Lafayette Car Accident Lawyers

Name: Car Accidents
Brand: Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers
Rating: 4.9 (975 reviews)

Crash Tested. Client Focused.

Any person who suffers injury or loss due to another's negligence has the right to seek full compensation for their damages. Whether you were hit on Ambassador Caffery, rear-ended on Johnston Street, or injured near the I-10 / I-49 interchange, the law is on your side. Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers represents injured drivers, passengers, and families across Lafayette, Broussard, Youngsville, Scott, Carencro, and all of Acadiana with trial-ready preparation and clear guidance at every step.

David Laborde & Digger Earles

Founding Partners

$1 Billion+

Recovered for Louisianians

25+ Attorneys

Collaboration on every case

350+ Years

Combined years of experience

1,700+ Reviews

4.9 Google Rating

Car Accident Case Results Proven Results for Injured Louisianians

Car accident claims can involve serious injuries, disputed fault, and insurers pushing quick settlements. Our firm has recovered over $1 billion for Louisiana clients, including significant results in vehicle collisions, catastrophic injury cases, and wrongful death claims—built on thorough investigation and expert-backed proof.

Car Accident $5.25 Million

Auto accident resulting in brain injury

Car Accident $5.1 Million

Verdict for auto accident victim

Car Accident $5 Million

Judgment for paralyzed Driver

Car Accident $3.8 Million

Negligent operation of a medical van

Car Accident $2 Million

Auto accident resulting in spinal cord injuries

Car Accident $1.6 Million

Trial verdict for collision resulting in spinal injuries

Car Accident $1.4 Million

Settlement for Alexandria woman in car accident

Car Accident $1 Million

Settlement for auto accident victim

Car Accident $900,000

Injured in automobile accident

Car Accident $787,000

Client hit vehicle parked on side of road resulting in brain injury

Car Accident $400,000

Client’s vehicle struck by drunk driver causing shoulder injury

Car Accident $375,000

Auto accident at intersection causing back injury

Car Accident $310,000

Elderly passenger who was not fastened, injured in transport van

Car Accident $265,000

Auto accident causing back injury

Car Accident $195,000

Auto accident resulting in back injury without surgery

Car Accident $190,000

Auto accident with hip and back injuries

Car Accident $180,000

Defective tire causes one car accident and neck injury

Car Accident $153,000

Auto accident, low back injury without surgery

Car Accident $150,000

Auto accident with neck and back injuries

Car Accident $125,000

Auto accident resulting in leg and back injury

Thousands of clients have trusted us and won.

See Our Case Results

Finding An Attorney Why Choose Laborde Earles for Your Car Accident Case?

Choosing the right Lafayette car accident lawyer can significantly impact the strength of your claim and your long-term recovery. Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers brings more than 350 years of combined legal experience, has recovered over $1 billion in verdicts and settlements, and has helped thousands of injured Louisianians navigate serious motor vehicle accident claims, including high-impact collisions.

Our Lafayette personal injury attorneys are deeply rooted in Acadiana and understand Lafayette’s traffic patterns, high-risk corridors, and the insurance tactics used against local drivers. Recognized for excellence in personal injury litigation, our team prepares every case for trial, communicates clearly with clients, and focuses on full, long-term recovery: never pushing quick settlements that fail to account for future medical care, lost earning capacity, or lasting harm

About Us

Client Testimonials Hear from locals like you.

Michelle Brouillette is a wonderful addition to the Laborde Earles team.

Melanie B.

I am very impressed with Jillie Boone’s professionalism and dedication. She demonstrates excellent communication skills, strong attention to det...

jazlynn meece

Baton Rouge

Toni is the absolute BEST!!!! Not only is she the best paralegal but she’s also the best person I know. She is so intelligent, knowledgeable, ca...

Sarah Jorden

Marksville

Michelle Brouillette is always so pleasant whenever I call or stop by the office. She always has a smile on her face.

Christine G.

Each time I interact with a member of the Laborde Earls team I am always extremely satisfied with the service provided. I had the pleasure of speaking...

Megan C.

Love Laborde Earle's. They're dependable lawyers that let you know you can trust them. I would specifically recommend Derek Hebert. He's a great attor...

Kaitlin H.

