Bart Bernard Injury Lawyers has earned a reputation for high-value value verdicts and settlements in car accident cases throughout Louisiana and is proud to serve residents in Gretna.
The vast majority of fatal motor vehicle crashes take place on rural roads, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, and Louisiana has ranked among the most dangerous states to drive because of total roadway fatalities. An estimated 1 out of every 4 car accidents is directly attributed to driving and texting at the same time. Other serious collisions are caused by speeding, drunk or impaired driving, and negligence.
Experienced car accident representation
Our Gretna personal injury lawyers help victims pursue full compensation in all types of auto accident cases including, but not limited to:
- Rear-end accidents
- Rollovers
- T-bone collisions
- Large truck accidents
- Cell phone-related crashes
- Drug or alcohol impairment
- Distracted driving
- Wrong-way driving
- Drowsy driving
Legal action is time-sensitive
Those who have been hurt in a vehicle accident know that it can change your life forever. Fortunately, you have a right to legal recourse, even if you are partly responsible. That’s because Louisiana adheres to a pure comparative negligence law, meaning your personal injury compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
However, claims for personal injury caused by a motor vehicle crash are time-sensitive. In Louisiana, the statute of limitations – or legal time limit– for bringing a lawsuit is one year from the accident date. The sooner you reach out to a car accident attorney the better your chances of a positive outcome.
Louisiana’s Direct Action statutes
In most states, motor vehicle accident claims are brought against the person or
party who was responsible for the accident, rather than their insurance
provider. Louisiana is a Direct Action state, which enables the injured
plaintiff to file suit against the defendant’s insurance company. This is
advantageous if the defendant, or negligent driver, had no car insurance, is
insolvent or deceased.
Historically, the courts are more likely to award full damages if the insurance company is on the hook, rather than the at-fault party.
No cap on monetary damages
Unless your car accident claim involves a government or municipal agency, there is no cap on a plaintiff’s damages for claims involving motor vehicle accidents. If the defendant is a government agency, plaintiffs cannot be awarded more than $500,000, the state-imposed limit.
It is in your best interest to consult with a qualified car accident attorney before making statements or settling with an insurance company. The Bart Bernard team of Gretna personal injury lawyers are familiar with the arguments that insurance companies raise in their attempt to pay out as little as possible.
Why choose Bart Bernard Injury Lawyers?
The car accident lawyer you choose to represent your case is an important one. Do they have experience winning injury claims similar to your own? Is your lawyer prepared to take the case to trial if necessary? Does your attorney have the resources to hire expert witnesses and conduct investigations to build a persuasive case?
Founded in 1997, our practice has consistently achieved outstanding results for clients, often securing settlements and verdicts in the millions of dollars. Bart Bernard has achieved many professional accolades, including membership in the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum and two “best of” awards from the readers of Times of Acadiana.
Schedule a free consultation today and explore your rights with a Gretna car accident attorney.
