Lafayette Car Accident Lawyer

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Serious car accidents come out of the blue, catching victims off guard and leaving them unsure of what to do. At the Law Offices of Richard R. Kennedy, our Lafayette car accident lawyers understand how overwhelming it is to deal with everything that comes after a crash. From mounting medical bills to confusing insurance paperwork, victims are often left unsure of where to turn.

Our firm has been helping individuals and families in Acadiana for decades, guiding them through the process of their car accident claim while protecting their rights under Louisiana law.

When your next steps are critical, the Law Offices of Richard R. Kennedy can take action and handle every aspect of a car accident case.

Generations of Louisianans have depended on our Lafayette, LA, practice for professional, thorough, and aggressive representation.

About Us

For more than six decades, the Law Offices of Richard R. Kennedy has been committed to providing fearless, meticulous, and dedicated legal representation. From day one, we’ve stood alongside our clients, advocating for fair compensation and justice in the face of insurance companies and large corporations.

Every case we handle is treated with both tenacity and respect, ensuring our clients receive not only aggressive representation but also the personalized attention they deserve. Over the years, we’ve helped countless individuals secure millions in settlements and verdicts, always staying true to our core values of integrity and client care.

Rooted in a legacy that spans five generations, the Law Offices of Richard R. Kennedy honors our history while bringing modern legal strategies to every case.

Louisiana’s Trusted Trial Lawyersfor the Seriously Injured

Why You Need a Lafayette Car Accident Attorney

In 2023, 2.44 million people were injured in car accidents across America, and though the average liability claim that same year was $26,001, the average cost of non-lethal accidents totaled $162,000.

Car accidents are an unfortunate part of daily life in Lafayette and across the Acadiana region. With so much traffic flowing through busy roads like Johnston Street, Ambassador Caffery Parkway, and I-10, it’s not surprising that crashes are common. An experienced Lafayette car accident attorney can help with:

  • Protecting your rights. Insurance companies often push quick settlements that don’t cover the full scope of your losses.
  • Comprehensive case evaluation. We look at your immediate needs and the long-term impacts of your injuries.
  • Accident investigation. From police reports to witness statements, we gather and preserve important evidence.
  • Negotiation and litigation. Whether at the settlement table or in court, we fight to secure maximum compensation.

At the Law Offices of Richard R. Kennedy, our job is to handle the legalities so you can focus on healing. While you concentrate on recovery, we’re fighting for the fair compensation and justice you need to move forward with confidence.

The Time to File a Lawsuit Is Short

Unfortunately, the statute of limitations is short in Louisiana. In most cases, you have only two years from the date of a car accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This is why our car accident lawyers begin work immediately, personally taking on your injury claim and meticulously building a case.

Contact Our Lafayette Offices

What to Do After an Accident: Quick Checklist

The moments following a car accident can be chaotic and stressful, but knowing what exact steps to take can protect your health, your legal rights, and your ability to recover damages. While every accident is different, following a clear checklist can make sure you don’t overlook important actions that could affect your claim.

Being prepared with a plan can make a confusing situation more manageable and help set the foundation for a successful recovery. The steps to follow include:

  • Call 911 immediately.
  • Get medical attention, even if injuries seem minor.
  • Exchange information with the other driver.
  • Take photos of the scene, vehicles, and injuries.
  • Get witness contact details.
  • Notify your insurance company.
  • Contact a Lafayette car accident attorney before giving any statements.

Taking the right steps immediately after an accident can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim. At the Law Offices of Richard R. Kennedy, we guide our clients through these important first steps and provide ongoing support throughout the claims process. With our help, you can protect your rights and pursue the compensation you need to move forward.

What a Car Accident Claim Involves in Lafayette

A car accident claim is basically a request for compensation when someone else’s negligence causes you harm or financial loss. In Lafayette, most claims start with filing paperwork with an insurance company, but if a fair settlement isn’t offered, the case then moves to court. The process involves collecting evidence, documenting medical treatment, and negotiating with insurance companies to make sure you get the compensation you deserve.

Step-by-Step: The Car Accident Claim Process

Between medical appointments, car repairs, and calls from insurance adjusters, the car accident claims process can quickly become confusing. That’s why breaking it down into clear steps can make things feel more manageable. Those steps include:

  • Medical documentation and ongoing treatment, including tracking your progress, following doctor recommendations, and keeping detailed records for the claim.
  • Hiring an experienced car accident attorney.
  • Evidence review and investigation. Beyond photos and police reports, our team can consult accident reconstruction professionals, gather witness statements, and review traffic camera footage.
  • Claim preparation and demand. This includes calculating damages, drafting a formal settlement demand, and presenting it to the insurance company.
  • Negotiation and settlement discussions. Engaging in back-and-forth with the insurance company to try to reach fair compensation.
  • Filing a claim if necessary. If negotiations fail, our team can initiate litigation, including court filings and pre-trial procedures.
  • Trial and judgment. We will help you prepare for and participate in trial if a settlement can’t be reached.

At the Law Offices of Richard R. Kennedy, we walk our clients through every stage of the process, handling all the legalities so you can focus on healing and rebuilding your life.