Toni at LE is seriously so dedicated and a hard worker! LE is lucky to have this chick. She's so sweet but a little spicy (in a good, funny way!) whic...

Hannah Johnson

Baton Rouge

Over the past 3 years I have encountered one of the best Law Firms in Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers which have been handling my Lejeune Contaminated T...

Stephan C.

I highly recommend Derek Hebert to anyone in need of a skilled and trustworthy attorney. From the very beginning, Derek was professional, honest, and ...

Brylan Cormier

Lafayette

Over 1,700 5-Star Reviews

See What Our Clients Are Saying

Client SuccessStories That Define Laborde Earles

“I don’t know what we would have done if it hadn’t been for them. I’ve never had that much expertise and professionalism in my life.”

Rick Smith Truck Accident Victim

Client SuccessStories That Define Laborde Earles

“If it wasn’t for that settlement, we wouldn’t have our home, my company or probably even the leg that I have now.”

Jude Herbert Motorcycle Accident Victim

Rick Jude

How Louisiana Negligence Law Applies to Your Car Accident Claim

Louisiana is a fault-based state, meaning the person responsible for causing an accident is liable for the resulting damages. Under Louisiana Civil Code Art. 2315, injured victims can pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term harm. To recover, you must show that the other party acted negligently and that their actions directly caused your injuries.

Louisiana also applies a comparative fault standard (Louisiana Civil Code Art. 2323), so your compensation may be reduced if you share partial responsibility for the accident. The statute of limitations for most personal injury claims in Louisiana is two years from the date of the accident, making it important to act quickly to protect your rights.

Understanding Car Accidents in Lafayette What Lafayette Drivers Should Know After a Car Accident

How and where car accidents happen in Lafayette—and the harm they can cause.

Common Causes Common Injuries High-Risk Areas

What are the
Common Causes?

Lafayette’s mix of residential streets, crowded shopping corridors, and interstate traffic creates conditions where one mistake can cause lasting harm. Common causes often involve preventable driving choices and split-second decisions.

Distracted Driving

Phones navigation passengers or in-car technology reduce driver attention
Failing to Yield

Right-of-way errors at intersections and merges cause hard impacts
Following Too Closely

Tailgating leaves no time to stop during sudden traffic backups
Speeding

Higher speeds reduce reaction time and increase injury severity
Unsafe Lane Changes

Blind-spot merges and abrupt weaving trigger multi-car collisions
Impaired Driving

Alcohol or drugs slow judgment coordination when seconds matter

Were You Injured in a Car Accident?

What are the
Common Injuries?

Even a low-speed collision can cause injuries that take months to treat—and serious crashes can change someone’s health permanently. Early medical evaluation also creates the documentation insurers often demand.

Distracted Driving

Phones navigation passengers or in-car technology reduce driver attention
Failing to Yield

Right-of-way errors at intersections and merges cause hard impacts
Following Too Closely

Tailgating leaves no time to stop during sudden traffic backups
Speeding

Higher speeds reduce reaction time and increase injury severity
Unsafe Lane Changes

Blind-spot merges and abrupt weaving trigger multi-car collisions
Impaired Driving

Alcohol or drugs slow judgment coordination when seconds matter

Were You Injured in a Car Accident?

Where They
Commonly Occur

Certain intersections and corridors see repeat crash patterns due to congestion, turning traffic, and complex merging. Where the crash happened often determines what evidence exists and how fault is proven.

Johnston St. & Ambassador Caffery

Heavy traffic frequent turns and congestion increase collision risk significantly
Kaliste Saloom Intersections

High-speed traffic with complex turning patterns increases serious crash risk
Congress & University Area

Dense intersections with pedestrian and vehicle conflict raise accident likelihood
I-10 / I-49 Interchange

High-speed merging and sudden lane shifts create dangerous collision conditions
Commercial Corridors

Frequent stops entrances and turning vehicles elevate crash risk daily
Growth Areas Nearby

Rapid growth increases traffic volume congestion and crash risk nearby

Were You Injured in a Car Accident?

Next Steps What to Do After a Car Accident in Lafayette

Taking the right steps after a crash protects your health and strengthens your claim.

Get Medical Care

Seek medical evaluation immediately and follow all treatment recommendations. Prompt care protects your health and creates documentation linking injuries to the crash.

