CAR ACCIDENTS
PRACTICE AREAS
Car Accident Lawyer Shreveport - Bossier City, LA
No matter how many precautions you take on the road, unfortunately, collisions are sometimes unavoidable. Whether the driver responsible was distracted, under the influence, or driving recklessly, you deserve compensation for your injuries and damages following a car accident in Shreveport, Bossier City, and the surrounding Northwest Louisiana areas. If you’re looking for a skilled and reliable car accident lawyer, Shreveport personal injury attorney Michael J. Vergis is here to help.
Car accidents have the potential to result in catastrophic injuries, permanent disability, or even wrongful death. Don’t let an at-fault driver get away with the damages and destruction they caused – let Michael Vergis and his experienced legal team fight for your rights in court.
Attorney Vergis has served as a preeminent personal injury attorney in Shreveport/Bossier City for over 25 years. His extensive legal career and successful track record among clients prove he has what it takes to handle every aspect of your claim, from determining liability to securing maximum compensation for each and every loss you may have experienced.
Our firm works on a contingency-fee basis, meaning we won’t accept a single cent unless we win your case for you. For a free case evaluation with an experienced Northwest Louisiana car accident attorney at The Law Office of Michael J. Vergis, please call (318) 698-3724 or reach out online today.
Understanding Louisiana Car Accident Laws
Those who experience a motor vehicle accident in Louisiana may be able to recover compensation from the at-fault party by filing a car accident claim. This compensation can cover things like medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and more.
In order to bring a successful claim, you must first be able to prove fault on behalf of the other driver(s). In Louisiana, we follow what is called a “comparative fault” system, meaning that if you’re partially at fault for a car accident, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Working with a Shreveport car accident lawyer like Michael J. Vergis can help you understand and navigate these laws to seek fair compensation based on the specifics of your case.
Common Causes and Types of Car Accidents
Car accidents in Louisiana can be caused by a variety of factors, but the most common typically involve distracted driving, where drivers fail to pay full attention to the road due to texting or other activities, and drunk driving, where impaired drivers endanger everyone around them. Speeding and reckless driving also lead to severe accidents, as do adverse weather conditions like rain or fog. Mechanical failures in vehicles can also cause accidents if vital parts like brakes or tires malfunction.
Just as there are a number of factors that can cause a car wreck, there are also a number of different types of accidents that may result. This might include:
- Rear-end collisions, where one car hits the back of another, often due to sudden stops.
- Head-on collisions, which can be especially deadly when two vehicles collide directly.
- T-bone accidents, also known as broadside collisions, typically occurring at intersections when one vehicle hits the side of another.
- Rollover accidents, which happen when a vehicle flips over, often due to sharp turns or high speeds.
- Multi-vehicle accidents involve several cars and can be chaotic, making it harder to determine fault.
- Rideshare and commercial vehicle accidents, such as taxi, Uber/Lyft, or semi truck accidents, where liability can be more complex due to the involvement of companies or employers.
Common Types of Injuries Resulting From Car Accidents
Car accidents can lead to a wide range of injuries, some of which can have long-lasting effects on your health and well-being. Below is a list of common car accident injuries we see at The Law Office of Michael J. Vergis:
- Whiplash and Neck Injuries: Injuries sustained by the rapid back-and-forth movement of the head, leading to pain, stiffness, and limited mobility in the neck and shoulders.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Severe injuries often resulting from a violent impact or blunt force trauma to the head, potentially causing long-term cognitive and physical impairments.
- Back and Spinal Cord Injuries: Can lead to severe consequences such as paralysis, chronic pain, and loss of function in limbs.
- Broken Bones and Fractures: Common in serious accidents, requiring surgery and prolonged recovery periods.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Include sprains, strains, and tears in muscles, ligaments, and tendons, often causing pain and swelling.
- Burn Injuries: Occur in accidents involving fire or explosions, leading to painful burns that may require extensive treatment and rehabilitation.
Car Accidents Leading to Wrongful Death
When an auto accident tragically leads to the loss of life, the surviving family members are left to cope with overwhelming grief and financial burdens. In these devastating circumstances, they may consider pursuing a wrongful death lawsuit to hold the at-fault party accountable for their actions.
Filing a wrongful death claim allows the family to seek compensation for funeral expenses, lost income, and the emotional toll of losing a loved one. A compassionate and skilled Shreveport wrongful death lawyer like Michael Vergis can guide families through this complex legal process, advocating for their rights and striving to secure the justice and financial relief they deserve.