Types of Car Accidents

In a busy city like Lafayette, certain types of crashes happen more often than others. Understanding the most common types of accidents in our community is the first step toward recognizing how to protect your rights if you’ve been involved in one. The personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Richard R. Kennedy in Lafayette handle a variety of scenarios when it comes to car accidents and property damage, including:

  • Distracted Driving
  • Left-Hand Turn Accidents
  • Rear-End Collisions
  • SUV Rollover Accidents happen, especially when taking sharp turns or driving at high speeds.
  • Texting and Driving Accidents
  • Rear-end collisions are often caused by distracted or tailgating drivers.
  • T-bone accidents frequently happen at intersections where a driver ignores traffic signals.
  • Head-on collisions are among the most dangerous and often fatal types of wrecks.
  • Hit-and-run crashes occur when drivers leave the scene and complicate insurance claims.
  • Drunk driving accidents often result in catastrophic harm.
  • Rideshare accidents are increasingly common with services like Uber and Lyft.

Every car accident has its own story, but many share patterns that point to negligence. At the Law Offices of Richard R. Kennedy, we’ve seen firsthand how these accidents affect families, and we’re here to provide the support, guidance, and advocacy you need.

Common Car Accident Injuries

Even a minor crash on a Lafayette roadway can cause injuries that disrupt your daily life. Because every accident is different, the types and severity of injuries can vary, but some happen more often than others. Common injuries include:

  • Whiplash and other soft tissue injuries
  • Fractures and broken bones, which could require surgery
  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), which lead to long-term cognitive and physical impairment
  • Spinal cord injuries, which could cause paralysis
  • Cuts, burns, and internal injuries that might require ongoing treatment

At the Law Offices of Richard R. Kennedy, we understand the challenges that come with recovering from serious injuries, and we’re here to fight for the resources and compensation you need to rebuild your life.

Louisiana Car Accident Laws

Car accident cases in Louisiana aren’t just about what happened at the scene — they’re also shaped by the state’s unique legal rules. For someone already dealing with injuries and stress after a crash, having a clear understanding of the key car accident laws in Louisiana is important when trying to protect your rights and pursue fair compensation. Louisiana has several unique car accident laws that directly impact your case, including:

  • Comparative fault. Louisiana follows a pure comparative fault system. So, if you’re partly at fault in a crash, you can recover damages, but your case award will be reduced by your percentage of responsibility.
  • Statute of limitations. In most car accident cases, you have a limited time from the date of the crash to file a claim. Missing this deadline can prevent you from pursuing any legal claim.
  • Insurance requirements. Drivers in Louisiana are required to carry minimum liability coverage. This ensures that there’s some financial protection available for injuries to others and property damage in the event of an accident.

Louisiana’s comparative fault rules, insurance requirements, and short deadlines for filing claims make it critical to approach your case with care and precision, as missing even one step could jeopardize your ability to recover damages. That’s why it helps to have an experienced advocate who knows how these laws play out in real-world cases. At the Law Offices of Richard R. Kennedy, we guide our clients through the process and fight for the justice they deserve.

How Is Liability Determined?

Some Cases Are Clear-Cut.

In some types of accidents, it is almost always the other driver’s fault and liability is usually clear-cut. This includes rear-end collisions and accidents caused by drivers making a left turn in front of you. If the other driver was driving while intoxicated (DWI), they will likely be assigned all the liability in a car accident.

Others Are Not.

Liability is not as clear-cut in other cases, and it often turns out that both parties are partially to blame for an accident. Louisiana law uses a pure comparative negligence system in which a certain percentage of blame is assigned to all the parties involved in the accident. For example, let’s assume you were in a two-car accident and it was ruled you were 20% at fault and the other driver was 80% to blame. If you suffered $100,000 in damages, the defendant would owe you $80,000 in damages.

Additional Factors

In addition to filing a case of negligence against the other driver, our lawyers can also determine if other factors played a part in the accident. If they did, it may be possible to hold more parties liable for your losses. For example, we can investigate to determine if a defective part caused the accident or made the outcome worse. In that case, we can file a suit against the manufacturer.

Insurance Companies Fall Short

Insurance companies are not on your side. When you are recovering in the days and weeks after a car accident, it can be tempting to accept an insurance company’s first offer. Unfortunately, these quick settlements usually fall short of what you deserve. We ensure insurance companies come to the table with a fair settlement. If they don’t, we are prepared to take your case to trial.

We Don’t Leave Money on the Table

Our Lafayette law firm starts with the assumption that your case will go to trial. We only explore settlement possibilities that offer fair compensation, and we won’t sell you short by leaving money on the table just for a quicker resolution of your case. We keep you fully informed throughout the process and explain all the legal paperwork and procedures before taking any steps on your behalf.

You Deserve Compensation

After a serious accident, sorting out medical bills and other paperwork to determine your losses can be complicated. Our car accident lawyers take on this burden for you. We’ll calculate all your losses.

