Were You Injured in a Car Accident?
You never expect it to happen to you. One moment, you’re driving down Youree Drive, and the next, your world is turned upside down by a sudden crash.
In an instant, you’re facing injuries, medical bills, a damaged vehicle, and time away from work. It’s a devastating blow, physically, emotionally, and financially.
At the Law Office of Heather C. Ford, we’ve seen the impact car accidents can have on the lives of Shreveport residents. We understand the stress, the worry, and the uncertainty you’re experiencing.
That’s why we’re dedicated to being a fierce advocate for car accident victims and their families. Our mission is to help you get the compensation you need to heal and move forward after a crash.
Why You Need a Shreveport Car Accident Lawyer
Louisiana car accident laws can be confusing, especially when you’re trying to navigate them while recovering from injuries. There are deadlines to meet, paperwork to fill out, and evidence to gather. One misstep could hurt your chances of getting the compensation you deserve.
That’s where having an experienced Shreveport car accident attorney can make all the difference. When you work with the Law Office of Heather C. Ford, you’ll have a knowledgeable guide and a strong advocate in your corner. We can:
- Advise you on the statute of limitations for filing a car accident lawsuit in Louisiana, which is generally two years from the date of the crash (Louisiana Civil Code Art. 3493.1)
- Explain how Louisiana’s comparative fault rules could impact your case if you’re found partly at fault for the accident (Louisiana Civil Code Art. 2323)
- Ensure the at-fault driver has sufficient insurance to cover your damages, and explore other options if they’re uninsured or underinsured (La. R.S. § 32:900)
- Handle all communication and negotiation with the insurance companies, so you can focus on your recovery
- Investigate your accident thoroughly, gathering police reports, witness statements, medical records, and expert analysis to build a strong case
- Accurately calculate the full extent of your losses, from medical bills and lost wages to pain and suffering and disability
- Take your case to trial if the insurance company won’t offer a fair settlement
With our legal team on your side, you can level the playing field against the insurance companies and fight for the full and fair compensation you need to move forward.
Common Types of Car Accidents in Shreveport
No two car accidents are exactly alike, but some types of collisions are more common on Shreveport roads than others. These include:
Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end crashes often occur when one driver is following too closely or fails to brake in time. Distracted driving, such as texting or adjusting the radio, is a leading cause. Even at low speeds, these accidents can cause painful whiplash injuries.
T-Bone or Side-Impact Crashes
Also called broadside collisions, these accidents frequently happen at intersections when one driver runs a red light or stop sign. The force of the impact can cause serious injuries like traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and internal bleeding.
Head-On Collisions
While less common than other types of crashes, head-on collisions are more likely to result in catastrophic or fatal injuries. They can happen when a driver veers into oncoming traffic, tries to pass illegally, or enters a highway going the wrong direction.
Multi-Vehicle Pileups
With major roads like I-20 and I-49 running through Shreveport, chain-reaction crashes involving multiple vehicles can occur, especially in poor weather conditions. Determining fault in these accidents can be challenging, requiring a thorough investigation.
If you’ve been injured in any type of car accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to significant compensation. The Shreveport car accident lawyers at the Law Office of Heather C. Ford can evaluate your case and fight for the damages you deserve.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Shreveport
The aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming, but the steps you take can have a big impact on your health and your legal case. Here’s what to do to protect your rights:
- Get medical attention for any injuries. Even if you don’t think you’re seriously hurt, get checked out by a doctor right away. Some injuries, like concussions and soft tissue damage, may not be immediately apparent. Prompt medical care is crucial for your health and your claim.
- Call the police to report the accident. Louisiana law requires you to report any accident that causes injury, death, or property damage over $500 (La. R.S. § 32:398). The responding officer will create an official accident report that can serve as valuable evidence in your case.
- Document the scene, if you can. Take photos of the damage to the vehicles, any visible injuries, skid marks, traffic signs, and the surrounding area. Get the other driver’s name, contact information, and insurance details. Talk to any eyewitnesses and get their names and phone numbers.
- Contact a Shreveport car accident lawyer. Before you talk to the insurance companies, call an experienced attorney for advice. The insurance adjusters may pressure you to give a recorded statement or accept a lowball settlement. A lawyer can communicate with the insurers on your behalf and protect your rights.
Remember, the insurance companies have teams of attorneys working to pay out as little as possible on claims. You need a skilled legal advocate fighting for your interests.
