Every year, Lafayette Parrish sees more than 4,000 vehicle accident-related injuries. Most of these injuries occur to the drivers and passengers of the vehicles involved. Crashes are typically caused by human error and are often preventable, which is what makes this high rate of injuries so upsetting.
If you’ve been injured in a crash because of another person’s negligence, you have the right to pursue compensation for the crash-related expenses you face. The Lafayette car accident lawyers at Dudley DeBosier can help.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
Crashes in Lafayette can happen for many reasons, often due to driver negligence or hazardous conditions on the road. If you’ve been involved in a car accident, knowing what contributed to the crash is key to determining liability and securing compensation.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents, resulting in more than 10,000 crashes in Louisiana in 2023. Whether it’s texting, eating, or even adjusting the radio, any activity that diverts attention from the road and/or the vehicle controls can have dangerous consequences.
Speeding
Exceeding the speed limit reduces a driver’s reaction time and increases the severity of collisions. Many car accidents in Lafayette are caused by drivers who fail to adjust their speed to match road conditions, such as heavy traffic, sharp turns, or poor weather. Speeding is not only illegal but also significantly heightens the risk of fatal crashes.
Driving Under the Influence
Driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs remains a major cause of car accidents. In 2022, there were 267 alcohol-impaired driving fatalities in Louisiana. Drunk drivers are unable to make sound decisions, process information quickly, or control their vehicles properly, leading to catastrophic crashes.
Fatigued Driving
Driver fatigue is a growing concern on Lafayette’s roads, particularly for drivers with long commutes or working late shifts. Fatigued drivers have slower reaction times and impaired judgment just like drunk drivers, but are also at risk of falling asleep behind the wheel.
Aggressive Driving and Road Rage
Aggressive driving behaviors, such as tailgating, unsafe lane changes, and running red lights, often result in accidents. In some cases, these actions escalate into road rage, which increases the likelihood of dangerous confrontations and crashes.
Poor Weather Conditions
Severe weather, including heavy rain or fog, can make driving treacherous in Lafayette. Wet or slick roads reduce tire traction, making it difficult to stop quickly. Drivers who fail to adjust their speed and maintain control of their vehicles in bad weather conditions can easily cause accidents.
Types of Car Accident Injuries
Car accidents can lead to a wide range of injuries, from minor scrapes and bruises to life-altering trauma. Here are some of the most common car accident injuries that our Lafayette car accident lawyers see:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
A traumatic brain injury can happen when a violent blow to the head or a sudden jolt causes damage to the brain. TBIs range from mild concussions to severe brain damage that can result in long-term cognitive or physical impairments. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation, and in severe cases, they may be life-threatening or lead to permanent disability.
Broken Bones
The force of a car accident can easily cause bones to fracture or break. Common areas affected include the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis. Broken bones can result in significant pain, restricted mobility that can affect the ability to work and perform basic daily tasks, and the need for surgery or long-term rehabilitation, depending on the severity of the break.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can have devastating consequences, often leading to partial or full paralysis. Even less severe injuries to the spine can result in chronic pain or limited mobility. Victims of spinal cord injuries may require extensive medical care, rehabilitation, and even home modifications when the injury severely restricts mobility or results in paralysis, making these injuries some of the most costly in terms of long-term care.
Internal Injuries
Blunt force trauma from a car accident can cause damage to internal organs such as the liver, kidneys, or lungs. Internal bleeding is especially dangerous because symptoms may not be immediately visible. Internal injuries often require emergency surgery and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
Cuts and Lacerations
Broken glass, sharp metal, and debris from a collision can cause deep cuts and lacerations. While some may be superficial, others may require stitches or lead to permanent scarring. In more serious cases, deep lacerations can result in nerve or muscle damage.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries, such as sprains, strains, and tears to muscles and ligaments, are common in car accidents. These injuries can be painful and may limit mobility, requiring physical therapy for recovery. They may also lead to long-term discomfort or disability.
