Best Car Accident Lawyers in Baton Rouge

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Baton Rouge, Louisiana?

  You can contact the Baton Rouge Police Department's non-emergency number 24 hours a day at 225-389-2000.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Baton Rouge, Louisiana?

  You can request police reports from the Criminal Records Division of the Baton Rouge Police Headquarters at 9000 Airline Highway.

• How do car accident claimants in Baton Rouge establish liability?

  Car accident claimants in Baton Rouge establish liability by proving negligence on the defendant's part. The legal prerequisites of negligence are the existence of a lawful duty on the part of the defendant to exercise care, a breach of that duty, a causal link between the breach and the victim's injury, and evidence showing the loss suffered.

• What are the injuries usually experienced by car accident victims in Baton Rouge?

  Car accident victims in Baton Rouge may experience a variety of physical injuries. At best, claimants may sustain whiplash and scarring, leading to discomfort and headaches. At worst, they may suffer from broken bones, spinal cord impairment, and brain trauma. Additionally, severe crashes often result in paralysis, which completely changes one's way of life.

• What is the time limit in Baton Rouge for filing a car accident claim?

  Under the Louisiana law applicable in Baton Rouge, personal injury victims in general, including those hurt in car crashes, must bring their cases to the courts no more than one year after the incident. If a wrongful death occurs, the statute of limitations is adjusted from when the injured party passed away. For minors, the one-year period begins once they turn 18 years old.

• What are the frequent kinds of car crashes in Baton Rouge?

  Rear-end crashes often occur in Baton Rouge when a fatigued or distracted motorist fails to stop in time and collides with a vehicle ahead. Head-on collisions frequently result when a reckless individual drives on the wrong side of the road. Hit and runs also happen in spite of state laws making it illegal to abandon one's victim.

• Who are the parties entitled to bring a wrongful death suit to court for car crashes in Baton Rouge?

  A quick rule of thumb is that the law in Baton Rouge references inheritance principles when deciding who gets to sue for a wrongful death arising from car crashes. In general, the people entitled to file a suit are also the deceased individual's legal heirs. These include the surviving spouse and children, living parents, brothers and sisters if no direct descendants or ascendants are present, and estate representatives if no direct family remains.

• How do I choose a car accident lawyer?

  To select a car accident lawyer, consider the lawyer's experience, focus, and reputation. While nearly any attorney can negotiate with insurers for a settlement, not all attorneys have amassed experience litigating a claim in a court of law. Choose an attorney with a background that includes car accident claimants; it's helpful if the attorney is focused on personal injury law. Lastly, read reviews from previous clients to get a feel for the attorney's helpfulness and responsiveness to clients. The best lawyer for your case is one that you feel comfortable and confident working with.

• What steps should I take after a car accident?

  Immediately following a car accident, get out of traffic as soon as possible and dial 9-1-1. Exchange car insurance information with any other involved drivers and get a police report as soon as possible. Be truthful about what happened, even if you are at fault, but stick to reporting the facts of the accident without offering an opinion on who is to blame. If possible, take photos of your car, other cars at the scene, and the scene itself.

• (When) Do I need a lawyer after a car accident?

  Start working with a car accident lawyer as soon as possible following your car accident (some attorneys even make hospital visits). By reaching out for legal help early on, you avoid some of the pitfalls of trying to handle your claim on your own. Your attorney can also get the ball rolling on reimbursement for your medical bills and lost wages while awaiting the outcome of your claim.

• How long after a car accident can you claim an injury?

  The length of time you can file a claim for an injury following a car accident is governed by the statute of limitations in your state. Although it varies, most states set the statute of limitations for injured parties to seek compensatory damages at three years following the accident or three years after you discover your injuries. In cases where children are injured, the statute of limitations may be longer.

• What do I do after a car accident that I'm not responsible for?

  After an accident that's not your fault, seek immediate medical help if you are injured. Once it's safe to do so, obtain the other driver's contact and insurance information, any statements from witnesses, and photos of the scene. Obtain a police report and contact your insurer and the at-fault party's insurer. If you are injured, schedule a consultation with a car accident attorney to discuss your legal options.

• What happens if someone sues you after a car accident?

  If you have car insurance in force at the time of the accident, your insurance is contractually bound to represent you on any claims that arise, indemnifying you against loss up to the limits of your policy. You can help your insurance company by cooperating fully. If the plaintiff in any lawsuit obtains a judgment above your policy limits, then you can be held personally responsible for any damages awarded.

• What/how much can I expect from a car accident settlement?

  According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average bodily injury claim in 2018 was $15,785. The amount of any particular car accident settlement hinges primarily on the severity of the injuries sustained as a result and whether or not any partial or total permanent disability was caused by the accident. Claims that involve broken bones or nerve damage likely settle for more than claims where soft tissue injuries are present.

• How do I arrange a rental car after an accident?

  To arrange a rental car after an accident, first consider whether your insurance or the other party's insurance will be paying for the rental. If another driver is found to be at-fault for the accident, that driver's insurance may pay the costs. If you are responsible, your insurance may pay if your policy covers such expenses. Speak with your insurance adjuster to determine if you have benefits available.

• How long does it take for car insurance to go back down after an accident?

  Post-accident rate spikes can last anywhere from three to five years, depending on your insurer. However, if damages incurred during the accident are less than $2,000, your rate may not go up at all. Three years is typical for collision and property damage claims. Five years is not uncommon in accidents involving bodily injury claims, DUI or DWI, reckless driving, or serious violations at the time of the accident.

• How to settle a car accident claim without a lawyer?

  To negotiate a car accident settlement without a lawyer, you'll have to prove that the other party was to blame for your damages. Gather evidence at the scene to support your claim, including witness statements and photos. Seek medical treatment for your injuries immediately. Notify the other driver's insurer of your intent to file a claim. If you reside in a no-fault state, you will need to use your personal injury protection (PIP) benefits first before filing a claim against the other party for medical expenses and bodily injury. Be prepared with medical records, police reports, receipts for out-of-pocket accident-related costs, and proof of lost income due to the accident before beginning negotiations.