Lafayette Head-On Collision Lawyer

Head-on collisions between automobiles account for the most harmful traffic events in the U.S. and lead to approximately 14% of all roadway fatalities annually, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration. A defining factor in head-on collisions is the force with which both automobiles collide. Even with improved vehicle engineering targeted at reducing the effects, the force of impact, varying speeds, and the size of each vehicle contribute to the severity of head-on-collisions.

The goal of Lafayette Car Accident Lawyer is to fight for your fair compensation. To do that, we will:

• Help secure valuable documentation and footage of the accident when it exists
• Work to determine who is liable in an accident
• Ensure the timely filing of all legal paperwork
• Serve as a mediator between clients and the insurance company and explain the options available to a client, including the right to refuse an underestimated settlement offer
• Provide a comprehensive evaluation of all the damages in a head-on collision
• Interview witnesses to the accident
• Negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company or proceed with legal action in court
• Work with expert witnesses to present better the accident and extent of your injuries to a jury if a case goes to court

Receiving care after a head-on collision and completing follow-up care instructions by a physician is vital to recovery. Focusing on health should be your first concern while pursuing the compensation you deserve should be our priority. We understand the struggles you may face and strive to relieve as much of the burden and overwhelm as possible. Scheduling a consultation will allow us to explain what we can do for you.

There are multiple ways of billing clients for legal services in Lafayette. Some lawyers may require payment upfront for their services by charging a retainer and hourly fees. This billing method may create legal debt in addition to the costs of medical care and missed work, with no promise of compensation to cover these expenses.

Instead of retainers and upfront costs, Lafayette Car Accident Lawyer offers a contingency fee structure to provide the services our clients need. A contingency fee means that our services are only paid for when we secure compensation for you. Our service comes with a commitment to your case, and if we do not obtain a settlement for you, you do not have to pay our fees.

The priority after a head-on collision is to seek medical care. While many injuries associated with these incidents are apparent, there are injuries you may suffer that you are not aware of immediately following an accident. Call 911 to alert medical responders and law enforcement of the accident. Take the following actions only if it is safe to do so:

• Take pictures of the accident scene, documenting vehicle damage, injuries, tire marks, road conditions, and any factors that may contribute to an accident investigation.
• Ask for the contact information of the other individuals in the accident, including their insurance company information.
• Collect contact information from any witnesses to the accident.
• Speak with law enforcement about the incident and determine how to obtain an accident report.
• Notify your insurance company.
• Schedule a checkup with your doctor as soon as possible if medical care is not immediately necessary.

Documentation is vital to establishing your claim for damages from a head-on collision. Retain the following information to share with a Lafayette head-on collision lawyer:

• Medical invoices and written care plans
• Medication costs
• Travel costs, including mileage to appointments
• Out-of-pocket costs for the daily activities you usually perform but are unable to complete, such as lawn care or grocery shopping
• Pay stubs reflecting the impact on work attendance
• Auto repair estimates
• Any bills or invoices resulting from your injuries and care

Following up with all recommended medical care, such as rehabilitation, physical therapy, and testing, is essential to demonstrate your commitment to recovery. A Lafayette head-on collision attorney will use your documentation and the evidence our team obtains to assess your claim and provide solid support for your injuries.

We will use the above documentation to prove the economic damages you suffered from the head-on accident. We will also work to ensure fair compensation for the non-economic damages stemming from your crash, which may include:

• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Physical impairment
• Emotional pain or trauma
• Disfigurement

We know that these damages are just as important and long-lasting as the physical pain and recovery. Let Lafayette Car Accident Lawyer review your case to understand better your injuries’ financial, physical, and emotional impact.

A head-on collision often results from one vehicle crossing into an oncoming traffic lane or a driver taking the wrong ramp onto the interstate. While parts of an automobile may malfunction and lead to a head-on collision, human error is a significant factor in these wrecks, caused by:

• Drinking and driving: 40% of Louisiana crashes are attributable to drinking and driving. Alcohol-related fatalities reached 299 in one year.
• Distracted driving: Distractions occur both in and outside of a vehicle. Cell phone use and distraction account for 26% of accidents.
• Disorientation: Drivers entering exit ramps or maneuvering the wrong way on one-way streets occur when drivers become disoriented or confused.
• Passing illegally: Examples of illegal and unsafe maneuvers on the highway include passing the car in front of you when the yellow line is solid on the driver’s side, passing when weather conditions do not allow it to be done without risk, or passing a long line of vehicles.
• Driver fatigue: As much as 31% of fatal-to-the-driver accidents involving buses and trucks result from fatigue.
• Reckless or aggressive driving: Dangerously operating a vehicle without regard for the safety of others may result in head-on collisions.

Your attorney can conduct a thorough investigation to prove the driver who caused your injuries acted negligently and should be liable for the damages you suffer.

Head-on collisions may cause significant injury to the body resulting from the sudden stop and the force of the body’s forward movement, impacting with other objects, leading to:

• Facial cuts, lacerations, or scarring
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Blunt force trauma 
• Whiplash and other neck injuries
• Spinal cord or back injuries
• Chest injuries or internal organ damage
• Broken bones
• Severe leg injuries from crushing impact

Injuries resulting from these crashes may lead to severe impairment. Some of these injuries, such as TBI and whiplash, may present symptoms days after an accident occurs. Getting a medical examination as soon after the wreck is the most accurate way to detect these injuries and their cause.

Multiple entities may be responsible for the injuries you suffer in an accident. Unfortunately, who holds responsibility may not always be apparent, so your attorney should thoroughly examine the events of an accident. Liability may fall to:

• Another driver
• Safety and maintenance departments
• A trucking company
• A cargo or freight company
• Parts manufacturer
• A government entity responsible for roadways

At Lafayette Car Accident Lawyer, we will work to ensure the details of your accident are not simply dismissed. We go the extra mile to find the answers to tough questions about who is responsible for your damages.

An injury victim has one year from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. Legal action may seem like a drastic measure initially. However, time passes quickly, and medical expenses can become staggering medical debt.

It may feel like the safest option to settle with the insurance company as soon as possible to cover the costs you face. However, the best way to secure the most favorable outcome for compensation that adequately meets your needs is to discuss your options with a Lafayette head-on collision attorney.

Any additional expenses you incur after settling a claim will be your responsibility. We aim to avoid the surprise of ongoing medical expenses by determining the cost of your future needs and working toward the compensation you will require to meet them.

Louisiana law allows for responsibility in an accident to be assigned proportionately to each driver. The compensation you receive for your damages will decrease by your percentage of negligence in an accident. If you are assigned partial fault, we will try to ensure the percentage is fair and not unnecessarily high.