If you’ve suffered injuries in a car crash, a Lake Charles car accident lawyer from Laborde Earles is ready to assist. With over 350 years of combined experience, our team has recovered over $1 billion for clients throughout Louisiana.
At Laborde Earles, our Lake Charles personal injury lawyers can assess your situation, explain your options, and help you determine if pursuing a claim or lawsuit is the right choice for you. Your recovery is our priority.
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe nothing unless we win. Contact our legal team today for a free consultation, and let us help you move forward with confidence.
Why Laborde Earles Is the Smart Choice for Your Lake Charles Car Accident Lawyer
At our law firm, we have a proven track record of helping clients secure fair compensation after life-altering accidents. Our commitment to achieving meaningful results is reflected in the high-value verdicts and settlements we’ve won for injury victims across Louisiana.
We’re proud to share some of our notable outcomes:
- $5,250,000 for a client with a brain injury from a car accident
- $2,000,000 for a client with spinal cord injuries after a car accident
- $1,000,000 for an auto crash victim
- $900,000 for an injured car accident victim
Let us put our experience to work for you. Contact us today to discuss your case during a free consultation.
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.
ClientOur Contingency Fee Policy
Our car accident attorneys in Lake Charles, LA, provide compassionate representation without adding financial stress. With our contingency fee policy, you pay nothing upfront. Instead, our payment comes from a portion of the verdict or settlement you recover, meaning you only pay if we win your case.
This approach allows you to focus on healing without worrying about legal costs, even as you manage medical bills, vehicle repairs, or lost income. A personal injury attorney from our team is ready to explain this process in detail during your free consultation.
Let us guide you through the legal process with care and determination. Contact Laborde Earles today to get started.
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 | ClientHow Car Accident Compensation Works
We help accident victims recover damages for a wide range of losses after a motor vehicle accident. Depending on your injuries, expenses, and hardships, we may pursue the following on your behalf:
- Medical costs: Recover damages for ongoing and future expenses related to care, rehabilitation, physical therapy, occupational therapy, emergency room visits, ambulance rides, and transportation to medical appointments.
- Property damage: Payment for towing and auto repair costs, along with compensation for replacing your vehicle if it’s beyond repair.
- Transportation fees: Coverage for rental car expenses or taxi services needed while your vehicle is being repaired or replaced.
- Loss of income: Compensation for wages lost during your recovery, as well as for a reduction in your future earning potential.
- Pain and suffering: Damages to account for the physical pain and ongoing discomfort caused by your accident-related injuries.
- Emotional distress: Support for the emotional trauma and psychological impact of the accident, including stress and anxiety.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: Compensation for losing the ability to participate in hobbies or activities that once brought you joy.
- Wrongful death: Compensation for medical bills, funeral and burial costs, cremation costs, loss of consortium, and more.
Contact Laborde Earles to learn how a car accident attorney in Lake Charles, LA, can assist with your case, including pursuing punitive damages if applicable.
The reassurance from Digger and his staff gave me that renewed hope that it’s going to be okay down the road.
ClientWhat a Lake Charles Car Accident Lawyer Will Do for You
When you work with a car accident lawyer from our team in Lake Charles, LA, they’ll handle every step of your case so you can focus on recovering from your injuries and managing the other disruptions caused by the crash. Our goal is to secure a fair settlement and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Here’s what a skilled attorney from our firm can do to win your case:
- Collect evidence to support your claim
- Protect your right to sue the liable party
- Use evidence to show that the negligent driver failed to uphold a reasonable duty of care
- Document your recoverable damages
- Abide by all deadlines that apply to your case
- File your claim and negotiate with the insurer
- Prepare a strong personal injury lawsuit, if a trial is necessary
A car accident lawyer from our team can provide the legal representation required to complete these steps successfully. Once the process is complete, you’ll likely receive a settlement or court award that addresses all your economic and non-economic losses.
Additionally, with the help of a car accident lawyer in Lake Charles, LA, your life will be easier during the claims process. We’re dedicated to providing a streamlined process by:
- Offering 24/7 availability: Our team can answer your questions or update you on your case at any time.
- Dealing with insurers: Insurance companies often try to offer lowball settlements or lead you into saying something that could hurt your claim. Our attorneys will ensure the insurer doesn’t take advantage of you.
- Providing free initial consultations: We’ll review your case at no cost, estimate its value, and explain the possible timeline for your claim.
