If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a side impact or “T-bone” accident caused by another party’s negligence, you should know that you have rights. You may be entitled to financial compensation for your property damage, medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and more.
A lawyer from Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers can provide powerful legal representation and dependable guidance during your Houma car accident lawyer claim. We are ready to help you pursue the compensation you need and deserve. We offer free case evaluations and take car accident cases on a contingency-fee-basis, so you pay nothing unless we secure a settlement or verdict in your favor.
We Can Help You Build a Case for Damages
There are four key elements in most car accident injury claims:
- Duty of care – The defendant owed the plaintiff a duty of care. Drivers have a legal obligation to follow Louisiana traffic laws and drive with a reasonable degree of prudence.
- Breach of duty of care – The defendant failed to uphold their duty by driving negligently or breaking the law.
- Causation – The defendant’s negligent or wrongful actions caused the plaintiff’s injuries.
- Damages – The plaintiff sustained financial losses because of the injury.
The defendant in a car accident case is typically another driver. However, another party may also be liable for the collision. For example, if a poorly designed intersection caused the collision, a government entity may be liable.
If defective breaks or another defective vehicle component caused the accident, the company that designed or manufactured the vehicle component could be liable.
Types of Damages You May Recover for a Side-Impact Crash Injury
Damages are the losses that a person suffers because of an injury or death. If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a side-impact crash, you might be entitled to financial compensation for your past damages and ongoing and future losses.
Compensation may be available for:
- Emergency medical treatment you received immediately after the collision
- Hospital care, including costs related to x-rays and other imaging tests, medication, inpatient treatment, outpatient treatment, surgery, and more
- Ongoing medical needs caused by your injuries, including physical or occupational therapy, mental health treatment, medication, and medical devices
- Lost wages from your missed work
- Damage to your earning capacity caused by your injuries
- Vehicle repair costs and other property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
- Physical impairment or disability caused by the accident
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Statute of Limitations
Personal injury claims in Louisiana are typically subject to a one-year statute of limitations per CC §3492. This means that you must file your claim within one year of the accident.
However, additional deadlines may also apply to your case. The sooner you contact Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, the sooner we can get started on your case.
We Can Help With Wrongful Death Cases
If your loved one died because of injuries sustained in a side-impact collision, the team at Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers realizes that legal action cannot reduce the heartbreak you are experiencing. However, bringing a wrongful death claim against the liable party may benefit you and your family in several ways.
A wrongful death claim may allow you to get justice for your deceased loved one and hold the party responsible for the accident accountable for your terrible loss. A wrongful death claim may also allow you to recover compensation for damages.
Compensation in a Wrongful Death Claim
You could receive compensation for:
- Your loved one’s lost income and the value of lost benefits
- The loss of your loved one’s household services such as cooking, cleaning, and taking care of children
- Medical bills resulting from the side–impact crash
- Funeral and burial costs
- Vehicle damage and other property damage
- Your loved one’s pain and suffering
- The loss of the intangible benefits provided by your loved one, including their companionship, support, and care
We must file wrongful death claims in Louisiana within one year of the fatal incident per CC §2315.2.
Louisiana Law Regarding Shared Fault Accidents
In a side-impact collision, both the injured person’s actions and the defendant’s actions could have caused the accident. For example, the defendant may have run a red light while the plaintiff was speeding. According to CC §2323, you can still bring a personal injury claim even if your actions or the actions of your deceased loved one partially contributed to the accident.
In cases of shared fault, the plaintiff may recover compensation reduced by their share of fault. For example, if you are considered 10% responsible for the accident and the defendant is 90% responsible, you could still recover 90% of the damages.
Why Hire a Collision Lawyer?
Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers understand that being involved in a side-impact crash or losing a loved one in a fatal accident is a traumatic experience to go through. Let our team handle your case for you so that you can focus on recovering.
Our team is prepared to:
- Answer your questions and explain your legal opportunities
- File a claim with the insurance company or other appropriate party
- Handle communications with the other parties involved in the case
- Obtain evidence and witness statements to bolster your claim
- Pursue a settlement that adequately covers your past and future damages
- File a personal injury lawsuit
- Take your case to court if we cannot reach an out-of-court settlement
- Advocate strongly on your behalf throughout your case
Contact Our Attorneys for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one were involved in a side-impact collision, you might be entitled to compensation. A lawyer from Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers can help you develop a robust claim and provide legal advocacy throughout your Houma side-impact collision case. Call us at (337) 777-7777 for a free consultation.