Report the Crash

Ensure law enforcement responds and prepares an official accident report. This record can be critical when establishing fault and supporting your claim.

Document the Scene

Photograph vehicles, visible injuries, road conditions, traffic signals, and surroundings before evidence is lost or altered.

Collect Witness Information

Get names and contact details from anyone who saw the crash. Witness accounts can be vital if liability is disputed.

Avoid Insurance Statements

Do not provide recorded statements without legal guidance. Insurers may use early statements to limit compensation.

Contact Laborde Earles

Early legal involvement helps preserve evidence, manage insurer communications, and protect the full value of your recovery.

Early legal involvement often leads to stronger outcomes.

Call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers on the phone at (337) 777-7777 Call Us 24/7

Car Accident Trends in Louisiana & Lafayette What Louisiana Crash Statistics Mean for Drivers

Louisiana’s crash risk is driven by a mix of high-speed corridors, congestion, and dangerous driving behaviors. In Lafayette, growth and heavy traffic along major routes increases the likelihood of severe collisions—especially where turning traffic, stop-and-go patterns, and interstate merging overlap.

Louisiana Ranks Among the Deadliest States for Highway Fatalities

With approximately 20 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents in 2022, Louisiana ranks among the nation’s most dangerous states for per-capita highway fatalities, reflecting a combination of risky driving behaviors and challenging roadway conditions.
Driver Distraction Contributes to Nearly One-Quarter of Fatal Crashes

In 2023, about 22% of crash-related deaths in Louisiana were attributed to driver inattention or distraction, including cellphone use—highlighting how everyday behaviors can have deadly consequences.
Severe Road Conditions Can Trigger Mass-Casualty Crashes

The October 2023 “super fog” pileup on I-55, which resulted in eight deaths and dozens of injuries, illustrates how rapidly Louisiana road conditions can escalate into catastrophic, multi-vehicle accidents.

Our Legal Team We fight for our own

Meet Our Team

Digger Earles

Founding Partner

Hunter, fisherman, and aggressive trial attorney, most recently securing a historic $5 million bad faith excess verdict.

Top 10 Trucking Trial Lawyers
Acadiana Profile Top Lawyer
Top 100 National Trial Lawyers

David Laborde

Founding Partner

In addition to owning a ranch and hunting on the weekends, David is recognized as a top trial lawyer in Louisiana, most recently winning a $7.2 million settlement.

Top 100 Trial Lawyers
Acadiana Profile Top Lawyer
Multi–Million Dollar Advocates Forum

Alexis Davis

Attorney

Personal injury attorney at Laborde Earles, Alexis combines award-winning legal writing with diligent advocacy, focusing on protecting clients’ interests throughout Louisiana.

Best Case Note
Law Review award winner

Aaron Bergeron

Attorney

Personal injury attorney Aaron Bergeron brings a client-first approach shaped by courtroom and judicial experience.

Law Clerk, 27th Judicial District Court
Graduated cum laude, Southern University Law Center

Ben Alexander

Attorney

Litigation attorney Ben leverages years of experience defending catastrophic, maritime, and insurance cases, including those involving the Deepwater Horizon incident.

Deepwater Horizon MDL
Rising Star 2013–2018
Top 100 honoree

Cade Melancon

Attorney

Cade brings judicial and court experience, as well as catastrophic injury litigation skills developed from pre-suit preparation through trial support and appeals.

Federal court internship
District staff attorney

Carolina De La Pena Rogers

Attorney

Carolina represents motor-vehicle crash victims, applying nationwide immigration litigation experience with a proactive strategy, clear communication, and client-focused guidance.

Spanish speaker
Immigration courts admitted
Louisiana Association for Justice

Daniel Snellings

Attorney

With more than 30 years in complex litigation, Daniel represents injured victims in auto, maritime, product liability, toxic tort, and class matters.

Martindale-Hubbell rated
Best Maritime Attorneys 2022
NITA skills certificate

David Charles Laborde Jr.

Attorney

DC handles diverse injury matters, using prior insurance-defense and entertainment-law experience to anticipate tactics, strengthen claims, and guide clients through every step.

Former defense attorney
Louisiana Bar admitted
Tulane football letterman

Derek B. Hebert

Attorney

Personal injury attorney Derek Hebert takes a proactive, detail-driven approach, building cases early to apply pressure and pursue strong results.