If a car accident caused the unnecessary, tragic loss of a loved one, we can help you pursue a wrongful death claim. Our team is here to provide the support and guidance you need during this difficult time, fighting for justice and the financial recovery your family deserves. Contact us today to learn how we can assist you.
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.
ClientCommon Accident Injuries That Are Eligible for Compensation
Car accidents can leave victims with catastrophic injuries that disrupt their lives and create significant financial burdens. These injuries often require extensive medical care, ongoing treatment, and time away from work, which can make recovery feel overwhelming.
Our team is here to advocate for the compensation you need to address these challenges, whether you’re facing short-term recovery or permanent effects from the crash.
We can help you pursue financial recovery for a wide range of injuries, including:
- Whiplash
- Broken bones or fractures
- Spinal cord injuries
- Cuts and bruises
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Paralysis
- Internal bleeding
- Soft tissue injuries
- Back injuries
- Permanent disabilities
If you’ve suffered life-altering harm in a crash, a Lake Charles accident attorney from our team can help you hold the liable party accountable.
We understand the toll these injuries take and are committed to seeking the compensation needed to alleviate your financial burdens. Let us support you in your path to recovery.
Types of Lake Charles Car Accident Claims We Handle
Over the years, our firm has represented individuals injured in a wide range of collisions. As a result, we have a deep understanding of how these accidents impact victims’ quality of life and how to handle each type of accident case effectively.
We’re confident that we have the knowledge and experience required to file a winning claim. Our car accident lawyers in Lake Charles, LA, include:
- Hit and run accident lawyers – We work to identify the driver responsible and hold them accountable for your losses.
- Side impact crash lawyers – Let us help you recover damages from injuries caused by T-bone collisions.
- Rear end accident lawyers – Our team fights for fair compensation after rear-end crashes leave you injured.
- Head on collision lawyers – We handle cases involving severe injuries from head-on collisions.
- Rideshare accident lawyers – We can navigate the complexities of rideshare liability and insurance claims.
- Fatal accident lawyers – Our team supports families pursuing wrongful death claims after tragic accidents.
- Rollover accident lawyers – We assist victims of rollovers in seeking compensation for their injuries and losses.
- Parking lot accident lawyers – Let us handle your claim for injuries sustained in parking lot collisions.
- Uninsured car accident lawyers – We pursue options to recover damages when the other driver lacks insurance.
If you or someone you love was involved in one of these incidents, a car accident attorney in Lake Charles, LA, can protect your right to compensation. We’ll investigate your collision, determine what caused it, and use the evidence they collect to build a compelling claim.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Lake Charles We Can Investigate
The investigation is a key part of the claims process, and our team knows how important it is to get it right. That’s why we rely on experienced investigators to dig into the details of your accident and gather the evidence needed to support your case.
By taking a closer look at what happened, we can build a strong foundation for your claim. Our Lake Charles team include:
- Lake Charles distracted driving accident lawyers
- Lake Charles aggressive driving accident lawyers
- Lake Charles DUI accident lawyers
- Lake Charles reckless driving accident lawyers
- Lake Charles improper lane change accident lawyers
- Lake Charles defective car accident lawyers
- Lake Charles faulty car maintenance accident lawyers
- Lake Charles improperly loaded cargo lawyers
We can comb through available evidence, work with accident reconstructionists, and interview eyewitnesses to determine what caused your collision. While our team can work quickly to gather important evidence, you’ll want to start on your case soon to ensure the process goes smoothly.
In some cases, evidence can disappear quickly after a collision, making it important to act fast to preserve critical details about the at-fault driver and the accident. Starting your case early also gives our auto accident attorneys the time needed to file your civil suit within the statute of limitations.
Statute of Limitations for a Car Accident Lawsuit in Lake Charles, LA
Since most Louisiana car crash cases settle out of court, you likely won’t have to go to court to receive fair compensation. Instead, our Lake Charles car accident lawyers can work to negotiate a settlement with the insurer that addresses your accident-related losses. However, there’s always a possibility that the insurance provider might deny your claim.
If that happens, our team may need to file a civil lawsuit within the statute of limitations. In Louisiana, you generally have two years from the date of your crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you’ve lost a loved one in an accident, a two-year deadline applies to filing a wrongful death lawsuit.
