Car accidents are common in southern Louisiana due to the number of automobiles, motorcycles, trucks, and other vehicles that travel our roads each day. When you or a family member is injured in a Lafayette car accident, you need a personal injury attorney who is dedicated to protecting your rights and preventing the insurance company from delaying, denying, or undervaluing your claim.
The personal injury lawyers of Matt & Allen work diligently to prove the other driver was at fault for the accident and, therefore, you are entitled to receive a fair and just settlement for your losses and damages.
What is the difference between fault and no fault car accidents?
Each state throughout the country has specific laws that govern automobile accidents. Some states use the “no fault system” for compensating accident victims while other states use the “at-fault system” to decide personal injury claims. In a no fault state, all drivers are required to obtain no-fault insurance in the minimum amount required by state law. Regardless of who is negligent or at fault for the car accident, the parties recover compensation for their injuries from their no-fault insurance policy.
States with no-fault insurance believe this is a more efficient and effective manner to compensate injury victims. An accident victim is only permitted to sue a negligent or at-fault driver in very specific circumstances after depleting the limits of his or her no-fault insurance policy.
Louisiana is an “at fault” state with regard to automobile accidents. In other words, the negligent driver who caused the accident is responsible for the payment of damages to the other driver. Recoverable damages in a car accident include actual economic damages (i.e. property damage, lost wages, medical expenses, etc.) and compensation for non-economic damages (i.e. physical pain and emotional suffering). For this reason, it is extremely important that you retain an experienced personal injury attorney to assist you with determining who is at-fault and responsible for your damages.
How do you know if the car accident is my fault?
Determining fault for an automobile accident can sometimes be a complex and complicated endeavor. In the case of a car turning left in front of you or a rear-end collision, fault for the accident may be clear; however, this is not always the case. Our attorneys understand the process of determining fault for an accident. We begin with a thorough accident investigation that includes inspecting the accident scene, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing police reports.
If fault is still in question, we have experts who reconstruct the accident to prove that the other driver is at fault and you are entitled to compensation for your damages and injuries. Assigning fault for the accident to the other driver is essential for you to receive a fair and just settlement; therefore, do not trust this critical step to a less experienced law firm.
Should I admit fault for the car crash?
No, you should never admit fault at the accident scene or at any time after the accident. The insurance company may attempt to obtain a recorded or written statement to “process your claim” but this is only a tactic to get you to admit fault. Do not discuss your Louisiana automobile accident with an insurance adjuster, attorney, or other representative for the other driver until you have consulted with the attorneys at the Law Office of Matt & Allen.
Contact a Lafayette, LA Auto Accident Attorney
The personal injury attorneys at the Law Office of Matt & Allen have over 50 years of combined experience assisting injured victims receive the compensation they deserve after being injured in a vehicle crash. Contact our office by calling 337-237-1000 or online to schedule your free consultation with an experienced, knowledgeable, and compassionate personal injury attorney.