What To Do After a Car Accident in Louisiana
After any car accident, whether it is a mild fender-bender or a head-on collision, it is important to remember a few simple steps. Following these steps can help bolster the validity of your case as well as keep you and any passengers safe from further harm:
- Call the police. Even if the accident was seemingly minor, getting a police report helps your case tremendously. It serves as an important piece of evidence if you end up filing a claim later. When police ask for your statement, never admit any kind of fault, but recount the events leading up to the accident to the best of your ability.
- Collect driver information. It’s very important that you obtain information from the at-fault driver. This includes their name, contact information, license plate number, and insurance policy information.
- Collect witness information. If it takes a bit for the police to arrive, use this time to collect relevant contact information from as many witnesses as you can. Their statements could prove extremely helpful to your case.
- Take pictures of the scene. If possible, use your phone or camera to document the scene. Show where the accident happened and all vehicles involved. Also, take pictures of any visible injuries you have.
- Seek medical care. Oftentimes after an accident, you’ll have a lot of adrenaline flowing through your body. This makes it more difficult to assess the potential damage to your body. Even if you don’t immediately feel pain, it’s always a good idea to see a doctor as soon as possible. Some invisible injuries don’t generate a lot of pain or discomfort, but they still have the potential to be serious.
- Contact an attorney. Equipping yourself with an experienced Shreveport car accident attorney ensures that your rights are protected and that you have an experienced advocate to help navigate the legal system and fight for fair compensation.
What Type of Attorney Handles Car Accidents?
A personal injury lawyer is the type of attorney who handles car accident claims. If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Shreveport, Bossier City, or the surrounding areas, it’s essential to seek the help of a local personal injury law firm to help you navigate the legal process, negotiate with insurance companies, and pursue the compensation you deserve.
An experienced Shreveport personal injury lawyer like Michael J. Vergis will have the experience and knowledge necessary to effectively represent your interests and ensure that your rights are protected throughout your case.
How Much Time Do I Have to File a Car Accident Injury Claim in Louisiana?
The Louisiana Civil Code provides the statute of limitations for injury claims in Louisiana. According to the Code, auto accident victims have one year from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. This one-year clock starts ticking down on the day you sustain injuries or damages.
However, some exceptions exist for certain types of personal injury cases, including:
- If anyone who sustained injuries during the accident was under the age of 18 (a minor), the statute of limitations does not apply.
- If a person’s injuries resulted from a defective product, but the person did not know the source of their injuries, the clock begins to run when they “reasonably discover” that information.
Keep in mind that the sooner you file your suit with the help of a Louisiana auto accident lawyer, the better. Not only does it make you look better in the eyes of the court, but it also shields you from having your car accident claim dismissed. If you miss the deadline to file your personal injury claim by even one day, the defendant will likely ask that your case be dismissed.
Will I Have to Go to Court for my Car Crash?
Not necessarily. Many car accident cases are resolved in ways other than going to trial. In fact, a large portion of these cases are handled outside of court via a settlement offer. Below, we’ll explain the key differences between receiving a settlement and taking your case to court.
Louisiana Car Accident Injury Settlements
Car accident settlements involve negotiations between your lawyer and the defendant’s lawyer. Negotiating for full compensation in these situations becomes more likely if you have a strong case. A good personal injury attorney will go out of their way to personally investigate your case, find the facts to support you, and strive for just compensation. However, this process is sometimes complicated. Insurance companies tend to try to settle too quickly and by convincing you to accept far less than what you deserve. Trust your lawyer to negotiate a fair settlement that reflects the true extent of your injuries and losses.
Taking Your Case to Trial
Car accident cases may progress to trial when the parties involved cannot agree on a fair settlement offer. This typically happens if the insurance provider disputes the extent of the injuries, liability, or the amount of compensation. Although accepting a settlement offer means resolving the case out of court, often quicker and with less expense, you may end up receiving a lower amount than what might be awarded in a trial. Your attorney can give you advice based on the specifics of your case and help you decide whether to accept a settlement or pursue a trial.
At The Law Office of Michael J. Vergis, we prepare for every single case as if we’re taking it to trial, so you don’t have to worry about sub-par performances. Our top priority is delivering compassionate, aggressive representation for every single client, whether that means negotiating a fair settlement or fighting for maximum compensation in court.
How Do I Deal With the Auto Insurance Company?
As if auto accidents are not already frustrating enough, dealing with insurance companies can add another layer of frustration and complexity to your case. Luckily, when you equip the help of an experienced car accident lawyer with a vast knowledge of Louisiana auto insurance laws, they can handle negotiations with the insurance company for you.