Since exceptions to this timeframe can exist, it’s important to act quickly. Contact our car accident lawyers in Lake Charles, LA, as soon as possible to give our team the time needed to prepare and file your case.
Can I Still Collect Damages if I Was Partially at Fault?
If you believe you are partly to blame for the collision you were involved in, you might be worried about being able to recover compensation for your injuries and losses. The good news is that you may still be able to obtain damages if you were partially at fault for an accident.
That’s because Louisiana operates under a comparative negligence standard. In other words, a claimant can still recover damages even if they are 99% at fault. However, it’s important to note that CC Art. 2323 states the court can reduce your damages in proportion to your percentage of fault.
For example, if the court finds you to be 20% responsible for the accident, you’ll be able to recover up to 80% of your total damages. A Lake Charles car accident attorney from our team can explain comparative negligence further and ensure your percentage of fault accurately reflects the part you played in causing the crash.
What to Do After an Auto Accident in Lake Charles
Auto accidents can be extremely stressful, so you may be in shock immediately after a collision. If you’re feeling overwhelmed after a crash, take a deep breath and a moment to calm down. Once you’ve done so, move your car to a safe location near the crash site and evaluate your injuries.
If you’re seriously hurt, call an ambulance and get the emergency medical treatment you need. If you have a few scratches or bruises, take the following steps to address and document the accident properly:
- Check to see if anyone involved in the accident has injuries and get them the medical help they need
- Call the police and file an accident report
- Take pictures of all vehicle damage, injuries, and other pertinent elements
- Gather information from all parties involved in the accident, including names, contact information, and insurance information
- Take notes on how the accident occurred
- Reach out to a car accident lawyer
Seek Medical Care ASAP
Once you’ve taken the steps mentioned above, you’ll want to visit your local urgent care or doctor’s office. Getting evaluated by a medical professional can help you identify any injuries that may have gone unnoticed due to the stress and adrenaline rush from the collision.
Some collision-related injuries can show up days or weeks after the initial accident, so it’s important to get checked out by a doctor even if you don’t feel pain or discomfort. A doctor can help you prevent further complications and prescribe a proper course of treatment.
Seeing a doctor as soon as possible after an automobile accident can also show insurers that your injuries are legitimate. In addition, getting medical treatment will generate documents and records that our attorneys can use to build a strong accident claim.
Save Receipts and Financial Records
Once you’ve received medical attention, you’ll want to focus on saving important documents and records related to your accident. Preserving these forms of evidence and handing them over to your auto accident lawyer will show the insurance adjuster that you need financial reimbursement for the treatment costs and other expenses you’ve incurred.
Make sure to keep the following documentation:
- Receipts for vehicle repairs
- Towing and rental car bills
- Medical bills for current and ongoing medical care, emergency room treatment, and ambulance transportation
An attorney from our team can give you more information on the documentation you need and help collect medical records for your injury claim. They’ll be able to use the financial records you gather to calculate your losses and substantiate your personal injury claim.
Similarly, pedestrians who have been hit by a car should follow many of the same instructions if capable of doing so. A Lake Charles pedestrian accident lawyer from our firm can help if you’ve been injured. Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents are not uncommon. They occur for a number of reasons, from drunk driving to failure to properly follow traffic signals.
Accidents on the Freeway
If you’re involved in an accident on the freeway, your first priority should be safety. If your vehicle is still operational and it’s safe to do so, move to the shoulder of the freeway and follow general post-accident safety steps.
Highways like I-10, US-61, US-190, and I-20 see numerous accidents due to heavy traffic, speeding, and frequent lane changes. These factors make freeway collisions especially common and potentially severe. The force of impact in these accidents often leads to serious injuries requiring advanced medical care, such as trauma center treatment or airlift services.
Handling recovery while managing an insurance policy claim and legal procedures can be challenging. Having an experienced car crash lawyer by your side can provide the guidance and support you need during this difficult time.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Lake Charles Car Accident Lawyer
If you were injured in a crash caused by a negligent driver, you may be facing serious injuries, financial strain, and emotional challenges. At Laborde Earles, we’re here to stand by your side and help you pursue justice.
With over 350 years of combined experience and more than $1 billion recovered for our clients, a Lake Charles car accident lawyer from our team can build a strong case and fight for the compensation you need.
Contact Laborde Earles today for a free consultation. Let us put our experience and proven results to work for you as you begin your path to recovery.
