Gonzales Car Accident Lawyer

Gonzales Car Accident Attorney

After a car accident, people can feel like the world is against them. This causes serious disruptions in the lives of victims and their families. While financial compensation can help address these disruptions, insurance companies are constantly trying to limit these payouts. For assistance, consider working with a Gonzales car accident lawyer.

No Shortcuts, Just Results

At Knightshead Law Firm, we know that life is tough, especially after a car accident. Our 15+ years of experience in personal injury law helps us partner with clients in a personable way. The law and insurance company jargon can make many people feel small, but advocacy from our firm can help you feel in control.

Immediate Steps After a Car Accident

The first moments after a crash matter not just for your claim but also for your safety. In 2024, there were 1,626 suspected injuries due to car accidents in Ascension Parish. If you are around a busy road or intersection, move away from busy intersections after a crash—especially in hazardous conditions like rainy weather, which reduces visibility and braking efficiency.

Contact emergency services to report the accident and receive medical treatment if you need it. Even if you are not treated directly at the scene, it is still important to visit a medical professional as soon as possible after the accident.

Exchange information with the other driver or drivers so that you can get in contact with them later. Take photo and video evidence of the whole scene, not just of the cars involved. Other than exchanging information and talking to police, stick to the facts and offer as little information as possible to prevent speculation and emotion from getting in the way.

After the accident, document everything you did as a direct result of the accident. This includes seeking medical treatment, repairing your car, and taking any leave from your job. If possible, contact the Gonzales Police Department to receive a copy of the police report. Taking steps early on can make a huge difference in the outcome of your claim.

Why Do I Need an Attorney?

If there are injuries or other complicated factors in your car accident, it might be helpful to get your attorney involved. Some relevant situations include:

• Severe injuries. There were 418 injury crashes that happened in Ascension Parish in 2024. Even a simple accident can lead to serious injuries that might not be completely covered after insurance policy maximums are used up. An attorney can help calculate the total value of your injuries and other expenses so you can demand what you’re worth. This can apply to accidents at busy intersections.
• Disputed liability. Some car accidents lead to many different parties getting involved. Most likely, they are all fighting to place blame on each other. If it’s unclear who is at fault in your accident, an attorney can gather evidence to help determine liability. They can also help if an insurance company decides to place blame on you without the proper evidence to do so.
• Low settlement offers. Insurance companies regularly start with an offer that’s quite low, given the scope of the accident and your injuries. This usually isn’t the final offer if an attorney gets involved. They can also consider elements of the accident that are less tangible, like emotional damage and pain and suffering.
• Uninsured or underinsured drivers. In 2022, 14% of motorists were completely uninsured. This does not include drivers with insufficient insurance. An attorney might be needed to recover damages if the motorist did not have enough insurance to cover the accident.
• Missed deadlines. There are usually strict deadlines to file claims. Missing these deadlines can lead to your entire claim being dismissed. An attorney can submit the claim early and reduce the likelihood of mistakes to get your claim processed faster.

If complicated issues come up that jeopardize the value of your claim, it might be necessary to get an attorney involved. Waiting too long to do this can prevent you from receiving adequate compensation.

FAQs About Gonzales,LA Car Accident Law

How Is Fault Determined in a Louisiana Car Accident Case?

Fault in a Louisiana car accident case is determined based on the laws about comparative fault. This legal concept means that the amount of compensation you might receive can be lowered based on how much you are considered to be at fault. Normally, evidence is reviewed to figure out how the crash happened, and then percentages of fault are assigned to the parties involved in the crash.

What Type of Compensation Is Available After a Car Accident?

The type of compensation that is available in Gonzales, LA after a car accident varies based on the situation of the person who was in the accident. Some of the most common forms of compensation cover repair costs for a vehicle, costs for medical bills, and money to replace lost wages while not working. If the accident results in the victim dying, this is a wrongful death claim and involves other expenses like burial costs.

What Should You Say to Insurance Companies After an Accident?

What you should say to insurance companies after an accident should be heavily regulated to prevent limiting the payout you receive. It’s okay to say basic facts like when and where the accident happened, but anything detailed, like a summary of your injuries or who is to blame, can be used against you. Many people let their attorneys handle communicating with insurance companies to preserve their claim’s value.

When Is It Good to Hire a Car Accident Attorney?

It’s good to hire a car accident attorney if the accident and subsequent negotiations are more complicated than expected initially. It’s possible for an insurance company to deny a seemingly legitimate claim or offer too little to compensate the victim properly. Attorneys can also be useful in cases where the injuries are especially severe because these types of injuries often lead to more money being needed.

Knightshead Law Firm Can Help Determine a Clear Direction for Your Claim

It’s important to make the distinction that proper compensation does not erase what happened in a serious car accident. Regardless, this money could change the quality of a victim’s life. It can also feel good knowing that you received the money you deserve. Schedule a consultation with  Knightshead Law Firm to keep the process fair.