Author name: Big River

Losing someone you love is a tragic and incredibly difficult experience. When a death is the result of another person’s negligence, the grief is compounded and even harder to move on from. For family members of the deceased, there are legal options that can help you recover compensation for your losses or your loved one’s losses after a death. Below, our Baton Rouge personal injury lawyer outlines the options that may be available. Filing a Wrongful Death Claim Wrongful death claims are often the first course of action for families after losing someone due to negligence. Wrongful death claims are civil actions that can be filed by certain family members of the deceased. These include surviving spouses and children, parents, siblings, and grandparents.  Wrongful death claims are meant to compensate family members for the losses they incurred as a result of the accident. These include: In some cases, punitive damages may also be available. These damages are to punish grossly negligent behavior and so, they are rarely awarded. However, if the negligent party’s behavior was egregious, such as driving while drunk, punitive damages may be available. Survival Actions If your loved one suffered injuries and other losses before losing their life, you may be able to file a survival action. For example, your loved one may have been involved in a car crash and suffered serious injuries. They may not have succumbed to their injuries until one week later. A survival action can help you recover the medical expenses, lost income, and other losses you incurred before passing away. Damages from survival actions are distributed to the estate. Criminal Charges Criminal charges are separate from civil actions such as wrongful death lawsuits. However, if the death was the result of a crime such as assault, criminal charges may also apply. Criminal charges do not necessarily impact the outcome of a civil lawsuit. Still, a guilty verdict can strengthen and help prove a civil action but this is not required. Workers’ Compensation If your loved one was involved in a workplace accident that caused their death, you may be able to file a workers’ compensation claim for death benefits. These benefits can help certain loved ones claim compensation for reasonable funeral expenses, dependency benefits based on family size, and some medical expenses leading up to the death. These benefits are meant to help cover lost earnings and end-of-life costs. Insurance Claims If your loved one had a life insurance policy, the insurer is required to pay the proceeds of the policy to the beneficiary promptly. Like other insurers, life insurance companies are not eager to pay these claims, as they want to protect their profits. If you are going to file a claim for life insurance, it is important to speak to an attorney who can prepare you for dealing with the insurer and speak to them on your behalf. Government Claims If your loved one passed away due to the negligence of a government employee or entity, you may be able to file a claim against the government. For example, a structural issue on a staircase in a government building may have caused a serious slip and fall accident that resulted in death. Claims against the government are unlike other wrongful death claims. There are very specific procedures, rules, and deadlines that are not involved in other civil actions. These can make filing a claim against the government even more challenging than other wrongful death cases.  Government entities also sometimes have sovereign immunity, meaning they are protected from lawsuits and other legal action, making these cases even more frustrating. It is critical to speak to an attorney who can advise on whether you have a valid claim and who has the necessary experience filing these types of claims. Our Personal Injury Lawyer in Baton Rouge Can Advise You of Your Options After losing someone you love, you may have many options for claiming compensation for the losses you have sustained. At Big River Trial Attorneys, our Baton Rouge personal injury lawyer can advise on which ones are applicable in your case and guide you through the process so you obtain the full and fair compensation you and your family are entitled to. Call us now at (225) 963-9638 or fill out our online form to schedule a consultation and to learn more about how we can help.

Rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft have become increasingly popular in Baton Rouge over recent years. These services offer a convenient and fairly inexpensive way for people to get around while also reducing the impact of motor vehicles on the environment. While rideshare services are convenient, the drivers who operate these vehicles are no more immune to becoming involved in a crash than any other motorist on the road. Any act of negligence, whether by the rideshare driver or someone else, can cause a crash in an Uber or Lyft. The aftermath of these accidents, though, is vastly different from other auto accidents that do not involve rideshare drivers. Below, one of our Baton Rouge auto accident lawyers explains why the aftermath of rideshare accidents is so much more complex. Multiple Liable Parties Typically, after a car accident, the only parties involved are the motorists at the scene and the insurance companies that represent them. In rideshare accidents, this is not true. There are many parties involved in these accidents, including the rideshare driver, the rideshare company, passengers, and other drivers. To determine who is liable, injured individuals must determine how the crash occurred and the role each party played. If more than one party is at fault for the crash, it can greatly complicate the case. Each party will likely shift blame to others in an effort to shield itself from liability. Although injured passengers cannot be blamed for these crashes, disputes over liability can greatly delay a claim and the damages that accident victims deserve. Determining the Insurance Coverage Available Determining which insurance company is responsible for paying coverage after a rideshare accident is particularly complicated. This is especially true if the rideshare driver acted negligently and was at fault for the crash. If the driver was not logged into the app at the time of the accident, their own personal auto insurance company would be liable for paying damages. If the driver was logged into the app but was waiting for a ride request, both Uber and Lyft provide limited coverage. If the rideshare driver was carrying a passenger when they caused the crash, Uber and Lyft both provide coverage up to $1 million.  Insurance companies covering rideshare drivers will use many strategies to try to avoid paying the damages that injured individuals deserve. They may argue that the rideshare driver was not logged into the app or had not yet picked up a passenger. It is critical to work with a Baton Rouge auto accident lawyer who can prove the insurer is liable for paying full damages. Dispute Resolution All rideshare services require users to enter into an agreement before creating a profile or requesting a ride. These agreements are full of legal jargon and many people simply accept the agreement without fully reviewing the terms. Many rideshare companies include alternative dispute resolution methods when there is a dispute over a claim. For example, an agreement may require an injured individual to enter arbitration if there is a dispute over their claim. This can greatly limit an accident victim’s rights to go to court to obtain the full damages they deserve after a crash. Collecting Evidence Evidence is required after any car accident. Accident victims must collect evidence to prove how a crash occurred, what caused their injuries, and the amount of damages they are entitled to.  Accident victims need evidence after a rideshare accident, too, but this evidence is often difficult to obtain. For example, an accident victim may have to obtain digital records from the rideshare company or a cell phone company if they have to prove the driver’s status at the time of the crash. Without legal help, these records are not easy for accident victims to obtain. Other important evidence after a rideshare accident includes witness statements, photos from the scene, police reports, and more. Even this evidence, which may not require subpoenas, is not easy to collect when trying to recover from serious injuries. A Baton Rouge auto accident lawyer can help accident victims collect the evidence that is critical to their case. Our Auto Accident Lawyers in Baton Rouge Can Help After an Accident If you have been hurt in a rideshare accident, do not go through the process alone. At Big River Trial Attorneys, our Baton Rouge auto accident lawyers can determine who is liable for paying damages, accurately value your claim, and collect the evidence needed in your case so you obtain the full and fair settlement you deserve. Call us now at (225) 963-9638 or fill out our online form to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced attorneys and to learn more about how we can help. Louisiana is no longer under pure comparative fault.  We are now a modified jurisdiction, so there is no recovery to someone who is 50% or more at fault. This paragraph needs to be revised: As of January 1, 2026, Louisiana will move to a modified version of comparative fault law. Under the modified version, motorcycle accident victims will not be able to recover compensation if they are 50 percent or more at fault, making it even harder for them to claim the full compensation they need. Even if a biker is less than 50% at fault under the new law, any damages they are awarded will be reduced by their same percentage of fault.

