Car Accident Attorneys in Lake Charles
Despite improvements in vehicle safety and road design, despite tougher laws on drunk driving and texting while driving, traffic accidents are an ever-present danger. More than 60,000 Louisiana residents are injured or killed in motor vehicle wrecks each year. The violent impact in a car accident can result in life-changing injuries or death. If the negligence of another driver or a third party caused your accident, you may be entitled to compensation for the personal impact and the financial hardships.
At The Townsley Law Firm, we do not think of you as a statistic. Although we handle accident claims every day, we realize that this is new to you and that you are coping with pain, struggles, and worries. We handle car wreck cases big and small in Calcasieu Parish and surrounding parishes of southwest Louisiana. Count on our Lake Charles-area team of accident lawyers to work closely with you to address those immediate concerns while we are building a strong case in pursuit of full compensation.
Call our Lake Charles law office at 337-377-0584 for a free consultation.
Millions Of Dollars Recovered For Car Crash Victims
Whether you were rear-ended while driving to work, hit by a semi-truck, crashed into while riding a bike or out for a walk, or in any other type of motor vehicle wreck, you can benefit from our services.
Our car accident attorneys have recovered millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for catastrophic and fatal car accidents. In negotiations and trial, we have demonstrated time and again our ability to get justice for people hurt by negligent drivers. That is the kind of reputation for success you want on your side when your life has been changed because of a motor vehicle accident.
Decades Of Service To Louisiana Car Crash Survivors
Our track record with motor vehicle accidents is built on prompt and professional investigation, and we have the resources to follow through all the way to trial if necessary. Our attorneys regularly visit car crash sites themselves to get the lay of the land, guide investigators and talk to witnesses.
For more than 20 years, we’ve built relationships and access to countless qualified experts who can help us reconstruct motor vehicle accidents to prove liability and calculate the medical and financial needs of our clients. Other law firms may not have those relationships or may not be as willing to invest the necessary resources, but we are willing to invest resources in your case.
Experienced At Proving Negligence In Various Car Accident Scenarios
We have represented clients in every automobile accident scenario:
- Intersection collisions
- Freeway collisions on I-10
- Multi-vehicle crashes
- SUV rollovers
- Collisions with 18-wheelers and commercial vehicles
- Construction zone accidents
- Pedestrians and bicyclists struck by cars
- Drunk driver accidents
- Railroad crossing accidents
It is not always clear who or what caused a car accident. The other driver might have been careless, distracted, driving aggressively or impaired by alcohol or drugs. A vehicle defect or poor maintenance may have caused or contributed to injuries. There might have been roadway defects or negligence in road construction detours.
Our law firm can conduct a prompt and thorough investigation to identify all liable parties. In complex or contested cases, we have the resources to hire accident reconstruction specialists and other experts to make the connection.
Understanding the Common Causes of Car Accidents
Car accidents can occur for a myriad of reasons, each often as complex as the lives affected. Some of the most common causes include distracted driving, such as texting or other phone use; speeding, which reduces reaction time; and impaired driving from alcohol or drug use. Weather conditions like rain, ice, or fog can also lead to accidents, as can vehicle malfunctions and tire blowouts. At The Townsley Law Firm, we meticulously examine the details surrounding your accident to identify the exact cause and hold the responsible parties accountable. Our commitment is to ensure that you receive the justice and compensation you deserve to aid in your recovery.
Unique Medical Knowledge And Education
Another key advantage is the unique medical background of our lawyers. Members of our team have a RN degree and nursing background, a pre-med degree and extensive medical knowledge from 20-plus years in medical malpractice litigation.
These insights help us understand the degree of injury or disability and the future medical needs and care needs of our car wreck survivors. We work with people who’ve sustained any type of injury, from broken bones to brain damage, as well as family of fatal car wreck victims.
Who Pays My Medical Bills After An Auto Accident?
In Louisiana, it depends on who was at fault. If the other driver was at fault, their insurance will be responsible for covering your medical bills and other accident-related expenses. However, many car accident cases are far from straightforward. Fault may be contested. The other driver might not have insurance – or enough insurance. That’s why it’s so important to talk to a lawyer about your unique situation.
