even after a lawsuit is filed, it’s still possible to settle your case before a trial. An experienced car accident attorney can evaluate your case and explain whether it’s likely (or not) that you will need to go to court.
What Is the Deadline to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Louisiana?
Louisiana law requires personal injury victims to file a lawsuit within two years of the accident date. If you miss this deadline, you can forfeit your right to recover compensation for your injuries.
Call Our Baton Rouge Car Accident Attorneys Today
If you were recently injured in a car accident in Baton Rouge, Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers can help. Call us today to discuss your case and learn more about your legal options.
We’re standing by to provide you with top-rated legal services. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a car accident attorney in Baton Rouge. Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Baton Rouge at 404 Europe St, Baton Rouge, LA 70802, United States. Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 30.441766420787026, -91.18629265908775