Full-Tuition Merit Scholarship Recipient
Certificate in Civil Law Studies

Frances Gossen O'Neal

Attorney

Fran is an experienced litigator with strong research roots, clerkship experience, and broad court admissions, providing thoughtful, steady representation for injured clients.

23rd JDC clerkships
LSU Law J.D.

Jeanne Laborde

Attorney

Personal injury attorney Jeanne has spent decades guiding clients through treatment, billing, and insurance issues with diligence, clarity, and compassion.

Bilingual English/Spanish
20+ years serving clients

Jennifer Coussan

Attorney

Lafayette native Jennifer brings sharp judicial perspective from federal and appellate clerkships, strengthening litigation strategy, motion practice, and outcomes for clients.

Federal law clerk
Third Circuit attorney

Jonathan Chatwin

Attorney

Jonathan focuses on workers’ compensation and personal injury, combining accounting training and Army service with practical, disciplined advocacy for Louisiana clients daily.

U.S. Army veteran
Fifth Circuit admitted

Kade Stutes

Attorney

Storm claim attorney Kade serves Acadiana homeowners with local roots, judicial-clerkship experience, and a steady, responsive approach to complex insurance disputes.

27th JDC judicial clerk
Society VP
Louisiana Bar 2023

Kelby Rasmussen

Attorney

Kelby practices personal injury law, drawing on courtroom insight from district-judge clerkships, to provide clear answers and steady guidance to clients following serious accidents.

36th JDC law clerk
LAJ member

Kristen Broussard Guidry

Attorney

Kristen brings more than 25 years of experience and deep insurance-defense insight, now using industry knowledge to zealously advocate for injury clients.

Top 15% LSU
Outstanding Young Lawyer
Past YLA President

Mary Cryar

Attorney

Mary turns two decades of insurance and injury defense experience into advocacy for people facing serious injuries or denied insurance claims today.

NITA instructor
Taught LSU trial advocacy
Multi-state bar admissions

Nicholas R. Rockforte

Attorney

Nicholas represents clients in injury, complex litigation, and class actions, bringing a first-in-class mindset and underdog focus to every case for clients.

Top 40 Under 40
Levee counsel

Paul Laborde

Attorney

Personal injury attorney Paul Laborde brings a thorough, disciplined approach shaped by strong legal training and a deep respect for the profession.

LSU Law Graduate
Judicial & Legislative Experience

Robert (“Rob”) Marionneaux Jr

Attorney

Trial lawyer Rob focuses on catastrophic injury and wrongful death, delivering proven courtroom results while supporting families through life-changing tragedies today.

$20.6M verdict
Million Dollar Advocates
Hall of Fame inductee

Ryan Saunders

Attorney

Ryan brings first-responder experience and trial-driven precision to complex matters, dedicated to helping clients who need a prepared, strategic advocate always today.

First responder 10+ years
Felony defense
Patent bar passed

Scott Higgins

Attorney

Scott is a seasoned injury litigator handling wrongful death, maritime, and complex multi-party cases, valuing client relationships as much as results always.

AV Preeminent rated
Licensed in Louisiana/Texas

Shawn Bordelon

Attorney

Shawn is a personal injury litigator with defense-side insight, representing clients through trial and appeals, including matters that reach the Louisiana Supreme Court level.

Former defense counsel
Louisiana Supreme Court experience

Victor Rushing

Attorney

Victor is a pre-litigation attorney who guides injured clients through early case strategy, providing clear communication and responsive, detail-oriented representation.

Western District admitted
Knights of Columbus

Wesley Elmer

Attorney

Wesley evaluates claims from both sides, helping clients understand strengths and risks while pursuing fair outcomes in personal injury matters statewide fully.

Dual-perspective counsel
Fifth Circuit admitted
Former parish bar president

Will Casanova

Attorney

Will devotes his practice to Louisiana workers’ compensation, providing injured workers with steady, informed guidance to navigate benefits, treatment, and claims.

Past Acadia Bar President
Southern graduate

Amit Gulati

Attorney

Attorney Amit Gulati brings courtroom-tested advocacy and a trial-first mindset to personal injury and criminal defense cases.

