Car Accident Attorney in Lafayette

Did you or someone you love get hurt in a Lafayette car accident? If so, you might feel overwhelmed by the situation and unsure of what to do next, but the good news is that you don’t have to handle this alone. You have the right to seek justice and fair compensation by filing a car accident claim, and a Lafayette car accident lawyer can help.

At The Thibeaux Firm, Attorney Omar Thibeaux and his team are dedicated to supporting you through this challenging time. We pride ourselves on our respectful and caring approach and work hard to provide the representation you need throughout your case. Additionally, Attorney Thibeaux, “The 25% Attorney,” offers a flat, fair, and highly affordable rate for his services. He charges only a 25 percent fee when he wins compensation for you and no upfront costs to get started. This way, quality legal assistance is available no matter your budget.

Don’t wait to take action. Contact The Thibeaux Firm today for a free initial consultation to discuss your case and find out how we can help you move forward.

Benefits of Hiring a Lawyer for Your Car Accident Claim

If you’re dealing with the aftermath of a Lafayette car accident, the guidance of a seasoned lawyer can make a significant difference in the compensation you obtain. Here are just a few of the ways your attorney can help:

• Advising you on your legal rights and options under Louisiana law
• Investigating the details of the auto wreck to gather valuable evidence
• Interviewing witnesses who were present at the scene of the accident
• Obtaining accident reports and medical records relevant to your case
• Coordinating with medical professionals to assess the extent of your injuries
• Calculating the total value of your claim, including projected future losses
• Filing all the necessary legal documents on your behalf
• Negotiating with insurance companies to secure a fair settlement
• Arguing against any attempts by the opposing party to devalue your claim
• Representing you in court if your case goes to trial
• Complying with all legal deadlines and procedural requirements
• Never charging anything unless they win compensation for your auto accident claim

At The Thibeaux Firm, we are aware that you’re in an economic crunch after an accident, one that could make you feel as though seeking legal help would just add to your financial worries. That’s why we keep our fees low and fair, which allows accident victims across the Pelican State to retain more compensation in order to rebuild their lives. Attorney Thibeaux is known as “The 25% Percent” because at our law firm, we charge a flat and reasonable 25 percent fee if we win money for your case. This is much lower than the 33 to 40 percent most attorneys charge.

What to Do After a Car Accident

There are several important steps you should take after a car accident to protect your rights and prepare for any legal claims. Here are some guidelines on what to do:

• Document the scene by taking photos of your vehicle, the other vehicle(s), and any relevant road conditions or signs. Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s) involved, and write down the names and contact information of any witnesses.
• Visit a hospital, doctor’s office, or urgent care clinic for a thorough health evaluation, even if you feel fine initially. Keep a record of any medical treatments or visits related to injuries from the accident. Follow your doctor’s treatment plan and attend all follow-up appointments.
• Contact a car accident attorney in Lafayette to discuss your options. Avoid discussing fault or any details of the accident with anyone other than your lawyer.
• Notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. However, be careful about what you say to the adjuster. Stick to the facts and avoid providing unnecessary details. Be cautious about early settlement offers from insurance companies, and consult your lawyer before agreeing to anything.
• Save all receipts and documents related to the accident for medical expenses, car repairs, and any other related costs. If you miss work due to the accident, obtain proof of lost wages.
• Stay off social media and avoid any statements that could impact your claim. Insurance companies and opposing attorneys can use anything you share online against you.

How We Investigate Car Accident Cases

When we handle a car accident case at The Thibeaux Firm, we start by conducting a thorough investigation to gather all available facts. Our attorneys collect evidence from the accident scene, such as photos and videos, and review the police report. We also speak with witnesses who saw the accident, as their accounts can include valuable details that help us build a stronger case.

Our car accident law firm also reviews any medical records related to injuries you sustained in the accident to establish how the incident affected your health. We may also consult accident reconstruction experts to accurately model how the accident occurred.