Your attorney will first help you independently research repair costs and compile evidence from medical records to ensure the insurance adjuster’s estimate isn’t too low. Then, they will negotiate on your behalf, countering any “betterment” arguments and striving to reach a fair settlement. Once you and your lawyer reach a fair settlement with the insurance company, you must confirm the offer in writing. If a fair settlement cannot be agreed upon, this is when we’ll prepare your case for trial.
How Much Will My Car Accident Settlement Be?
Every car accident settlement is different and depends on a number of factors. For instance, someone who suffers from a traumatic brain injury will likely receive a larger settlement than someone who suffers whiplash or back pain following an accident. This is due to the fact that more severe injuries require more extensive medical treatment, which translates to heightened medical costs. These injuries also have a much bigger and longer lasting impact, so the settlement must account for that, as well.
Unfortunately, no personal injury attorney can tell you with absolute certainty how much your car wreck settlement will be. However, they can help you explore the various factors that will affect the value of your claim and help calculate them to determine about how much your settlement should be. These factors include:
- The type of insurance policy each driver in the accident has, plus the maximum limits of those policies
- The percentage of blame that falls on you and/or the at-fault party
- The extent of your personal injuries
- The extent of property damage
- Any current and future medical bills
- Any resulting lost wages or loss of future earning capacity
- Other expenses, including rental car costs, transportation costs, home modifications for disability, or prosthetic limbs
Can I Still Recover Damages if I’m Partially at Fault?
Yes, you can still recover damages even if you’re partially at fault in an automobile accident. Remember, however, that Louisiana follows a comparative fault system, meaning your compensation may be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. For instance, if you’re found 20% at fault, your damages will be reduced by 20%.
It’s important to consult with a Shreveport personal injury lawyer to effectively navigate your legal claim and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses despite partial fault.
How Much Does a Lawyer Cost for a Car Accident?
The price of hiring an attorney following an auto accident varies from person to person and case to case. However, there are some common fee arrangements that most car accident lawyers derive their payments from. For example, many law firms cover all upfront costs and expenses. However, they will then take the amount equal to these costs as well as additional legal fees out of your final settlement amount.
At the Law Office of Michael J. Vergis, we operate on contingency fees. What this means for you is that we won’t take a cent unless we successfully achieve financial recovery for you.
Is it Worth Getting a Lawyer for a Car Accident?
Absolutely. Hiring a Shreveport car accident lawyer is always a good idea, even for minor motor vehicle accidents. However, the more serious your injuries, the greater value legal assistance from a professional law firm will be to you.
As personal injury cases grow more expensive and more complex, insurance companies will work even harder to avoid paying you what you deserve. That’s when you can really benefit from a skilled car accident lawyer. Shreveport attorney Michael J. Vergis has over 25 years of exemplary experience under his belt, meaning he knows what it takes to successfully navigate insurance claims, prove that the defendant acted negligently, and fight for every cent you deserve for your medical care, property damage, lost wages, and all other losses and damages you have experienced as a result of the accident.
Why Choose Michael J. Vergis for Your Louisiana Auto Accident Claim
Choosing Michael J. Vergis as your Bossier City-Shreveport car accident attorney ensures that your case is handled with the highest level of professionalism and dedication from beginning to end. Attorney Vergis will work diligently to build and strengthen your car accident case, from reviewing medical records to obtaining police reports to collaborating with accident reconstruction specialists and medical experts to determine liability and assess the true value of your claim.
With his determination to secure only the best results, you can trust the Law Office of Michael J. Vergis to aggressively advocate for the compensation you rightfully deserve.
How Our Shreveport Car Accident Lawyers Can Help Maximize Compensation
As a seasoned Shreveport auto accident attorney, Michael Vergis knows how to ensure his clients secure maximum compensation for their personal injury lawsuits. Taking into account everything from bodily injury damages to medical costs to mental anguish, he works hard to make sure that all aspects of your suffering are accounted for.
By strategically building your case and standing up to low-ball offers from insurers, he’s ready and willing to fight for the full financial compensation you deserve, covering both immediate and long-term needs.
Reach Out Today for a Free Consultation with Bossier City/Shreveport Car Accident Lawyer Michael Vergis
Auto accidents can cause serious injuries and leave you with a mountain of debt. If a negligent driver caused those injuries, working with a skilled car accident lawyer in Shreveport, LA can provide you with the legal support needed to hold them accountable.
At The Law Office of Michael J. Vergis, our Bossier City/Shreveport car accident attorneys have years of experience handling personal injury claims throughout the NWLA region and are ready to help with yours, too. To go over the details of your case and determine the best plan of action, call (318) 698-3724 or reach out online to schedule your free consultation today.
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