How a Shreveport Car Accident Attorney Can Help
When you hire the Law Office of Heather C. Ford to handle your car accident claim, you’ll have a dedicated team working tirelessly to:
Protect You from Insurance Company Tactics
The insurance adjusters may seem friendly, but their goal is to minimize the amount they pay out on claims. They might offer you a quick settlement, hoping you’ll accept it before you know the full extent of your injuries. Or they may try to get you to say something they can use to shift blame onto you. We know their tactics, and we won’t let them take advantage of you.
Build a Strong Case on Your Behalf
To get full and fair compensation, you need strong evidence of the other driver’s negligence and the extent of your damages. Our legal team will immediately get to work gathering crucial evidence, such as:
- Police accident reports
- Photos and videos of the accident scene
- Surveillance or traffic camera footage
- Eyewitness statements
- Vehicle damage reports
- Electronic data from the vehicles’ event data recorders (black boxes)
- Medical records and bills documenting your injuries and treatment
- Pay stubs and tax returns to prove your lost income
- Expert analysis from accident reconstruction specialists, medical professionals, life care planners, and economists
We’ll use this evidence to build a compelling case for maximum compensation.
Identify All Potential Sources of Recovery
In some cases, there may be multiple avenues for seeking compensation beyond the at-fault driver’s auto insurance policy. These might include:
- Your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
- Medical payments coverage on your auto policy
- Personal health insurance
- Umbrella or excess liability policies
- Workers’ compensation, if the accident happened on the job
- Claims against third parties, such as a bar that overserved a drunk driver or a vehicle manufacturer
We’ll explore every potential source to maximize your recovery.
Fight for a Fair Settlement
Armed with strong evidence and an in-depth understanding of your damages, we’ll negotiate aggressively with the insurance companies for a full and fair settlement. We know how to craft compelling settlement demands and leverage our reputation as skilled trial lawyers to get results at the negotiating table.
Take Your Case to Court if Necessary
If the insurance company won’t make a reasonable settlement offer, we won’t hesitate to take your case to trial. Our attorneys have a track record of success in the courtroom, and we know how to present powerful arguments to a judge and jury. We’ll fight tenaciously to get you the verdict you deserve.
When you’re up against powerful insurance companies, you need a legal team with the experience, resources, and determination to level the playing field. That’s what you’ll find at the Law Office of Heather C. Ford.
Don’t Wait – Call a Shreveport Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Shreveport, don’t wait to get the legal help you need. Contact the Law Office of Heather C. Ford today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
We’re here to listen to your story, answer your questions, and explain your legal options. If we take your case, we’ll start building your claim right away and fighting for the maximum compensation you deserve.
With our contingency fee policy, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain by reaching out. Call us today to learn how we can help you move forward after a crash. We’re here to be your voice for justice.
Frequently Asked Questions After an Auto Accident Injury
If you’ve been hurt in a car crash, you likely have many questions. Here are some of the most common concerns our clients have:
How much does a Shreveport car accident lawyer cost?
At the Law Office of Heather C. Ford, we work on a contingency fee basis for car accident claims. That means you don't pay us anything upfront, and we only collect a fee if we win money for you through a settlement or verdict. Our fee is a percentage of your recovery, so you never have to worry about affording quality representation.
How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in Louisiana?
Louisiana law generally gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit (Louisiana Civil Code Art. 3493.1). This deadline is called the statute of limitations. If you miss it, you could lose your right to seek compensation. That's why it's crucial to talk to a Shreveport car accident lawyer as soon as possible after a crash.
Can I recover damages if the accident was partly my fault?
Louisiana follows a comparative fault rule (Louisiana Civil Code Art. 2323). Under this rule, you can still recover damages if you were partly at fault for the accident, but your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. So, if you were 30% at fault and your damages were $100,000, you could recover $70,000. However, if you were more than 50% at fault, you may be barred from recovering any compensation.
The insurance company offered me a settlement. Should I take it?
It's always wise to consult with a Shreveport car accident lawyer before accepting any settlement offer. Insurance companies are in the business of making money, not paying out claims. Their initial settlement offers are often far below the true value of your case. An attorney can evaluate the offer and advise you on whether it's fair or if you should negotiate for more.
What types of damages can I recover for a car accident in Shreveport?
If you were injured in a car accident caused by someone else's negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses, including past and future bills
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage, such as vehicle repair or replacement costs
The specific damages you can recover will depend on the facts of your case. Our attorneys can evaluate your claim and give you a better idea of what your case may be worth.