We have represented victims of soft tissue injuries, broken arms and other serious injuries that eventually heal. You are entitled to compensation for past and future medical care, lost time from work and the pain and suffering you have endured. The Townsley Law Firm has also secured verdicts and settlements on behalf of victims and survivors for car accidents resulting in wrongful death or severe injuries. Several of our attorneys have medical training or advanced knowledge from medical malpractice litigation. This helps us understand the nature of injuries and the future needs of our clients. We work with top experts to secure compensation for surgery, medications, medical devices, home modifications, special care and other needs. We also pursue damages for permanent disability and, in certain cases, punitive damages.
The Car Accident Insurance Claim Process
Navigating the insurance claim process after a motor vehicle accident can be a headache. You will need to report the accident to your own insurance, which will conduct an investigation to determine who was at fault for the accident. You will need to document everything. You may receive an insurance settlement offer, which you should not take without first consulting an attorney. It’s important to remember throughout the process that insurance companies are not on your side.
A lawyer can help challenge the insurance company on issues such as fault and compensation. If warranted, they can also help you file a personal injury claim in court to pursue the full financial recovery you deserve.
Learn more about what to do after an accident.
Can I Still File A Claim If I Was Partially At Fault For The Auto Accident?
Yes, you can and should still pursue a claim. The amount you receive will be reduced by your percentage of the fault, but a partial recovery is better than no recovery.
It’s also important to be aware that fault determinations may be flawed. You should never assume (or admit to the insurance company, police or other parties) that you were totally at fault for an accident. Other factors that you’re not aware of could also be at play. An attorney can help you pursue a fair result based on a thorough and accurate analysis of what really happened.
What To Do After A Car Accident
In the moments after a car accident, the adrenaline and stress can be overwhelming. Unfortunately, many drivers make mistakes or accidentally admit fault due to the shock of the incident.
Remaining as calm as possible and following the right steps can help you overcome this difficult situation in the best way possible. At The Townsley Law Firm, we can help you understand what to do in the moments after the impact. We can also help you with the next steps, including insurance and legal matters.
Five Steps To Take After A Car Crash
After an car accident, it is important to complete five main tasks, which include:
- Get emergency medical care as necessary: Call first responders if the accident is obstructing traffic or if anyone has a serious injury.
- Move to a safe location: If your vehicle still functions, pull over to a location that is safe and out of the way of other traffic.
- Gather information: Exchange insurance information and phone numbers with the other driver. Take photos of the accident, including the scene and road conditions where the crash occurred, visible injuries and vehicle damage.
- File a police report: In Louisiana, you must contact police if there is an injury or at least $500 in property damage. If there is at least $100 in property damage, you must file a written report within 24 hours. Often, you might not know the extent of damage right away, so it is safest to file a report as early as possible. Provide the facts to the police, but do not apologize or accept blame for the crash.
- Learn how to get compensation: Insurance is complicated. There are many issues that can affect compensation, such as policy coverage, underinsured or uninsured drivers, the extent of damages and claim denial. Working with a personal injury lawyer can help you get the information and advocacy you need.
Collecting information and getting fair compensation is not always easy, especially on your own. Our car accident attorneys have experience with the car accident claim process. We can help you assess the cause of the accident and your insurance options. If the insurance company does not offer a fair amount, we can stand up for your financial and physical needs.
Access To Quality Medical Care To Relieve Money Worries
Many car accident victims do not have the access to quality medical care they need to recover from injuries. The Townsley Law Firm has the ability to finance certain medical costs when there is a strong case for liability. We help clients find qualified doctors and specialists without having to worry about the money. Other law firms are not always willing or able to fund those expenses.
As lifelong residents of southwest Louisiana, our attorneys are familiar with the roadways in Calcasieu Parish, Jefferson Davis Parish and the Lake Charles area, as well as the tendencies of judges and juries in this part of the country. This gives us an advantage when we confront insurance companies to demand justice for our clients. Contact our Lake Charles car accident attorneys at 337-377-0584 or email us online. Our consultations are free. We get paid only if we win compensation.