If you were hurt in a side-impact accident in Lafayette, LA, you may be able to build a case against the motorist who hit you and hold them legally responsible for the collision. A Lafayette side-impact collisions lawyer may be able to represent you throughout the legal process. We can help you understand all you need to know about protecting your rights, gathering evidence needed for your claim, quantifying your losses, and filing a claim within the legal timeframe for personal injury cases.
For assistance with a side-impact car accident, contact the Morris Bart law firm today for a free consultation. Our offices can be reached at (337) 446-4571.
The Dangers of Side-Impact Crashes
Side-impact collisions most often occur when things go awry at an intersection. This can happen when a driver runs a stop sign, proceeds out of turn at a stop sign, ignores a traffic signal, fails to yield the right-of-way, or otherwise breaks a traffic law that leads to two vehicles colliding. Because of the way these cars generally hit, side-impact accidents are sometimes known as “t-bone” or “broadside” accidents.
Side-impact accidents are extremely dangerous, with almost a quarter of all fatal traffic accidents in 2018 being t-bone collisions, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). This is because vehicle designs do not allow for the same strong crumple zones or safety features that the front or rear of a car would. The federal safety standards for the driver side and passenger side of a vehicle are set by 49 CFR 571.214.
Side airbags, foam in the doors, and reinforced side panels make these accidents safer than they may have been in the past, but many victims still suffer serious personal injuries. If you were a victim in this type of accident and believe another driver’s careless actions caused it, contact the Morris Bart law firm in Lafayette at (337) 446-4571 to discuss your accident with a member of our legal team.
For a free legal consultation with a Side-Impact Collisions lawyer serving Lafayette, call (337) 446-4571
How a Side-Impact Collisions Attorney Can Help You
We represent injured parties who incurred expenses and losses because of another person’s negligent acts. This may include intentional, careless, or reckless actions. For example, if another driver failed to yield the right-of-way when turning left at a green light and turned in front of you, you may be able to pursue damages by taking action against that driver. We may be able to manage your insurance claim against their auto liability policy or file a personal injury lawsuit in a Lafayette Parish court.
A Lafayette side-impact collisions lawyer can help you take legal action against the driver who caused your broadside accident if you can prove that the motorist acted negligently. If you qualify, we will offer to handle your insurance claim or other legal action based on contingency fees. You will not need to pay our accident attorneys for the services you receive unless we secure financial recovery for you.
You can count on our team to go to work for you quickly if you choose to retain our office for your case. We will protect your rights and seek a payout based on your recoverable damages. The steps we will take to protect your case include:
- Managing all communication with the insurance company.
- Preparing you for any statements you need to make to the insurance company or the court.
- Representing you in all court hearings and documents.
- Ensuring we meet all statutory and administrative deadlines as they apply in your case.
A member of our legal team can answer your general questions, discuss the details of your accident as well as the legal options available to you today.
Determining Damages in a Side-Impact Car Accident
Before we file a claim on behalf of our clients, we take steps to identify the expenses and losses they experienced as a result of the accident. This often includes a number of current and future damages, such as financial expenses and losses, and intangible losses. We use the evidence of these damages to put a fair settlement value on our client’s case and use this value to negotiate an agreement when possible.
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Economic Damages
- Treatment, medical expenses, and related care
- Lost income and future lost income from reduced earning capacity
- Property damages
- Miscellaneous out-of-pocket expenses
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Other non-economic damages
In some cases, we can also help surviving immediate family members secure wrongful death damages after their loved one dies because of their accident injuries.
Louisiana Law Limits Your Time to Take Legal Action
Louisiana has a one-year time limit on filing a civil action against a driver who caused you to sustain personal injuries and incur expenses in a Lafayette broadside collision. This time limit is set under Louisiana Civil Code (CC) §3492.
If the civil court does not receive the necessary paperwork naming the at-fault driver as a defendant in a personal injury lawsuit before this deadline arrives, in most cases, you will likely be unable to file this paperwork at a later date. You will effectively lose the right to hold them responsible for your accident and injuries.
Contact the Office of a Side-Impact Collisions Lawyer in Lafayette to Learn More Today
A Lafayette side-impact collisions lawyer understands how these accidents occur, the severity of the injuries, and the steps victims need to take to hold the liable motorist responsible. We cannot accept every case but may be able to help you if we believe you qualify. Let our legal team evaluate your options and explain your rights.
Contact the Morris Bart law firm in Lafayette by calling (337) 446-4571 today to get started. Our consultations are free for injured drivers and occupants following an accident.
Questions?Call (337) 446-4571
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
