If you were hurt when a careless driver hit you from behind in Calcasieu Parish, a Lake Charles rear end collisions attorney from the Morris Bart law firm is here to help. We know what it takes to prove a rear end accident and reach a negotiated settlement for our client. We believe they should not have to pay out of their pocket for injuries and damages they did not cause.
Our accident lawyers review crash cases and file claims for victims. We work to recover fair and appropriate compensation after rear end accidents. We may be able to help you or a family member hurt after a collision in Lake Charles or greater Calcasieu Parish.
Steps We Will Take to Build Your Rear End Collision Case
The Morris Bart law firm has worked for car accident victims for more than 40 years. We had successful recoveries for 6,500 people in 2019, including both settlements and verdicts. This includes several rear end car accidents and many other personal injury cases.
A rear end collisions lawyer may be able to help you resolve your claim and get the justice you deserve. We take steps for our clients, including:
- Investigating accidents
- Gathering evidence and developing claims
- Presenting supporting evidence and demanding payout
- Negotiating an appropriate settlement
- Representing our clients’ best interests and managing all communications for them
- Suing and presenting their case to the judge and jury if necessary
The areas we serve include all of Louisiana and Alabama, Arkansas, and Mississippi. We have eight offices in Louisiana alone. This includes our Lake Charles location at:
3307 Ryan Street
Lake Charles, LA 70601
We represent our clients based on a contingency fee. Our attorneys get paid from the settlement or court award, not from the clients’ pockets.
For a free legal consultation with a Rear-End Collisions lawyer serving Lake Charles, call (337) 377-0514
Victims of Rear End Accidents Can Recover Money Damages
When we file an auto liability insurance claim for our client following a rear end accident, we demand the insurer pay an appropriate settlement for our client. We know how much this should be based on our calculation of the case’s value. This is a sum of their economic damages, likely future damages, and intangible losses. Examples include:
- Medical transport, treatment, and follow-up care
- Future and ongoing care and support costs
- Lost wages and income
- Diminished earning capacity
- Property damages
- Miscellaneous expenses related to the accident
- Pain and suffering damages
- Emotional distress
Industry norms are used to determine the value of non-economic losses, including pain and suffering damages. In addition, experts usually help us put a price on the potential future expenses and losses the client will face based on their prognosis, ongoing care, and future treatment needs.
Wrongful Death Damages for Losing a Loved One
Our lawyers accept wrongful death claims for families who lost loved ones in rear end crashes. Contrary to common belief, rear end accidents are sometimes severe, and injuries can be life-threatening. When someone dies from their injuries, La. Civ. Code Art. 2315.2 allows for financial recovery for certain family members. This includes:
- Medical bills
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Lost income
- The cost of services previously performed at home by the decedent
- Intangible damages suffered by survivors
Building a Case for Financial Recovery After Being Rear Ended
Like any other traffic collision, rear end crashes require victims to prove what happened, who is responsible, and the damages they caused. Almost all traffic accidents, including rear end crashes, occur because of negligence. There are four elements required to show negligence occurred:
- The driver had a duty to leave safe following distance or stop
- They failed to do so
- This led to a collision
- The victim has financial, physical, and emotional injuries.
When it comes to rear end collisions, there are usually reasons behind why the driver did not stop in time or leave a safe distance between them and the vehicle in front of them. While it is not necessary to prove one or more reasons, it can bolster the case for our client. This could include:
- Distracted driving
- Drunk or drugged driving
- Drowsy driving
- Prescription or over-the-counter medications
- Texting or talking on the phone
- Speeding
The injuries in rear end collisions can be more serious than many realize, so building strong support for these claims is essential. Many of our clients in these accidents suffer:
- Back and neck injuries
- Whiplash, which can lead to chronic pain
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal injuries
- Bruises and abrasions
They may have long-term or life-long effects from their accident injuries. Even those who do not suffer serious injuries will likely have medical bills, lost wages, vehicle repairs, and pain and suffering. Anyone hurt in an accident caused by another driver has a right to seek compensation.
Under La. Civ. Code Art. 2323, victims can seek money damages even if they contributed to the accident or injuries somehow. However, this could reduce the value of the claim. Therefore, we work to mitigate any effect on the client’s case and counter any allegations of wrongdoing.
If necessary, our trial lawyers will sue to recover damages for our client following a rear end collision. We usually have up to one year to start this process under La. Civ. Code Art. 3492. Some circumstances could reduce your time further.
Click to contact our Lake Charles Car Accident Attorney today
Learn More By Contacting a Rear End Collisions Lawyer Today
A rear end accident lawyer from the Morris Bart law firm will review your case for free. You can find out about your legal options for pursuing compensation and how we will help during your complimentary consultation. Our law firm represents victims of rear end accidents in Calcasieu Parish and other areas of southwest Louisiana.
Call (337) 377-0514 to get started with your free evaluation.
Questions?Call (337) 377-0514
to find a Morris Bart office near you.