Rear-end accidents are common but often misunderstood. Many view them as minor, yet they can cause significant injuries and disruptions. At Laborde Earles, we know how serious these collisions can be and how they impact victims’ lives.
If you’ve been injured in a rear-end collision, a Lake Charles rear-end accident lawyer from our firm can provide the support you need. These accidents often cause injuries that may take weeks, months, or even years to heal, leaving victims unable to work while expenses continue to pile up.
With over $1 billion recovered for clients and 350 years of combined experience, Laborde Earles is here to help. Let a Lake Charles car accident lawyer from our team advocate for you and work toward a fair resolution.
Proven Results from Our Car Accident Cases
At our firm, we’re committed to helping clients recover from their injuries and rebuild their lives. A Lake Charles personal injury lawyer from our team understands how devastating car accidents can be and works hard to provide the support victims need.
Our track record includes impressive outcomes for car accident cases, such as:
- $5,250,000 for a client with a brain injury from a car accident
- $2,000,000 for a spinal cord injury sustained in a crash
- $1,000,000 settlement for a car accident victim
- $900,000 for an auto accident case
- $180,000 for a neck injury caused by a faulty tire
While every case is unique, our goal is to achieve fair outcomes for our clients. If you’re seeking justice after a car accident, contact us to discuss how our experience and past verdicts and settlements can help shape 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.
ClientHow Our Lake Charles Rear-End Accident Attorneys Will Help
Louisiana law allows accident victims to seek fair compensation through a personal injury claim or an auto liability insurance claim. If you’ve been injured in a rear-end crash, our law firm is here to help you understand your options and pursue the financial recovery you need for your expenses and losses.
When you work with a rear-end accident attorney in Lake Charles, LA, we can:
- Investigate the details of your accident
- Gather evidence, including witness statements, to prove liability
- Document your accident-related damages
- Estimate the value of your personal injury claim
- Handle all communication and negotiations with insurance companies
- Seek a fair resolution through a settlement or, if necessary, take your case to court
Our goal is to help you recover fair compensation for your accident-related losses, whether through a settlement or a trial verdict. Throughout the process, we will keep you informed about the progress of your case and advocate for the best possible outcome on your behalf.
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 | ClientDamages You May Recover in a Rear-End Collision Case
Our law firm is committed to helping clients pursue financial recovery for the challenges they face after an accident. Whether through an insurance claim or by presenting your case in court, we strive to secure maximum compensation for your financial losses and other damages.
Economic damages with clear monetary value may include:
- Medical bills and ongoing physical therapy expenses: These cover treatment costs and rehabilitation to aid your recovery.
- Loss of income and reduced earning capacity: This compensates for missed wages and potential future earnings impacted by your injuries.
- Property damage to your vehicle or other belongings: Reimbursement is sought for repairs or replacement of damaged items.
We also seek non-economic damages that address intangible losses such as:
- Pain and suffering: These damages reflect the emotional distress and physical toll of the accident.
- Permanent disfigurement or reduced quality of life: Compensation may account for lasting changes to your daily living.
- Punitive damages in cases of extreme recklessness: These are awarded to hold the at-fault party accountable for egregious behavior.
Each case is unique, and we work to identify all losses, making sure no detail is overlooked when building your claim.
Seeking Justice Through a Wrongful Death Claim
When a loved one passes away from injuries sustained in a rear-end collision, their surviving family members may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim. This type of legal action allows families to pursue compensation for the emotional and financial impact of their loss.
If you qualify, we can guide you through the process of filing a claim. This often involves gathering evidence, calculating the full extent of damages, and advocating on your family’s behalf. While no legal action can erase the pain of losing a loved one, it can provide support during a challenging time.
Our goal is to help you seek the justice and accountability your family deserves after a fatal accident. A Lake Charles wrongful death lawyer from our firm is here to guide you every step of the way.
The reassurance from Digger and his staff gave me that renewed hope that it’s going to be okay down the road.
ClientCommon Causes of Rear-End Collisions in Lake Charles
Rear-end collisions are among the most common motor vehicle accidents, often resulting in severe injuries. These accidents frequently occur due to negligent actions by the at-fault driver, including:
- Distracted driving: Activities like texting, eating, or adjusting controls take attention away from the road.
- Reckless driving: Speeding, tailgating, and aggressive behavior increase the likelihood of a crash.
- Drunk driving: Impaired drivers have slower reaction times and reduced judgment.
- Drowsy driving: Fatigued drivers may struggle to stay alert and react to traffic changes.
- Mechanical failures: Brake failures and other issues can prevent drivers from stopping in time.
- Congested traffic: Frequent braking in heavy traffic can lead to rear-end collisions.
- Poor weather conditions: Rain, fog, or icy roads demand extra caution to avoid accidents.
Identifying the cause of the accident helps determine liability and supports your claim against the at-fault driver.
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 Types of Rear-End Collision Injuries
Rear-end accidents often lead to a wide range of injuries, some of which can cause long-term physical and emotional challenges. Some of the most commonly seen injuries include:
- Neck injuries and whiplash: Whiplash is one of the most common injuries caused by the violent jerking motion of the head. Symptoms can include headaches, neck stiffness, reduced range of motion, and dizziness.