Beyond the immediate medical bills, you could be facing time away from work, ongoing treatment, and the stress of trying to make ends meet. In Louisiana, the law allows accident victims to get compensated for these losses through a car accident claim. Understanding the different types of damages that could be available helps ensure you’re not leaving money on the table. Compensation you could be entitled to includes:

  • Medical costs, including emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, and rehabilitation
  • Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
  • Property damage, like repairs to your vehicle or the replacement of your vehicle
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Reduced quality of life.

Recovering damages after a car accident isn’t just about covering the bills; it’s about making sure you have the resources necessary to rebuild your life. At the Law Offices of Richard R. Kennedy, we take the time to carefully calculate the full value of your claim and fight to recover the compensation you truly deserve. Our firm carefully evaluates every potential source of compensation so that nothing is left unclaimed.

Hire a Car Accident Lawyer: Why Local Representation Matters

When it comes to handling a car accident claim in Lafayette, local knowledge matters. We understand that every case has unique challenges, and being familiar with the local courts, judges, and procedures gives our clients a distinct advantage.

At the Law Offices of Richard R. Kennedy, we regularly practice in Lafayette’s 15th Judicial District Court and the City Court of Lafayette, which allows us to anticipate how your case might move through the system and how local judges could approach your accident claim.

We also know the local insurance adjusters, defense attorneys, and medical providers, which helps us build stronger cases so we can negotiate effectively on your behalf.

By hiring us, you’re not just getting a lawyer; you’re gaining a team that knows Lafayette inside and out and is committed to protecting your rights every step of the way. With our guidance, you can feel confident that your case is in capable hands and that we won’t stop fighting until we secure the compensation you deserve.

Contact Us for a Free Consultation Today

Time is of the essence after a car accident. The longer you wait to act, the more opportunity there is for evidence to slip away. The Law Offices of Richard R. Kennedy offer free, no-obligation consultations to clients in Lafayette, New Iberia, and other Louisiana communities so you can quickly learn how to protect your right to full and fair compensation after an accident.

There’s no need to worry about costs. Our car accident lawyers handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you won’t owe us a cent unless we attain compensation for your losses.

(337) 232-1934

Why Choose Our Car Accident Lawyers?

The Law Offices of Richard R. Kennedy have been serving the people of Lafayette, New Iberia, and other Louisiana communities for over 50 years, offering the peace of mind that comes with knowing our attorneys personally step in to handle all the details of your auto accident. Attorneys Richard R. Kennedy and Richard R. Kennedy III have won millions of dollars for injury victims by personally investigating their cases and aggressively representing them.

Our Reputation Precedes Us

The reputation of the Law Offices of Richard R. Kennedy as an aggressive defender of car accident victims’ rights goes a long way towards helping our clients get justice without a lengthy trial. Insurance companies know that we are both prepared and willing to go to court if they do not offer a fair and equitable compensation package. Because of this, our car accident lawyers are very often able to settle out of court.

Discuss Your Situation With An Attorney.

FAQs

Q: How Long Does It Take to Resolve a Car Accident Case in Lafayette?

A: The length of time it takes to resolve a car accident case in Lafayette depends on how complicated your accident is, the severity of your injuries, and whether the case goes to trial or not. Some claims settle in a few months, while others could take over a year. Medical treatment, negotiations with insurance companies, and the schedule of the court can all affect timing. Our car accident attorneys can provide updates and keep your case moving as efficiently as possible.

Q: Can I Still Recover Compensation if the Other Driver Was Uninsured?

A: Yes, you can still recover compensation if the other driver was uninsured, but the process is more complicated. You might be able to go after compensation through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. If you carry this coverage, our attorneys can file a claim under your policy. However, in some cases, other liable parties, like employers or vehicle owners, could be liable and pursued for damages.

Q: What Role Does Alcohol or Drug Impairment Play in a Car Accident Claim?

A: If the other driver was under the influence, it can strengthen your case by establishing negligence. On the other hand, if you were partially impaired, it could reduce the compensation you recover under Louisiana’s comparative fault rules. Our attorneys carefully investigate the circumstances of your accident, including toxicology reports, to accurately assign fault and maximize your potential recovery.

Q: Can I Pursue Compensation if My Accident Involved a Commercial Truck?

A: Yes, you can pursue compensation if your accident involves a commercial truck, but truck accidents often involve federal and state regulations, multiple insurance policies, and commercial company liability. These cases are a lot more complicated than regular car accidents. That’s because more than one party could be liable, and trucking companies often have entire legal teams defending them.

We Fight to Win Fair Compensation

Legal deadlines, medical bills, lost wages, and the pain that lingers after an accident can build up and feel overwhelming. The Law Offices of Richard R. Kennedy in Lafayette, Louisiana, offer the peace of mind that comes with knowing you have diligent, committed car accident attorneys on your side.

Our injury lawyers, Richard R. Kennedy and Richard R. Kennedy III are personally committed to success in every case they take. They have won millions on behalf of injured clients.

If you’re interested in learning more about how our noted car accident attorneys can help you, contact our law firm either by leaving a message online or calling: (337) 232-1934

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Office Location

309 Polk St
Lafayette, LA 70501

Contact Us337-232-1934

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