Emotional and Psychological Injuries
Not all injuries from car accidents are physical. Many victims experience emotional trauma, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Psychological injuries can affect a person’s quality of life and ability to function normally, sometimes requiring therapy or counseling.
Types of Compensation Available After a Car Accident
Car accidents can result in significant financial, physical, and emotional hardships. If you’ve been injured due to another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. The types of damages you can recover generally fall into two categories: special and general damages.
Special Damages
Special damages are meant to compensate you for financial losses that can be calculated and documented. These typically include:
- Medical Expenses: These cover the cost of relevant medical care after the accident, such as emergency room visits, surgeries, hospital stays, and prescription medications. It can also include long-term medical costs, such as rehabilitation, physical therapy, or future surgeries related to your injury.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries have forced you to take time off work, you can recover compensation for your lost income. This includes not only wages but also bonuses, commissions, and other benefits that you missed out on during your recovery period.
- Loss of Earning Capacity: If your injuries are severe and prevent you from returning to work permanently or limit your ability to perform your job, you may be entitled to compensation for the reduction in your future earning capacity.
- Property Damage: Car accidents often result in damage to your vehicle. You can recover compensation for the cost of repairing or replacing your car, as well as for any personal items damaged in the crash.
- Other Expenses: You may be able to recover additional accident-related expenses, such as transportation costs to medical appointments or home modifications needed due to a permanent injury.
General Damages
General damages are intended to compensate you for intangible losses that don’t have a specific dollar amount attached to them. These include:
- Pain and Suffering: This refers to the physical pain and emotional suffering you’ve endured as a result of your injuries. The more severe and long-lasting your injuries, the higher the compensation for pain and suffering.
- Emotional Distress: Car accidents can lead to psychological trauma, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Compensation for emotional distress covers the mental and emotional impact of the accident.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries prevent you from enjoying activities you once loved—such as hobbies, exercise, or time with family—you may be compensated for this loss.
- Loss of Consortium: If your injuries have affected your relationship with your spouse, such as the ability to maintain companionship or intimacy, your spouse may be entitled to compensation for loss of consortium.
What to Do After a Car Accident
The steps you take immediately following a car accident can significantly impact your health, safety, and any potential legal claims you may file. Here’s what you should do after a car accident to protect your well-being and ensure the best possible outcome for your case:
Check for Injuries and Call 911
The first priority after any car accident is to check for injuries. If you or anyone else is hurt, call 911 immediately to get medical help on the scene. Even if injuries seem minor, it’s important to get checked by a medical professional, as some injuries, like concussions or internal bleeding, may not be immediately apparent.
Move to a Safe Location
If the accident is minor and your vehicle is still operable, move it to the side of the road or another safe area to prevent further accidents or injuries. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers. If you cannot move your vehicle or it’s unsafe to do so, remain in your car until help arrives rather than place yourself at risk of being struck by an oncoming vehicle.
Call the Police
Even if the accident appears minor, it’s important to contact the police and file an official accident report. The report will document the details of the accident and can be critical for insurance claims and any legal actions that may arise. When speaking with the police, provide an accurate account of the accident, but avoid speculating about the other driver’s actions or admitting fault.
Gather Information
Collect as much information as possible from everyone involved in the accident. This includes:
- Names, addresses, and contact information of the other driver(s) and any passengers involved
- Insurance information for all parties
- License plate numbers
- Make, model, and year of all vehicles involved
- The location of the accident
- Contact information for any witnesses
If possible, take photos of the accident scene, including damage to the vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries. This documentation can be valuable evidence when filing a claim.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine after the accident, it’s crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries may not become apparent until days or weeks later. Having a medical evaluation on record not only ensures your well-being but also provides documentation that can support your personal injury claim.
Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company
Notify your insurance company of the accident as soon as possible. Provide them with the information you gathered at the scene and be honest about the details of the incident. Keep in mind that while you must report the accident to your own insurance company, you are not required to provide a statement to the other driver’s insurance company without speaking to a lawyer first.
