Experienced Pursuit Of Car Accident Compensation
Last updated on February 5, 2025
Since 1999, my firm, the Law Office of Alan Stegall, has offered diligent and effective service to those who have been seriously injured in car wrecks. I have also worked for the families of wrongful death victims to get them the compensation they need following their tragic loss.
I take pride in offering my clients help for complex legal problems, such as proving negligence in car accident cases or truck accidents. Contact the Law Office of Alan Stegall at 318-386-4371.
Car Wrecks Are Common, But What Caused Your Crash?
Over 40,000 Americans die in car accidents each year, and hundreds of thousands suffer lasting injuries. Many of these car crashes are caused by irresponsible behavior. Drivers have the duty to exercise reasonable caution when they are behind the wheel of a car.
As your attorney, my role is to hold negligent drivers and other entities accountable for:
- Reckless driving – Racing, excessive speed, illegal passing
- Careless driving – Changing lanes, pulling into traffic, failing to yield
- Distracting driving – Talking on a cell phone or texting, reaching down, attending to passengers/children
- Impaired driving – Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Driver fatigue – Falling asleep or being too tired to operate the vehicle safely
- Automobile defects – Flaws in a car’s design or manufacturing that cause an accident
- Dangerously constructed roads – Flaws in a road’s design or construction that contribute to an accident
- Poorly maintained roads – Negligent maintenance of traffic signs/signals, guard rails, road signs, obstructed views, construction materials, etc.
Contacting an attorney as soon as possible after a collision is important to preserving evidence and witness testimony. It is also critical to seek medical attention promptly. Your injuries may be more serious than you think, and medical documentation is very important in establishing monetary damages.
Determining Liability In A Car Accident
Navigating a personal injury claim in Louisiana can be complex. One of the key issues is determining who is liable for the accident.
Louisiana courts follow the law of comparative negligence. Compensation awards are based on levels of fault. So, if one party is 10% to blame and the total damages awarded are $100,000, they could be awarded up to $90,000.
Unlike many other states, Louisiana does not cap damages based on fault. So, even if an individual is more than 50% to blame for the accident, they would still be entitled to compensation.
As with all personal injury cases, negligence is key. A driver may be deemed negligent if they were speeding, intoxicated, distracted or engaged in any other kind of careless driving. Contacting an attorney in Shreveport, Louisiana, can help you determine liability in your situation.
What Compensation Can You Receive For A Car Wreck?
If you have been injured in a car accident in Louisiana, you can claim compensation for both your economic and noneconomic losses. Economic losses include things like your medical expenses and lost wages, while noneconomic losses include things like your diminished quality of life.
At the Law Office of Alan Stegall, a personal injury lawyer in Shreveport can help you pursue financial compensation for things like:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Fractures
- Back and neck damage
- Internal injuries
- Vision and hearing loss
It’s important to note that you may also be able to pursue compensation for emotional injuries. These include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety and other psychological conditions. Booking a consultation with a lawyer in Shreveport will help you clarify the types of awards in damages you may be entitled to.
The Process Of Starting A Car Accident Lawsuit With An Experienced Shreveport Car Wreck Lawyer
If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Shreveport, navigating the legal aftermath can be daunting. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to initiate a car accident lawsuit with a seasoned Shreveport car wreck lawyer, ensuring you understand your rights and the necessary actions to secure compensation.
1. Initial Consultation: Understanding Your Case
The first step is to schedule a consultation with a Shreveport car wreck lawyer. During this meeting, you’ll discuss the specifics of your accident. It is important to bring any documents related to your accident, such as a police report, medical records and photographs of the scene and damage. Your lawyer will evaluate these details to understand the accident’s context and your injuries, guiding the strategy for your case.
2. Filing A Complaint: Launching The Lawsuit
Your lawyer will draft and file a complaint with the appropriate court. This document formally starts the lawsuit process and outlines your allegations against the defendant, detailing how their actions led to the accident and your subsequent injuries. It also specifies the compensation you are seeking. Once filed, this complaint must be officially delivered to the defendant, marking their involvement in the lawsuit.
3. Discovery Phase: Exchanging Evidence
Following the filing, both parties enter the discovery phase. During this period, your lawyer and the defendant’s legal team will exchange evidence that supports each side’s claims. This includes sharing documents like medical records and employment records to substantiate claims of injuries and financial losses. Depositions, or sworn testimonies, are taken from witnesses and involved parties to gather detailed information about the incident.
4. Negotiating Settlements: Resolving The Case Early
Most car accident cases in Shreveport are resolved through settlements without going to trial. Your lawyer will negotiate with the defendant’s insurance company on your behalf, aiming to reach an agreement that adequately compensates for your damages. You are not obligated to accept initial offers, and your lawyer will advise you on whether to hold out for a better deal or proceed to trial.
5. Going To Trial: Advocating In Court
If a satisfactory settlement cannot be reached, your case may go to trial. In court, your lawyer will present evidence and argue your case, demonstrating how the defendant’s negligence caused your injuries. This phase is critical, and having a skilled lawyer by your side ensures that your case is compellingly presented to the jury or judge.
What Roles Do Insurance Companies Play?
Most car accident claims are eventually resolved through negotiations with the liable party’s insurance company. The average person does not understand how to value their claim, so it is critically important to have legal representation to handle those negotiations. Otherwise, you may be tricked into taking a lowball offer.
Your Attorney Will Ensure That You Adhere To Deadlines With Timely Action
It’s important to act swiftly when you are injured. Louisiana law requires that a car accident lawsuit be filed within one year of the accident date. Delaying beyond this period can invalidate your claim, regardless of its merits. Your lawyer will ensure all documents are filed on time and keep the process on track. The duration of a car accident lawsuit in Shreveport can vary significantly based on several factors, including the complexity of the case and the level of cooperation of all parties involved.
While some cases settle in a matter of months, others could go to trial and extend over several years. Your lawyer will actively push for a timely resolution. However, it is important to prepare for a potentially lengthy process. Understanding that legal proceedings, especially gathering evidence and negotiation phases, take time will help set realistic expectations for the resolution of your case.
Common Delays And Issues That Your Attorney Will Help You With
Several issues could delay resolution in your case. Common challenges include:
- Difficulty obtaining all necessary medical records
- Discrepancies in witness testimonies
- Prolonged negotiations with insurance companies aiming to lower settlement amounts
- The other party may employ stalling tactics to prolong the case.
Being aware of these potential hurdles allows your lawyer to address them proactively, keeping your case moving forward and focusing on securing the compensation you deserve. Your lawyer will keep you informed and strategize to counteract any delays, ensuring your case proceeds as smoothly as possible.
Starting a car accident lawsuit in Shreveport involves detailed preparation and strict adherence to procedural norms. With an experienced and skilled car wreck lawyer from Shreveport, you can navigate this challenging process with confidence, aiming for a resolution that acknowledges your hardships and compensates your losses.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents
Being in a car accident can be an extremely traumatic experience for anyone. If you or your loved one has been involved in a car accident, it is not unusual to have some questions. Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions related to car accidents and how an attorney can help you through the process: