Car Accident Attorneys in Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Being involved in a car accident is no minor challenge. Imagine you're driving down the road when all of a sudden the person in front of you breaks or the person behind you crashes into you.

These collisions can cause unforeseen physical pain, emotional distress, and financial strain, which can impact your life in various ways. That's where the help of an experienced attorney comes in.  

At the Jones & Mathews Law Firm in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, we are experienced in handling car accident cases, and we provide the legal support and representation you need to help you pursue fair compensation. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, contact us today.  

Our attorneys proudly serve clients throughout Downtown, Southdowns, Mid City North, Westdale Heights, and North Sherwood Forest, and the surrounding areas of Monticello, Merrydale, Westminster, Shenandoah, and Brownfields. 

What Is a Car Accident Claim? 

A car accident claim is a legal process initiated by a victim who has suffered physical injury, property damage, or both, as a result of a car accident. The process involves filing a claim against the at-fault party's insurance company to seek compensation for any damages or injuries caused during the collision.  

Possible Damages You Can Recover 

The compensation that you might be able to receive from a car accident claim can cover a range of expenses, including: 

• Medical expenses, including hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation 

• Lost wages or income from missed work due to the accident 

• Property damage, such as vehicle repairs or replacement 

• Pain and suffering from physical and emotional injuries caused by the accident 

Car accident claims aim to help the victims involved return to the financial position they were in before the accident occurred. Therefore, it's important to consult with a skilled attorney who can advocate for your interests and help uphold your rights. 

Types of Car Accident Cases 

At Jones & Mathews Law Firm, we are experienced in handling various types of car accident claims. Some of the cases we commonly handle include: 

• Rear-end collisions 

• Head-on collisions 

• Side-impact (T-bone) collisions 

• Sideswipe accidents 

• Single-vehicle accidents 

• Multi-vehicle pile-ups 

• Hit-and-run accidents 

• DUI/OWI accidents 

At Jones & Mathews Law Firm, we also handle claims involving uninsured or underinsured drivers. Regardless of the type of accident you're involved in, we're ready to help you get back on your feet. 

What to Do After a Car Accident 

Being involved in a car accident is often an overwhelming and confusing experience, and it can be challenging to know what to do next. If you've been injured in a car accident, it's crucial to take certain steps, as these could significantly influence any subsequent legal or insurance claims: 

1. Prioritize road safety: Immediately following the accident, check whether any of the parties involved are injured. If possible, move your vehicles to a safe place off the road. 

2. Report the accident: Contact law enforcement and report the accident. This is required by Louisiana law if injury or death occurs, or there is over $500 in property damages. Also, obtain a formal copy of the police report for your records. 

3. Gather information: Obtain information from the other drivers, including their names, contact information, driver's license numbers, insurance details, and vehicle registration numbers. If any witnesses are present, obtain their names and contact information as well. 

4. Document the scene: Take photos of the scene of the accident, any property damage, and injuries. Write down what happened immediately after the accident while it is still fresh in your mind and keep these for your records. 

5. Seek medical attention: It's important to seek medical attention immediately after the accident. Some injuries may not exhibit symptoms right away and could lead to significant challenges if left untreated. 

6. Inform your insurance company: Notify your insurance company of the accident as soon as possible. However, it's important to avoid admitting fault or signing any documents without consulting your attorney. 

7. Consult with an attorney: Speak with an experienced car accident attorney before filing any claims or accepting any settlement offers from insurance companies. 

Understanding Car Accident Laws in Louisiana 

In Louisiana, state car accident laws operate under a pure comparative fault system. This means that the amount of compensation an injured party can recover is determined by their percentage of fault for the accident, so long as their degree of fault does not exceed 50%.  

For example, if you were awarded a settlement of $100,000 and were found to be 20% at fault for the accident, your compensation would be reduced by 20%. This means you would only be able to recover up to $80,000. 

Additionally, Louisiana operates as a "fault" or "tort" state. This means that the person who caused the accident is responsible for paying the damages.  

Statute of Limitations 

In Louisiana, the statute of limitations for filing a claim against the at-fault party is one year from the date of the accident for personal injuries or property damage. If you fail to file a claim within this time frame, you will generally forfeit your ability to pursue compensation. 

Louisiana Liability Insurance Law 

According to the Louisiana Department of Insurance, all drivers must carry a minimum amount of liability insurance to cover any damages they may cause in an accident. The state's minimum requirements include: 

• $15,000 in liability coverage for each injured person 

• $30,000 for total bodily injury per accident 

• $25,000 for vehicle or property damage 

For a clear understanding of Louisiana car accident law, speak with an experienced personal injury attorney from Jones & Mathews Law Firm. They can help you work through the claims process and advocate for your legal rights. 

Why Choose Jones & Mathews Law Firm? 

At the Jones & Mathews Law Firm, we have a strong history of successfully handling car accident claims. We are committed to getting the best outcome for every client and working hard to help our clients pursue fair and equitable compensation. 

Beyond our legal knowledge, we provide personalized attention and support to keep our clients informed and involved throughout the process.