Consult a Car Accident Lawyer
Car accidents can lead to complex legal and insurance issues. Before you speak to an insurance adjuster or agree to any settlement, it’s wise to consult with an experienced car accident lawyer. At Dudley DeBosier, our Lafayette car accident lawyers can evaluate your case, help protect your rights, and fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
How a Lafayette Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
After a car accident, you may be left dealing with medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and emotional distress. Navigating the legal process and dealing with insurance companies can be overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to recover from injuries. That’s where an experienced Lafayette car accident lawyer comes in.
Investigating the Accident
A thorough investigation is key to building a strong case. Your attorney can help gather crucial evidence, such as police reports, medical records, witness statements, and accident scene photos. In some cases, they may work with accident reconstruction experts to determine exactly what caused the crash and who is liable.
Determining Liability
Proving liability in a car accident case can be complicated, especially if multiple parties are involved. Your lawyer will analyze the evidence to help identify who was at fault for the accident—whether it was another driver, a manufacturer of defective vehicle parts, or even a government entity responsible for unsafe road conditions. Determining liability is essential for pursuing compensation.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether. Your lawyer will handle all communication with the insurance companies, helping ensure that your rights are protected. They’ll negotiate on your behalf to seek a fair settlement that covers your medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and other accident-related expenses.
Calculating Your Damages
One of the most important aspects of your car accident case is calculating the full extent of your damages. Your attorney will help determine the value of both special damages (such as medical bills, lost wages, and property damage) and general damages (such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life). By thoroughly assessing the impact of the accident, your lawyer ensures that no aspect of your claim is overlooked.
Filing a Lawsuit, If Necessary
While many car accident cases are settled through out-of-court negotiations, some may require filing a lawsuit to pursue the compensation you deserve. If your case goes to trial, your lawyer will prepare a strong legal strategy and represent you before a judge or jury. At Dudley DeBosier, we’re not afraid to take on insurance companies and fight for our clients in court if that’s what it takes to secure the best possible outcome.
Providing Ongoing Support and Guidance
Car accidents can be emotionally and physically draining, and the legal process can add another layer of stress. Throughout your case, your Lafayette car accident lawyer will provide you with guidance, answer your questions, and keep you informed about the progress of your case. You won’t have to face the challenges alone.
Why Choose Dudley DeBosier for Your Car Accident Case
At Dudley DeBosier, we understand how overwhelming the aftermath of a car accident can be. That’s why we’re committed to providing exceptional legal representation and a client-first approach in every case we handle. Here’s what sets us apart:
Proven Track Record
Our team has a history of obtaining significant settlements and verdicts for car accident victims. We’ve helped clients recover millions of dollars in compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Personalized Attention
At Dudley DeBosier, we know that every client’s situation is unique. That’s why we take the time to listen to your concerns, understand your needs, and craft a legal strategy tailored specifically to your case. You’re not just a case number—you’re part of our family, and we’re here to provide the support and guidance you deserve.
You Pay Us Nothing Unless You Win
We believe everyone deserves access to quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation. That’s why you won’t pay us upfront. Our fee is contingent on outcome, which ensures that you can focus on your recovery while we focus on getting you the compensation you need.
Experienced Trial Lawyers
Our team of experienced trial lawyers is fully prepared to present a compelling case in front of a judge and jury, ensuring that you have the best possible chance of securing maximum compensation.
Contact Our Lafayette Car Accident Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, don’t wait to seek legal help. The sooner you contact our experienced Lafayette car accident lawyers, the sooner we can start building a strong case on your behalf.
At Dudley DeBosier, we’re dedicated to fighting for justice and ensuring that your rights are protected. Our team is ready to provide you with the compassionate, results-driven representation you deserve.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation—there’s no risk, only the potential for justice and compensation.
This content has been reviewed by Chad Lederman of Dudley DeBosier’s New Orleans office.