For many motorcyclists in Baton Rouge, cruising on Great River Road, the Bogue Chitto Loop, and Route 415 is a way of life. Sadly, sometimes these rides end in accidents that result in very serious injuries. If you have been hurt by a negligent driver or other party, you may be able to file a claim for compensation against their insurance company. Unfortunately, you may find that soon, the insurance company is blaming you for the accident, and even threatening to deny you the compensation you need to recover. Motorcyclists are not only more likely to be seriously injured in a crash, but they are also more likely to have their claims denied or devalued by insurance companies. This is largely due to the fact that insurers often assume that bikers are reckless and irresponsible, even when they were not to blame for a crash. Below, our Baton Rouge motorcycle accident lawyer explains the most common reasons bikers are denied. Insurance Companies are Often Biased Against Bikers To some insurance companies, the fact that you ride a motorcycle is the only evidence they need against you. Some only see the open handlebars, leather jackets, and loud engines and assume that you are reckless, not responsible. Even when someone else’s carelessness caused your accident, this stigma can follow you throughout the claims process.  In fact, this stigma is one of the most common reasons motorcycle accident claims are denied. Adjusters often allow these built-in biases and stereotypes to cloud their judgment. In addition to filing a claim, you are also fighting that narrative. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer will know how to fight back against these assumptions using witness accounts, police reports, expert testimony, and more. Insurance Companies Will Blame You for the Crash As of January 1, 2026, Louisiana will move to a modified version of comparative fault law. Under the modified version, motorcycle accident victims will not be able to recover compensation if they are 50% or more at fault, making it even harder for them to claim the full compensation they need. Even if a biker is less than 50% at fault under the new law, any damages they are awarded will be reduced by their same percentage of fault. Insurance companies use the comparative fault law to shield themselves from paying full damages. They may argue that you were speeding, not wearing a helmet, or lane splitting. All of these are illegal actions in Louisiana, so engaging in them can result in you being found partially to blame. Insurers will use these arguments even if they are not true just to justify a denial. A lawyer can obtain strong evidence, such as footage from a dash cam or nearby surveillance cameras, to prove the other party is liable. Insurance Companies May Minimize Your Injuries If you did not receive immediate medical treatment for your injuries, the insurance company will use this against you to argue that your injuries are not as severe as you claimed. To ensure this does not happen, it is critical to seek medical attention as soon as possible after the crash, follow all medical recommendations closely, and retain records of all prescribed treatments, test results, and doctor visits. Insurance Companies May Claim Incomplete or Missing Paperwork Filing a motorcycle accident claim involves a lot of paperwork. If you do not submit all the necessary documentation to prove your case, this provides the insurer with a valid reason to deny your claim. However, insurance companies often ask for unnecessary documentation that is not pertinent to your case or that you have already submitted. This is a strategy they use to delay your claim in the hopes that you will eventually give up on obtaining a fair settlement. A Baton Rouge motorcycle accident lawyer will ensure that all of your paperwork is filled out properly so insurance companies have no reason to deny your claim.  Insurance Companies May Dispute Your Injuries Insurance companies may discover that you suffered from pre-existing injuries prior to your accident. They may blame your current injuries caused by the crash on those injuries. A lawyer will inform you of your rights to compensation if an accident exacerbates your pre-existing condition. A lawyer will also ensure you do not sign legal documents, such as a medical release, so the insurer cannot discover pre-existing injuries. Our Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Baton Rouge Can Fight the Insurance Companies If you have been in a motorcycle accident, do not file a claim on your own. At Big River Trial Attorneys, our Baton Rouge motorcycle accident lawyer knows the strategies insurers use to reduce and deny claims and how to combat them so you receive the full and fair settlement you deserve. Call us today at (225) 963-9638 or fill out our online form to get the legal representation you need.

If you have been hurt in a car crash, slip and fall, or other type of accident, you may be able to claim compensation if someone else’s negligence, or carelessness, caused your injuries. Today, social media is a regular part of our daily lives. Hopping onto Facebook, X, TikTok, or any other platform may not seem risky after an accident. However, the truth is that posting to social media can do much more damage to your claim than good. Below, one of our Baton Rouge personal injury lawyers explains in further detail. How Can Social Media Impact Your Personal Injury Case? Liable parties, insurance companies, and defense attorneys utilize social media to collect information that could hurt your personal injury case. These parties use many different platforms to find posts, tagged photos, and more that can challenge the severity of your injuries or your credibility. These parties look for the following information: After defense attorneys and insurance adjusters have the above information, they may argue that you do not require the amount of damages you are pursuing, which could possibly lower the settlement offer. The goal of the insurance adjuster is to protect the company’s profits, which means not