The aftermath of a car accident can be stressful and overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. A trusted car accident attorney in New Orleans can help you demand fair compensation for what you’ve suffered and hold those at fault for your injuries accountable for their bad behavior.
Attorney Omar Thibeaux and his dedicated team at The Thibeaux Firm are here to provide the assistance you need at an affordable rate. We’ll handle every aspect of your New Orleans car wreck claim while you focus on healing and moving forward.
But more than that, our law firm provides extra value to accident victims. How so? Because we are home to “The 25% Attorney,” as Omar Thibeaux only charges a flat and fair 25 percent on whatever he wins for your auto accident case. This is much lower than the 33 to 40 percent many of our competitors charge. With our way of doing business, a successful car accident claim will put more money back in your wallet.
Ready to speak with a New Orleans car accident lawyer about your case? Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation, and discover how we can help you demand the recovery you deserve.
Benefits of Hiring a New Orleans Lawyer for Your Car Accident Claim
An experienced lawyer can provide valuable assistance if you are dealing with a car accident claim in New Orleans. Here are some significant ways they can benefit your case:
- Advising you on the ideal legal strategy for your situation
- Gathering evidence to support your claim
- Interviewing witnesses to obtain statements
- Communicating with medical providers to obtain records
- Consulting accident reconstruction experts to strengthen your case
- Calculating a fair value for your injury case
- Filing all necessary paperwork correctly and on time
- Negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf
- Advocating for a fair settlement that reflects all your losses
- Representing you in court if your case goes to trial
- Protecting your rights throughout the legal process
- Never charging anything unless we recover compensation in your auto crash case
What to Do After a Car Accident
After a car accident, taking the right steps can make a significant difference in your recovery and the success of your injury claim. Here’s what you should do:
- If you haven’t already, take photos of the accident scene and gather names and contact details from anyone who saw the collision. Obtain a copy of the accident report for your records.
- Seek medical attention even if you feel fine and follow your doctor’s treatment plan. Keep detailed records of your medical visits, treatments, and any symptoms you experience.
- Keep track of all expenses related to the accident. Document medical bills, income losses, repair costs, and any other costs you incur as a result of the wreck.
- Contact a New Orleans car accident attorney as soon as possible. Review all settlement offers with your attorney to ensure they are fair and adequate.
- Notify your insurance company about the accident promptly. When you do, stick to the facts and avoid admitting fault, making guesses, or sharing unnecessary details.
How We Investigate Car Accident Cases
The Thibeaux Firm takes a thorough and proactive approach to investigating car accident cases. First, our team gathers all available evidence from the crash scene, including photographs, police reports, and witness statements. Our attorneys also obtain and review any traffic camera or surveillance video footage that might have captured the incident.
We frequently collaborate with accident reconstruction experts to analyze how the crash occurred and determine fault. Our car accident law firm also examines all relevant medical records to understand the extent of your injuries and their impact on your life. Finally, we scrutinize vehicle records to determine whether poor maintenance or manufacturing defects played a role. By building a strong, evidence-based case, we aim to secure the favorable outcome you deserve.
Compensation You Could Recover in a Car Accident Claim
If you have been injured in a car accident, you might be entitled to compensation for the costs associated with your crash injuries and the impact they have on your life. A successful claim could yield car accident compensation for:
- Past and future medical costs related to treating your crash injuries
- Income losses from missed hours or days at work due to the accident
- Lost earning capacity if your injuries hinder your ability to work in the future
- Pain and suffering you experience as a result of the accident and your injuries
- Lost enjoyment of life if your injuries prevent you from doing activities you enjoy
- Vehicle repair/replacement costs resulting from the accident
Parties Who Could Be Held Liable for a Car Wreck in New Orleans
Identifying the liable parties is essential for pursuing compensation in a car accident injury case. Multiple parties could bear responsibility, depending on the circumstances of the accident. Here are some examples of potentially liable parties:
- Other Drivers – The most common liable party in a car accident case is another driver. If a driver acts negligently or recklessly by speeding, failing to yield, or driving under the influence, they might be responsible for any resulting collisions.
- Pedestrians or Cyclists – In some cases, pedestrians or cyclists might contribute to accidents by jaywalking or ignoring traffic signals. If their actions directly contribute to a crash, they might be liable for the resulting injuries and property damage.