- Traumatic brain injuries: A blow to the head during a crash can result in serious symptoms like memory lapses, seizures, slurred speech, and persistent headaches, potentially lasting for months or years.
- Spinal injuries: Catastrophic injuries to the spine, such as compression fractures and herniated discs, can lead to life-altering consequences, including paralysis and the need for assistive devices.
- Broken bones: These can result from seat belts, loose objects, or direct trauma during the accident and are more common in older adults.
- Organ damage: High-impact crashes can lead to internal injuries that require immediate medical attention.
- Lacerations: Loose objects in the vehicle can cause cuts or gashes, which, though often minor, may still require stitches or other treatment.
- Knee injuries: Symptoms like swelling, instability, and joint pain are common and can significantly affect mobility.
Our legal team understands the severity of these injuries and works diligently to help victims pursue fair compensation for their losses.
Key Elements Needed to Prove Negligence in a Personal Injury Lawsuit
Filing a personal injury lawsuit often involves proving that a liable party acted negligently, leading to your injuries. This process requires establishing four key elements:
- Duty of care: Demonstrating the responsible party had an obligation to act reasonably to prevent harm.
- Breach of duty: Showing the liable party failed to uphold their duty of care.
- Causation: Connecting the breach to the injuries sustained in the accident.
- Damages: Documenting financial losses such as medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Louisiana’s legal system also operates under pure comparative fault. This means if you are partially responsible for your injuries, your compensation could be reduced by that percentage. However, you can still pursue a claim even if you share some responsibility.
During an initial consultation, we can review your case, identify the liable party, and explain your legal options. Our rear-end accident lawyers in Lake Charles, LA, are here to help you take the next steps in seeking justice and fair recovery.
Why Insurance Companies Can Be Challenging During an Accident Claim
When you file an accident claim, the insurance adjuster may seem sympathetic, asking questions like, “Are you OK?” While this might sound caring, their goal is often to gather statements that could weaken your case. It’s important to approach these conversations cautiously.
Right after an accident, you might not feel pain immediately and could say you’re uninjured. If symptoms develop later, the adjuster might question their cause or suggest they aren’t related to the accident, complicating your claim.
Our personal injury attorneys recommend avoiding recorded statements and leaving communication with the insurance company to your legal team. Provide medical records and bills as evidence of your injuries, and let us handle the discussions to protect your claim.
What Should You Do After Being Rear-Ended in Lake Charles?
The most important step after being rear-ended is seeking medical care, even if you feel fine or have no immediate pain. Prompt evaluation by a doctor can identify accident injuries that might not show symptoms right away. Visiting a doctor the same day also provides a medical record that can support your claim if needed.
Additional Steps After a Rear-End Collision
Taking these steps after a rear-end collision can help protect your rights:
- Document the scene with photos, including damage and road conditions.
- Move vehicles to a safe area if possible to prevent further accidents.
- Call 911 if there are serious injuries or debris blocking the road.
- Exchange contact and insurance details with the other driver.
- Notify your insurance company within 24 hours.
- Contact a lawyer to discuss your accident and explore your legal options.
A Lake Charles car accident report is another important piece of evidence in your case. If you’ve been injured, reach out to us for personalized legal assistance. Your consultation is free, and we’re here to help you move forward.
What to Do If You’re Rear-Ended by an Uninsured Driver
If you’re hit by a driver without insurance, you may still have options. Many insurance policies include uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, which can help cover your expenses. Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident and begin the claims process.
An accident attorney can assist with handling your insurance claim, especially if you’re facing significant injuries or high medical bills. They can advocate on your behalf, helping to negotiate a fair settlement that reflects your needs.
Additionally, a lawyer can investigate your case to identify other potential sources of compensation. If you’re unsure of your options, we’re here to help you explore them and work toward the resolution you deserve.
How Long Do You Have to File a Lawsuit After a Lake Charles Car Accident?
In Louisiana, you generally have two years to file a personal injury claim after a car accident. However, specific circumstances can affect this timeline. A lawyer can help clarify how the statute of limitations applies to your case and identify any exceptions that may impact your deadline.
Some factors that could alter the filing deadline include:
- An injured party is a minor
- A municipal or government vehicle was involved in the accident
- The crash resulted in a wrongful death
Filing your lawsuit within the correct timeframe is essential to pursuing compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and property damage. A rear-end collision lawyer in Lake Charles can evaluate your case, determine its value, and work toward reaching a fair settlement on your behalf.
Contact Laborde Earles for Your Rear-End Accident Case
Rear-end accidents can leave you facing unexpected challenges, from medical bills to lost wages and ongoing pain. Understanding your legal options is an important step in moving forward. A Lake Charles rear-end accident lawyer from Laborde Earles can provide the guidance you need to pursue fair compensation.
With over $1 billion recovered for clients, we are proud to be known as the “Louisiana Attorneys That Care.” We’re committed to standing by accident victims and helping them take meaningful steps toward recovery and justice.
If you’ve been injured in a rear-end collision, contact Laborde Earles today. Let us handle the legal details while you focus on moving forward.
