Car Accident Lawyer in Metairie, LA

Fighting for the Injured Across Jefferson Parish, Southwest and Southeast Louisiana 

Car accidents stand as the predominant cause of personal injury claims in the United States, primarily due to the high volume of vehicles on the roads and the many scenarios that can lead to collisions. 

These incidents not only result in substantial physical harm but also cause considerable emotional and financial distress for victims and their families. The enduring impacts can range from physical disabilities to loss of income, often requiring extensive medical care and rehabilitation.

It’s well-known that insurance companies use various tactics to keep their claim payouts as low as possible. This often results in quick lowball settlement offers to victims, delays in processing claims, and even denials. To fight back against the powerful corporate interests of these companies, you need a persistent and skilled legal advocate.

The Law Office of Ivan J. Thompson works hard to help you secure maximum compensation for your losses and damages in a negligence-based auto accident. Our firm has recovered millions for accident victims since our inception, resulting in countless referrals from satisfied clients. 

We know what to do and how to do it in fighting for your rights and best interests at the negotiation settlement table and in court when necessary.

Request a free initial consultation with our Metairie car accident attorney by calling (985) 531-1945 or submit our online contact form to get started.

What to Do After a Car Accident

• Ensure Safety First: After a car accident, prioritize safety. Check for injuries among all involved parties and, if necessary, call emergency services immediately. If you can safely move your vehicle to the side of the road, do so to prevent further collisions.
• Call the Authorities: Report the accident to local law enforcement. An official police report can provide valuable documentation and serve as evidence when pursuing a claim.
• Document the Scene: Gather and review evidence from the accident scene. Take pictures of all of the vehicles, road conditions, traffic signals, and any visible injuries. These images can support your case later.
• Exchange Information: Collect all contact and insurance details from the other driver(s) involved. This often includes names, phone numbers, addresses, insurance companies, and policy numbers.
• Witness Statements: If there are any witnesses, ask for their contact information and, if possible, gather and review their statements about the incident.
• Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, seeing a doctor is wise. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and having a medical record is essential if you decide to pursue a claim.
• Notify Your Insurance Company: Make sure to report the accident to your insurance provider immediately. Provide them with the necessary details and documentation, but refrain from admitting any fault or discussing specifics about the accident without consulting a lawyer.
• Consult Our Car Accident Lawyer: Consider seeking legal advice as soon as possible. A qualified lawyer can help you navigate the intricacies of the legal system, negotiate with insurance companies, and advocate for your best interests.

Common Causes of Car Accidents

Negligent, inattentive, and aggressive drivers can cause all types of traffic accidents that can lead to the injuries of others and the need for personal injury claims. These claims generally involve the at-fault driver’s insurer, which investigates and determines what it will pay in damages to injured parties.

Typical causes of these accidents include:

• Distracted driving: This includes any activity that diverts attention from driving, such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, or using in-car technologies.
• Speeding: Exceeding the speed limit or driving too fast for the road conditions increases the chances of losing control and the severity of a collision.
• Drunk driving: Alcohol impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction times, making drunk driving a significant contributor to roadway accidents.
• Weather conditions: Poor weather conditions such as rain, snow, ice, or fog can reduce visibility and traction, leading to accidents.
• Running red lights: Disobeying traffic signals can cause severe intersection collisions.
• Violating other traffic laws: These violations range from improper lane changes to tailgating, failing to yield, rolling through stop signs, and more, all of which can lead to collisions.
• Driver fatigue: A fatigued driver has reduced alertness and slower reaction times, similar to someone who is intoxicated.

These behaviors and others can result in head-on collisions, rear-end accidents, T-bone or side-impact crashes, and multi-vehicle pileups on roads such as Highway 90 and Interstate 10. 

Common Car Accident Injuries

Those involved in a car accident can sustain injuries ranging from minor to severe. These can include minor scrapes and bruises to more serious harm, such as whiplash, concussions, broken bones, internal injuries, and more. 

In the worst cases, catastrophic injuries can occur, causing long-term or permanent disability, such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, severe burns, and loss of limbs. 

In all cases, engaging a knowledgeable lawyer is pivotal in navigating the complexities of the legal process to ensure fair compensation. 

Damages in Louisiana Car Accident Claims

Victims seeking compensation through car accident claims may be entitled to recover damages for various losses. 

The Law Office of Ivan J. Thompson meticulously evaluates and pursues the full extent of compensation to which clients are entitled, which can include: 

• Medical expenses: Compensation for past, current, and future healthcare costs, including hospital stays, surgeries, medications, medical devices, and rehabilitative therapy.
• Lost wages: Reimbursement for income lost due to the inability to work following the accident and potential loss of future earning capacity.
• Pain and suffering: Damages for the physical pain and discomfort experienced due to the injuries sustained.
• Emotional distress: Compensation for psychological impact such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following the accident.
• Loss of consortium: In cases of severe injury, compensation can be sought for the impact on the relationship with a spouse or partner.
• Property damage: Reimbursement for vehicle repair or replacement and any other personal property damaged in the accident.
• Punitive damages: In cases of egregious negligence or intentional misconduct, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future.
• Wrongful death: In the tragic event of a fatality, certain family members can seek damages for loss of companionship, funeral expenses, and more.

Each case is unique, and the specific damages applicable will depend on the individual circumstances of the accident and the extent of the injuries incurred.

Louisiana Statute of Limitations

In Louisiana, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is exceptionally tight compared to other states. You have only one year from the date of the car accident to initiate a lawsuit. 

This is known as the “prescriptive period” in Louisiana law. It calls for swift action for car accident victims seeking justice and compensation for their injuries. If you delay your claim beyond this period, you will generally lose your right to seek compensation. 

Acting quickly is crucial to preserving evidence, securing witness testimonies, and formulating a robust case. Our firm can take all those actions to build your claim for optimum results.

How to Prove Negligence

To prove negligence, you must indicate the following elements:

• Duty of Care: The first step in proving negligence is to verify that the other driver had a legal responsibility to drive safely and follow traffic laws. All drivers owe a duty of care to others on the road, which includes pedestrians and other motorists.
• Breach of Duty: Next, you must show that the other driver breached that duty. This can occur through actions such as distracted driving, speeding, driving under the influence, or disregarding traffic signals. Evidence like police reports, witness statements, and photographs can help demonstrate the breach.
• Causation: It’s important to establish a direct link between the other driver’s negligence and the accident. This means demonstrating that their actions that are directly caused the crash and any resulting injuries. This often involves analyzing the circumstances surrounding the accident and the injuries sustained.
• Damages: Lastly, you must demonstrate that you suffered damages as a result of the accident. This includes medical expenses, lost earnings, property damage, and pain and suffering. Documentation of your injuries, medical treatment, and financial losses will be vital in substantiating your claim.