Compensation You Could Recover in a Car Accident Claim

If you’ve been injured in a Lafayette car accident, you could be entitled to various types of financial compensation for the losses and expenses you incurred due to the accident. Depending on the circumstances, this could include car accident compensation for:

Parties Who Could Be Held Liable for a Car Wreck in Lafayette

Determining who is responsible for a Lafayette motor vehicle accident is essential for resolving any related injury claims. Here are some examples of parties who could be liable:

• Another Driver – If another driver was speeding, distracted, or not following traffic laws, they could be responsible for causing the accident.
• A Vehicle Owner – If someone other than the driver owns the vehicle involved in the accident, the owner could be responsible for allowing an unfit driver to use the vehicle.
• A City or Municipality – If poor road conditions or unclear signage contributed to the accident, the local government responsible for road maintenance might be liable.
• A Car Manufacturer – If a defect in your car or another vehicle involved in the accident led to the car crash, the manufacturer might be responsible for the consequences.

Could You Recover Compensation If You’re Partly to Blame for a Car Accident?

Yes. Under Louisiana’s “pure comparative fault” law, you can still recover compensation if you’re partly to blame for a car accident. This law reduces how much you can receive by your percentage of fault for the accident but still allows you to recover compensation even if you are 99 percent at fault. For example, suppose you are 30 percent responsible for an accident. In that case, you can still recover compensation for 70 percent of your total losses.

But every percentage point means less money you could get for your claim, which is why you need a knowledgeable vehicle accident lawyer from The Thibeaux Firm. Attorney Thibeaux can maximize your compensation payout by protecting your rights and minimizing your percentage of fault.

How Long Do You Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Louisiana?

In Louisiana, you have one year from the accident date to file a car accident lawsuit. If you wait longer than one year, you will lose the opportunity to file your lawsuit and seek compensation for your injuries from liable parties. This strict deadline means swift action is crucial.

Contacting a Lafayette car accident attorney right away is the best way to ensure that you meet the one-year filing deadline. They can manage your claim efficiently, take care of all the necessary case paperwork, and maximize your chances of a favorable outcome.

Common Types and Causes of Car Accidents

An auto accident can happen anywhere and at any time, leaving drivers, passengers, and pedestrians grappling with unexpected injuries and substantial disruptions to their daily lives. Common types of car accidents that occur in Lafayette include:

Car accidents stem from a variety of factors that vary widely from one incident to another. Understanding these causes of car accidents can help you identify whether you have a car accident injury claim. Here are some common examples:

• Distracted Driving – Distracted driving happens when drivers take their eyes off the road, their hands off the steering wheel, or their minds off driving. Common driver distractions include using a cell phone, eating, or changing the radio station.
• Drunk Driving – Alcohol impairs a driver’s ability to make quick decisions and react appropriately while driving. Drunk driving is not only illegal but also significantly increases the chances of causing an accident due to reduced coordination and judgment.
• Speeding – Driving above the speed limit is a common cause of accidents. It reduces the driver’s ability to steer safely around curves or road hazards, extends the time it takes to stop, and increases the distance a vehicle travels once the driver reacts.
• Mechanical Defects – Cars with mechanical problems resulting from manufacturing defects or inadequate maintenance can contribute to severe accidents. Common issues include brake failures, tire blowouts, and engine problems.
• Running Red Lights and Stop Signs – Drivers who run red lights and stop signs increase the risk of side-impact collisions at intersections.

Typical Injuries Resulting from an Auto Collision

Car accidents can lead to a wide range of injuries that vary greatly depending on factors like the speed of the auto collision, the location of impact, and whether occupants were wearing seat belts. Some examples of typical car wreck injuries are:

Contact a Car Accident Attorney in Lafayette

Ready to take the next step after your car accident in Lafayette, LA? Turn to The Thibeaux Firm for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case and discover what we can do for you. Contact us today to meet with “The 25% Attorney.”