Sulphur Car Accident Lawyer

Sulphur Car Accident Attorney

We know how much life can change after a car accident. The laws surrounding vehicle accidents vary from state to state, which can complicate settling a car accident. However, no matter what state you are in, insurance companies can push back and prevent you from receiving full compensation. Investing in a Sulphur car accident lawyer can make sure that you have a knowledgeable advocate by your side.

At Cox Law Firm, we treat our clients like family. We have years of experience in the field as well as a wealth of resources at our disposal to make sure that every case is handled with care. From the initial consultation all the way through the final settlement, we stand by our clients. Our commitment goes beyond simply winning cases and extends to each client’s wellbeing.

Understanding Fault in Car Accidents

Determining fault in a car accident is one of the most important parts of the legal process. Usually, the process starts with viewing the police report. Police officers will evaluate the scene and speak to anyone who witnessed the accident. If any traffic violations were committed, they will hand out citations, which can give you a clue of who is at fault.

In addition to assessments made by police, there are other professionals who are well-versed in accident reconstruction and can be used to analyze how a crash happened. They can look at things like speed, the angle of each vehicle, and the road conditions to attempt to recreate the accident. In Louisiana, comparative negligence laws let fault be divided between parties, so if you are partially at fault, you could still recover some damages.

The Role of Insurance Companies

After a car accident, insurance companies manage claims and determine fault. The adjuster of your insurance company and the adjuster of the other driver’s insurance company will review the damage and conduct a separate investigation to determine the scope of the damage. If they deem it necessary, then they might extend a settlement offer.

Insurance companies try to minimize payouts as much as possible, so these initial settlement offers might not reflect the full extent of the losses you suffered from your accident. They could use things like recorded statements, previous medical records, or independent evaluations to reduce their liability and your payout. Having legal representation can help you avoid lowball offers and make sure you are fairly compensated.

What Compensation Can You Pursue?

Victims of car accidents in Sulphur can pursue many different types of compensation depending on the context of the crash. Compensation can include things like:

• Medical expenses. After a car accident, the expenses for things like ER visits and surgeries can add up. Compensation for medical expenses is meant to help you recover the cost of these treatments. This can include immediate care as well as potential future medical expenses, especially if they are severe enough to require long-term treatment. Things like prescription medications, assistive devices, and even therapy could also be covered.
• Lost wages. Car accidents can leave victims unable to work for a long period of time. This can lead to significant financial strain, so compensation for lost wages can be important. Lost wages can include the time you missed right after the accident as well as future earning potential if you have to cut your hours or stop working due to your injuries. It’s also possible to receive compensation for career training.
• Pain and suffering. This type of compensation addresses the physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life associated with a car accident. Physical pain can last for an individual’s whole life, and issues like anxiety, depression, or PTSD can make the recovery more difficult. These expenses aren’t easy to quantify, but their impact on your daily life is an important factor to include in calculating damages.
• Property damage. After a car accident, the replacement or repair of a vehicle can be a significant financial burden. This compensation for property damage can help cover the cost of repairing your vehicle or replacing it if it’s considered a total loss. It can also extend beyond your vehicle to include personal items that were damaged in the crash, especially valuables like cell phones and laptops.
• Punitive damages. If the at-fault driver was acting in a way that was exceedingly reckless, like driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, the courts might award punitive damages. Unlike other forms of damages, these are meant to punish the party that caused the accident to prevent similar behavior in the future. These are usually much higher than compensatory damages, but they are not awarded in every case.

It is important to gather as much evidence as possible to support your claims in order to increase the chances of receiving compensation.

What Evidence Can Help Your Case?

Effective proof is very important in a successful car accident claim. Police reports are some of the most common forms of accidents. They are helpful because they provide the details of the scene of the accident, any observations the officers made, and any citations that drivers were issued.

If possible, try capturing photographs of the scene of the accident. Wide shots of the entire scene can show the whole event, while close-ups can show specific details. It is a good idea to capture the extent of damages to your vehicle and any other vehicles involved in the accident. Also, record any immediate injuries that you experienced, as well as any unusual road conditions like relevant signs or skid marks.

After the accident, you might need to go to the emergency room if you need critical injury care. If this is not necessary, still go to the doctor after the accident to document your injuries. This can show the progression of your injuries over time and help with calculating compensation for medical expenses. Even if you do not feel injured at the time, it is still a good idea to go so that documentation is created for your case.

Other forms of evidence that can add credibility include witness statements. Independent accounts from people who were not involved can help prove your claims, especially if there are multiple accounts that show a consistent version of events. They can also offer additional details that can support your side of the story.

In more complicated cases, professional testimony can be important. These can include individuals like accident reconstruction specialists, medical professionals, and economic consultants. Their credentials can help validate how the accident happened, the scope of your injuries, how they impact your daily life, and how much the accident might cost in the long run.

FAQs

How Is Fault Determined in a Car Accident in Louisiana?

Fault is determined in a car accident in Louisiana after insurance adjusters investigate the evidence of the scene of the accident. In many cases, the fault is assigned to multiple different people involved in the accident, especially in Louisiana, because they follow comparative fault rules. Factors such as traffic laws, weather conditions, and driver behavior are all taken into account for fault determination, but an attorney can help you negotiate fault.

What Evidence Do I Need for a Car Accident Case?

The evidence you need for a car accident case must be strong and substantial. Many pieces of evidence include photos of the accident, reports that document damage to the vehicles involved, and medical reports of the severity of your injuries. It can also help to receive a copy of the police report so that you can find out how they think the accident occurred. Any bills created for issues related to the accident should be kept as future evidence.

What to Do If the Other Driver Does Not Have Insurance in a Car Accident?

If the other driver does not have insurance in a car accident, you could use other avenues to recover compensation. If you have uninsured motorist coverage on your auto insurance policy, you could still receive some compensation. If you do not have this coverage or the amount does not sufficiently cover the expenses you incurred, you might need to consider filing a personal injury claim directly against the driver for additional damages.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Louisiana?

After a car accident in Louisiana, focus on safety. Make sure that anyone involved in the accident is okay, and if they are not, call emergency medical services as soon as possible. Even if they are not needed, you should still inform the police of the emergency. Take photos of any vehicle damage, injuries, and any other important areas of the accident scene and exchange insurance information with the other drivers involved.

Contact Our Sulphur Car Accident Lawyers

In order to protect yourself after a car accident, you need an advocate who has a deep understanding of the law and who is dedicated to fighting for you. Schedule a consultation with Cox Law Firm today to secure the compensation you deserve. Let us be your voice during a challenging time in your life. We provide every accident victim with compassion, respect, and effective legal assistance.