If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident, you could pursue compensation for your injuries and subsequent damages. A Chalmette car accident attorney can review your case and determine which strategies could secure the best outcome.
Laborde Earles has over 250 years of combined legal experience. We understand that accidents can profoundly affect individuals and their loved ones, so we provide compassionate support and personalized attention to each client.
Call our personal injury lawyers in Chalmette to speak with a team member about your collision and injuries. The first call serves as a free consultation and case review, so feel free to ask any questions you have about your case.
How To Determine Fault in a Car Crash
In many cases, the person who hit another vehicle is considered at fault for the crash. However, other variables might affect whether they hold liability or if someone else does. Your attorney will investigate the details of the collision and determine fault.
The following factors can influence who has liability for a car accident:
- The at-fault driver was working at the time of the crash.
- A vehicle malfunction led to the accident.
- A vehicle design error led to the collision.
- Environmental factors led to the incident.
- A municipality is involved.
- An underage driver is involved.
A car accident lawyer in Chalmette, LA, can review your case and investigate who the liable party or parties are. Once determined, you may be able to file a claim or lawsuit against them. We will guide you through each stage of the legal process.
Our team has experienced legal professionals with different areas of focus, which gives us a great advantage when handling a case. Our Chalmette fatal car accident lawyers, parking lot accident lawyers, and other attorneys collaborate closely to secure a successful resolution to your case.
Laborde Earles injury was great for me they took care of me very fast and professional. If for any reason I need legal help they will be who I use.
ClientUnderstanding Louisiana’s Pure Comparative Negligence Laws
Louisiana operates under a pure comparative negligence system, which means that in personal injury cases, the compensation a plaintiff receives is directly proportionate to their level of fault in the incident. However, accident victims can recover compensation as long as they are not fully at fault for the incident.
CC Art. 2323 dictates that the plaintiff’s percentage of fault may reduce compensation if a court finds they are partially at fault for the crash. For example, if you are 50% responsible for the collision and your total award is $50,000, you will receive only half of that, $25,000.
As such, determining liability in a car accident is crucial. It is also critical to prepare enough evidence to defend you from the defendant’s attempts to assign fault to you. Your lawyer may be able to anticipate potential arguments from the defendant and help you fight for the compensation you need.
I thank God for Digger & David. I don’t know what we would have done if it hadn’t have been for them.
Rick Smith | ClientCompensation in Car Crash Cases Varies by Individual
To calculate the amount of compensation you might be entitled to collect, we must total the value of your damages. We will work with you closely to understand the full economic impact of the crash. The more details you are willing to share with us, the better we can assess the extent of your losses.
Economic Damages
These refer to the quantifiable financial losses that a plaintiff has incurred as a direct result of the car crash. Economic damages aim to compensate the injured party for the financial burdens they have experienced or will continue to endure due to the accident.
Usually, the first things we calculate are your financial damages, which might include:
- Medical treatment costs for your accident injuries
- Repair costs for your vehicle (or the cash value of your car if it was totaled)
- Costs for other property damage, if applicable
- Loss of wages
- Reduced earning potential
- Mileage for traveling to and from doctor’s appointments
Calculating economic damages requires a meticulous assessment of past, current, and anticipated future expenses. We want to make sure that you receive fair compensation for the financial hardships resulting from the negligence or wrongful actions of others.
Non-Economic Damages
Once we gauge the car accident’s monetary impact on your life, we can factor in non-economic damages that may have worsened your economic damages. These are intangible and subjective losses you may endure after the crash.
Non-economic damages might include:
- Pain and suffering
- Diminished quality of life
- Permanent disability
- Scarring and disfigurement
Not every type of damage is listed here. In fact, your car accident attorney in Chalmette, LA, might suggest other types of damages based on the circumstances of your case, as each car accident is unique in how it affects an individual.
If you want to get a better idea of what you could pursue, call Laborde Earles for a free case evaluation. Someone from our team can analyze your claim and inform you about which damages you may qualify to receive should you decide to pursue compensation.
Wrongful Death Damages
In tragic cases, car accidents lead to death. If you lost a loved one in a car accident, you might qualify to file a wrongful death claim or lawsuit on their behalf to recover compensation for damages related to their death.
Wrongful death damages might include:
- Costs for funeral services
- Loss of income from your loved one
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of emotional support from your loved one as a companion, parent, or child
We understand how vulnerable you and your family might feel during this time of grief, so our team will be patient and understanding about your circumstances. Your Chalmette wrongful death lawyer can handle most (or all) of the legal duties involved in your case while you and your family attend to personal matters.
The reassurance from Digger and his staff gave me that renewed hope that it’s going to be okay down the road.
ClientYou Must File Your Car Accident Lawsuit on Time
People who intend to fight for compensation through a car accident lawsuit must do so within a specific timeframe. According to CC Art. 3492, the period for filing a personal injury lawsuit is two years after the accident date.
The same two-year period applies to wrongful death cases, per CC Art. 2315.2. If you do not file your lawsuit within this timeframe, your case may be subject to dismissal by a judge.
You want to avoid this outcome because if your case gets dismissed, you will not be able to resubmit your lawsuit and pursue compensation. A case dismissal could void any attempt to compel the defendant to compensate you for your damages, meaning you would have to cover those costs out of your pocket.
They treated us like no other people would. Whenever we needed something they were there for us. I put my trust in them and I don’t regret it.
ClientThe Benefits of Working With a Chalmette Car Accident Lawyer From Laborde Earles
When you work with Laborde Earles, you get the benefits of working with an entire legal team, not just a lawyer. Our team shifts into gear every time we get a new client, making sure to keep our goal of building a solid case at the forefront.
Some of the steps we take to help our clients make their case include:
- Determining who the liable party or parties are in the car accident
- Reviewing insurance policies that apply to the claim
- Investigating the accident in hopes of finding new evidence to support your case
- Interviewing witnesses who might have seen the accident
- Communicating with the opposing party, their insurance companies, and their legal team on your behalf
- Negotiating with insurance companies for maximum compensation
- Building a case argument for you based on available evidence
- Calculating the costs of your damages
- Filing appropriate paperwork to have your case heard
Throughout your legal journey, you can ask for advice and further explanation from your Chalmette car accident lawyer. We aim to be transparent with our clients so that they feel informed about every decision they make.
Call a Car Accident Attorney in Chalmette Today
If you’ve been involved in a crash in Chalmette, an experienced car accident attorney from our team will protect your rights. Reaching out to Laborde Earles can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
By promptly contacting an attorney, you ensure that essential evidence is preserved and that your lawyer has more time to work on your case. Contact us today, and we can fight for justice together.