- Vehicle Manufacturers – Sometimes, car accidents occur due to defective vehicle parts, such as faulty brakes, airbags, or tires. In these cases, a vehicle maker might be liable for the accident if a manufacturing defect contributed to the collision.
- Government Entities – Poorly maintained roads, lack of proper signage, and other unsafe road conditions can lead to accidents. If these factors contribute to a crash, the government entity responsible for road maintenance and safety might be liable.
Could You Recover Compensation If You’re Partly to Blame for a Car Accident?
Yes. You can still recover compensation even if you are partially responsible for a car accident in New Orleans. Louisiana follows a pure comparative fault doctrine, which means you can seek compensation from other at-fault parties even if you are mostly responsible for the incident. However, the amount of compensation you can recover decreases based on your share of the blame.
For instance, let’s say a court finds you were 20 percent responsible for a car accident that left you with $100,000 in expenses. In that case, the total amount of money you could recover would decrease by 20 percent. In other words, the most you could receive would be 80 percent of your losses, or $80,000.
A seasoned attorney with The Thibeaux Firm can help you understand how Louisiana’s comparative fault laws might affect your case. In addition, Attorney Thibeaux can work to minimize your percentage of fault and maximize your compensation.
How Long Do You Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Louisiana?
In Louisiana, you have one year from the date of the accident to file a car accident lawsuit. If you wait too long to file, you will likely lose your right to seek compensation for your losses. In light of this strict filing deadline, you should contact a lawyer immediately after a New Orleans car crash.
An experienced attorney can file your claim on time and quickly gather the necessary evidence to support your case. They will also handle all the legal paperwork and negotiations with insurance companies so you are free to focus on your recovery.
Acting quickly and working with a lawyer from The Thibeaux Firm is the best way to protect your right to demand compensation and increase your chances of a successful claim.
Common Types and Causes of Car Accidents
Understanding the different types of motor vehicle accidents can be useful if you have been in a collision and are considering a car accident injury claim. Each type of accident comes with its own set of circumstances that can affect your case. Here are some common examples:
- Rear-end collisions
- Head-on accidents
- Side-impact collisions
- T-bone crashes
- Sideswipe accidents
- Single-vehicle accidents
- Multivehicle pile-ups
- Rollover accidents
- Hit-and-run collisions
- Intersection accidents
- Parking lot crashes
- Highway accidents
- Uber/Lyft accidents
- Uninsured driver wrecks
Car accidents can happen for many reasons, and recognizing these common causes can help you prepare and pursue your accident injury claim. Here are some frequent causes of New Orleans car crashes:
- Distracted Driving – Many auto accidents occur when drivers take their eyes off the road to use their phones, eat, or engage in other activities.
- Speeding – Exceeding the speed limit or driving too fast for the conditions can reduce a driver’s reaction time and increase the severity of accidents.
- Drunk Driving – Alcohol impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction times, significantly increasing the risk of auto wrecks.
- Reckless Driving – Aggressive behaviors like tailgating, changing lanes without signaling, and ignoring traffic signals contribute to many accidents.
- Drowsy Driving – Fatigued drivers have slower reaction times and are more likely to fall asleep at the wheel, which can lead to devastating loss-of-control accidents.
- Mechanical Failures – Problems like brake failure, tire blowouts, or engine issues resulting from manufacturing defects or poor maintenance can lead to severe vehicle accidents.
- Driver Inexperience – New drivers often lack the skills and experience necessary to handle challenging driving situations, increasing the likelihood of car crashes.
Typical Injuries Resulting from an Auto Collision
Car accident injuries can vary significantly depending on the circumstances of the collision. This includes factors like the relative speed of each driver, the point of impact, and the safety features of each vehicle. Common types of injuries we see in the auto collision cases we handle include:
- Whiplash
- Concussions
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Herniated discs
- Soft tissue injuries
- Burns
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
- Facial injuries
- Dental injuries
- Traumatic amputations
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Contact a New Orleans Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you have suffered injuries in a New Orleans car accident, don’t wait to seek legal help. Contact The Thibeaux Firm today for a free initial consultation with “The 25% Attorney.” Our dedicated and respectful team is here to listen to your story, address your concerns, and fight for the compensation you are due.