Car Accident Attorney in Baton Rouge, LA
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in the Baton Rouge area, car accident attorney Joseph K. Scott III can serve as your family’s experienced advocate. Our firm will guide you through the process of receiving the compensation you deserve.
Important Steps to Take After a Car Accident
When an accident happens, it is important to preserve evidence and information that may be necessary to further endorse your claims in the event of a lawsuit. If you’ve been so badly injured that you’ve been transported to the hospital, you will have the documentation necessary. If you are not hospitalized but receive medical care, request a copy of your medical record to document your injuries. This is especially important if you are fine at the scene of the accident but later experience pain and discomfort. Soft tissue injuries, such as head, neck and back trauma, often take several days to appear.
In addition to your medical records, both the insurance company and our firm will require a copy of the police report from the officer on the scene. This is typically available about a week after the accident.
Insurance companies often try to settle accident suits very quickly to minimize payouts. Some insurance companies even send response vehicles to an accident scene to immediately settle claims. Avoid making any settlement with the insurance company before speaking with an experienced attorney.
Types of Car Accident Claims
In the accident report, the police officer will typically assign fault to one of the parties. Accidents can be caused by distractions such as phone use behind the wheel; by a new, inexperienced, or unqualified driver; by poor vehicle maintenance; or because of drug or alcohol-related impairment. Other contributing factors may include road or highway conditions, inclement weather, or malfunctioning traffic signals.
Louisiana is considered a “fault” state when it comes to car accidents, which means that you must prove the other driver was at fault before claiming damages for personal injury and personal property. Gathering evidence such as the medical record, police report, and witness testimony is essential for your attorney to establish that the other party is at fault.
Car Accident Compensation
If another driver has been negligent and caused an accident that has resulted in pain and suffering, lost wages, vehicle damage, and/or costly medical bills, you are entitled to receive damages that cover these losses. Those with severe injuries may also receive compensation for pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, reduced quality of life, loss of consortium, and in some cases, punitive damages (awards that punish for fault in excess of other damages).
Joseph K. Scott, III Is Ready to Help With Your Car Accident Case
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in which you were not at fault, speak to a Baton Rouge car accident attorney Joseph K. Scott, III today. We will review your specific case and determine whether you are entitled to receive damages. Call 225-478-1128 or e-mail joseph@josephkscott.com to get more information and speak to an attorney right away.