If your traffic accident occurred because of a reckless driver, you might be able to recover compensation by filing a liability insurance claim or civil suit against them. A Lafayette reckless driving lawyer can help you develop your case if you qualify. Our legal team will evaluate the merits of your case and your right to pursue compensation for free.
If we believe you can hold the reckless driver legally responsible for your injuries and damages, we will represent you and navigate the claims process on your behalf. You can learn more during a free consultation today; call the Morris Bart law firm in Lafayette Parish at (337) 446-4571.
Reckless Driving Accidents Can Bring Criminal and Civil Actions Against the At-Fault Party
Reckless driving, especially if it causes an accident, brings with it criminal penalties. If the courts determine a driver is guilty of driving recklessly, they will face the consequences of Louisiana Revised Statutes (RS) §14:99.
A first offense includes:
- A fine of up to $200; or
- A jail sentence of up to 90 days; or
- Both a fine and a jail sentence
Second and subsequent offenses bring additional penalties, such as:
- A fine of between $25 to $500; or
- A jail sentence of ten days to six months; or
- Both
A criminal penalty does little to help you recover from your injuries—physically or financially. Instead, the state has a law against the careless operation of a vehicle under RS §32:58 to protect the public and property. This statute requires you to prove that the reckless driver’s negligence caused your accident and personal injuries. There are four factors necessary to prove negligence.
- The driver had an obligation to follow traffic laws and avoid reckless or careless behaviors.
- The driver failed to drive safely.
- The driver’s actions caused your accident and injuries.
- You have physical injuries as well as financial losses as a result.
It is important to note that you may be able to recover compensation even if the driver does not face reckless driving or careless operation allegations or if they win their criminal case. To learn more, talk to a team member from our office today by calling (337) 446-4571. Our case evaluations are always free.
For a free legal consultation with a Reckless Driving Accident lawyer serving Lafayette, call 800-537-8185
Gathering Evidence to Support Your Reckless Driving Accident Claim
A Lafayette reckless driving lawyer will seek compensation on your behalf if we agree that your case has merit. We know what it takes to prove this type of accident case, including documenting the at-fault driver’s reckless or careless behavior behind the wheel. We believe you should not have to pay for the expenses you incurred when you were not the one who caused the accident.
We need to collect documentation and evidence to present to the reckless driver’s insurance carrier or in court to ensure they understand your case. This evidence includes what happened, who caused it, and the damages you experienced as a result. The steps we will take on your behalf in this situation include:
- Requesting copies of the crash report and other related documentation
- Interviewing eyewitnesses
- Surveying and photographing the scene
- Gathering and looking at the physical evidence in the case
- Working with accident reconstruction specialists
- Obtaining your relevant medical records
- Documenting your expenses, losses, and intangible damages
Depending on the facts of your accident case, the Morris Bart law firm may be able to represent you and handle your insurance settlement negotiations. Contact our law office for your complimentary consultation.
In addition to serving accident victims from our Lafayette office, we have locations across the Gulf South. There are 16 offices in total throughout Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Arkansas.
Pursuing Damages After a Reckless Driving Accident in Lafayette
Our law office will seek damages based on the losses and expenses you experienced due to your accident and injuries. The value of the recoverable damages we pursue can vary widely and depends on the losses you experienced.
Some of the recoverable damages we may pursue in your reckless driving accident case include:
- Medical care and related expenses, both current and future
- Current and future lost income
- Diminished capacity to earn a living
- Car repairs and property damages
- Loss of services
- Pain and suffering
- Other non-economic damages
We also seek wrongful death damages for family members who qualify to take this type of legal action. If your loved one died because of a reckless driving accident, you might be entitled to compensation. Contact our office for a free consultation today.
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Your Time Is Limited to Take Legal Action Against the Reckless Driver
Louisiana Civil Code (CC) §3492 provides a one-year time limit for taking legal action in most car accident cases, including cases based on reckless or careless driving. If we do not file a personal injury lawsuit in a Lafayette Parish civil court or in another jurisdiction before the first anniversary of your accident, it may be difficult to recover any compensation from the insurer, and we will likely be barred from going to court.
Get Help from a Reckless Driving Accident Attorney in Lafayette
A Lafayette reckless driving lawyer from the Morris Bart law firm wants to help you seek compensation for the damages you suffered. If we think we can hold the reckless driver accountable and secure compensation for you through an auto liability insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit, we will likely offer to handle this process on your behalf. You can focus on getting treatment, completing rehabilitation, and taking care of other important tasks while we handle all aspects of your legal case.
To learn if you qualify, discuss your case with a member of our team for free today. Call (337) 446-4571 to get started.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