Former Orleans Public Defenders Attorney
Extensive Felony Trial Experience

Injury Lawyers Louisiana Trusts When things go wrong, we're Louisiana Strong

Laborde Earles

Car Accident Claim What to Expect after Filing a Car Accident Claim in Lafayette

After a claim is filed, many people expect fast answers. In reality, the process moves in stages—and knowing what comes next helps you stay in control.

Investigation & Evidence Collection

We secure crash reports, records, photographs, and key evidence while taking over all insurer communications to protect your claim from the start.

Medical Documentation Tracking

Our team tracks medical treatment and documents how your injuries affect your health, work, and day-to-day life.

Settlement Negotiation

We pursue compensation that reflects the true value of your claim—not a quick offer that falls short of your losses.

Litigation & Trial Preparation

If necessary, we file suit and prepare your case for court with trial-level detail and strategic focus.

Early action helps preserve evidence and strengthens your position.

Call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers on the phone at (337) 777-7777 Call Us 24/7

Determining Compensation What is My Car Accident Case Worth?

If another party’s negligence caused your injuries, the value of your car accident claim depends on more than immediate medical bills. Understanding the full scope of economic and non-economic damages helps ensure you pursue compensation that reflects both current losses and the long-term impact on your life.

Compensation can include:

Medical expenses & future care
Lost income & reduced earning capacity
Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
Property damage
Loss of enjoyment of life or wrongful death

Ask One of Our Attorneys

Case Value Factors How Car Accident Case Values Are Evaluated

There’s no fixed formula. Case value is based on the total impact the crash has on your health, finances, and future

Evaluation Factor

What It Represents

Injury Severity

Whether injuries are temporary, long-term, or permanent

Medical Expenses

Current treatment costs and projected future care

Lost Income

Wages lost during recovery and missed work time

Reduced Earning Capacity

Impact on future ability to earn income

Pain and Suffering

Physical pain and emotional distress

Quality of Life Impact

Limits on daily activities, independence, enjoyment

Property Damage

Repair or replacement of your vehicle/property

Permanent Impairment

Lasting disability or functional limitations

Aggravating Factors

Reckless/impaired conduct that may increase damages

Talk to a Louisiana Local Attorney Today

Get a Free Case Evaluation

(337) 777-7777 Call Us 24/7

Timeline Expectations How Long Does It Take to Receive Compensation After a Car Accident?

Cases involving minor injuries and clear fault may resolve within months once treatment stabilizes and insurers cooperate.

Shorter Timelines

Cases involving minor injuries and clear fault may resolve within 3-6 months once treatment stabilizes and insurers cooperate.

Longer Timelines

Claims involving serious injuries, disputed liability, or commercial insurance policies often take 12-24 months due to investigation and negotiation. Cases proceeding to trial can take 2-4 years in Louisiana civil court.

Our Approach

We move cases forward efficiently without rushing settlements that fail to account for future medical needs or lost earning potential.

Early legal involvement often leads to stronger outcomes

Call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers on the phone at (337) 777-7777 Call Us 24/7

Determining Responsibility Who Is Liable for a Lafayette Car Accident?

Liability after a car accident is not always limited to one driver. Depending on how the crash occurred, multiple individuals, companies, or public entities may share responsibility. Identifying all potentially liable parties is essential to protecting your claim and pursuing full compensation.

Liability may include:

Negligent drivers
Commercial drivers or employers
Rideshare drivers or companies
Vehicle manufacturers
Government entities

Ask One of Our Attorneys

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Guidance you can trust, from people who actually know.

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Lafayette Car Accident FAQs Clear Answers to Important Questions

How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Lafayette, Louisiana?

In most cases, Louisiana law allows two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. Missing this deadline can prevent you from recovering compensation. Louisiana Act 423 (effective July 1, 2024) extended the deadline to two years for accidents on or after that date. If your accident occurred before July 1, 2024, the prior one-year deadline may still apply — contact us to confirm.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Louisiana follows a comparative fault system, meaning you may still recover compensation even if you share some responsibility. Your recovery may be reduced based on your percentage of fault.

Should I talk to the insurance company before speaking with a lawyer?

Insurance companies often move quickly to limit payouts. Speaking with an attorney first can help protect your rights and ensure your statements aren’t used against you.

What compensation may be available after a car accident in Lafayette?

You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and, in serious cases, long-term disability or wrongful death losses.