Best Car Accident Lawyers Lake Charles, LA

Lake Charles, LA Car Accident FAQs

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

  The non-emergency contact number of the Lake Charles police department is 337-491-1311.

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

  Reports are available at the Lake Charles Police Department's headquarters at 830 Enterprise Blvd. Monday through Friday, the hours of operation are 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The reports are also available online through LexisNexis. Crash Reports are $7.50 per report and are only available to the individual involved or the individual's insurance company.

• What you should not say to the other driver following an accident in Lake Charles?

  Avoid apologizing after a car accident in Lake Charles since it can be taken as evidence that you caused the collision. Instead, speak with a lawyer about your issue, and let the lawyer's team investigate to compile the details of what transpired and ascertain who was at fault. Also, avoid stating you're fine because some injuries might not have symptoms right away. Additionally, avoid tackling the matter on your own. Police reports and medical records are essential. You don't want to find yourself in a circumstance where it is just you and the other driver's word against each other.

• Why you should not post on social media after a Lake Charles car accident?

  There are risks associated with posting about an automobile accident online. Insurance adjusters will scour social media for information about you and the accident. The insurer may use your online narrative of the accident and any accompanying photos against you. If your online post differs from the narrative you supplied the insurance, the insurer may try to accuse you of fraud and refuse your claim. Following a Lake Charles collision, insurers will request an official statement from you. If your account is missing details that you then offer in an online post, the legitimacy of your claim may be jeopardized.

• What are the most dangerous roads in Lake Charles?

  Some Lake Charles roads are riskier than others, whether owing to greater traffic, poorly maintained road surfaces, infrastructure, or other factors. Be cautious when driving through or around Lake Charles on the following intersections and roads because accidents have been documented to occur frequently. These include 22nd Street, Enterprise Boulevard, N. Shattuck Street, N. McNeese Road @ Nelson Road, US-190 @ I-210 Ramp, SR-14, SR-3186, SR-1138-2 @ Holly Hill Road, and Central Parkway.

• What are the causes of automobile collisions in Lake Charles?

  There are a variety of factors that lead to car accidents in Lake Charles, but almost all involve driver recklessness. The following are the most common causes of accidents in and around Lake Charles:

  • Reckless driving, including behaviors like speeding, tailgating, hard braking, cutting off other vehicles, and others
  • Distracted driving, such as texting while driving, eating, or grooming
  • Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Drowsy driving
  • Mechanical failures, such as a blown-out tire or failing brakes
  • Poor weather conditions

• How long after a car accident can you file a lawsuit or claim in Lake Charles?

  Louisiana has a one-year car accident statute of limitations. The claim must be filed before the statute of limitations to avoid forfeiture of injury compensation. However, there are exceptions to the rule. Lake Charles accidents that injure minors do not start the one-year statute of limitations until they turn 18. Another is mechanical failure. Discovering the accident's cause delays the one-year statute of limitations. Multi-car collisions are another exception. A detailed investigation may be needed to determine who caused your injuries. If they are also accountable for your injuries, you can add new defendants to your lawsuit after the deadline has passed.