providing coverage for the total losses you sustained. How to Safeguard Your Social Platforms After an Accident While you may not be able to stop the other side from combing through your social media posts, there are ways to protect your profiles so they do not hurt your claim. The first step you should take is to review the privacy settings on all of your profiles. Make sure that only your friends can see your profile and that your posts are not accessible to the public. Check regularly for any updates made to a platform’s privacy policy so you can ensure that your profiles are secure and cannot be seen by others. Secondly, make sure there are no posts that insurers and liable parties cannot take out of context. Even updates that are seemingly innocent can be misinterpreted to discredit you and your claim. Do not discuss the details of the accident, your injuries, or your recovery process on any platform. Lastly, remember there is always the risk that the other side may try to gain access to your posts through your friends or even subpoenas. Due to this, it is critical to consider how the other side may perceive your online persona. For example, political posts,  inflammatory comments, or controversial memes could be used to make you look bad in front of a judge or jury. Insurance adjusters may collect any posts that are contradictory to your claim, even if they were made years before your accident. To ensure that your social media posts will not be used against you, it is critical to speak to a Baton Rouge personal injury attorney. Raise any concerns you may have about certain posts, and remember that simply deleting them does not always mean that they have disappeared completely. Our Personal Injury Attorneys in Baton Rouge Can Help with Your Case There are many factors that can hurt your personal injury claim, and social media posts are often overlooked. At Big River Trial Attorneys, our Baton Rouge personal injury attorneys can help you navigate the process so no mistakes are made and your claim is protected at all times. Call us today at (225) 963-9638 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced attorneys and to learn more about how we can help with your case.

The aftermath of a car accident is often confusing and stressful. You will have many questions and may feel unsure of what to do next. It is imperative that you get the answers you need as soon as you can, so you understand the next steps and how to protect your rights. Below, our Baton Rouge car accident attorney outlines some of the most frequently asked questions and their answers. What are the Immediate First Steps After a Crash? The priority after any accident is to ensure that you and everyone else are safe. Pull your vehicle over to a safe location, check yourself for injuries, and make sure everyone is unharmed. Then you can start collecting information such as the insurance details, contact information, and names of all other parties involved. Take photos and video surveillance of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage to the vehicles involved. Also locate any witnesses and ask them for their contact information. You can also scan for security cameras in the vicinity, such as at local businesses and traffic lights. Just make a note of their location so you can tell your lawyer about them in the future. What are Your Rights and Responsibilities After an Accident? You have many rights and responsibilities after any auto accident. For example, you are required to report any accident resulting in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $500 to law enforcement. You also have a right to obtain a copy of the police report, which can provide you with evidence that strengthens your claim. The police report may even indicate that another driver caused the crash, which will make a significant difference in your claim. While Louisiana is a ‘fault state’ regarding auto accidents, you likely also have a responsibility to report the accident to your  own insurer. If you fail to do this, the insurer may have the right to cancel your policy. Why Should I Work With a Baton Rouge Car Accident Lawyer? There are many benefits a car accident attorney can bring to your case. A lawyer can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to ensure you receive a fair settlement. Attorneys also have an extensive network of expert witnesses that can break down complex information to a judge or jury to strengthen your case. Expert witnesses include medical professionals, economists, and accident reconstruction specialists. An attorney will also investigate your accident and collect evidence that proves your case. These are just a few of the benefits you will realize when working with an attorney after a crash. Can You Recover Pain and Suffering Damages After a Crash? Pain and suffering damages cover the physical pain and the emotional anguish you experience after a crash. Louisiana law recognizes these as losses, and so, you deserve compensation for them, and you can pursue pain and suffering in your accident claim. Can You Sue for Punitive Damages? Generally speaking, punitive damages are not available after car accidents in Louisiana. The only exception to this is when a specific statute authorizes them. For example, if an impaired driver caused your accident that resulted in injuries, you can pursue punitive damages. These are not compensatory damages. Instead, they are meant to penalize the defendant and deter them from grossly reckless behavior in the future. How Long to File a Car Accident Claim in Louisiana? Louisiana has recently changed the statute of limitations, or the time limit, on personal injury claims. If your accident occurred before July 1, 2024, you have two years to file your claim. If your crash happened on or after July 1, 2024,  you have just one year to file your claim.  Even the one-year time limit may seem like a significant amount of time, but it is not. If the statute of limitations expires, you will forfeit your right to claim any compensation at all. While there are some exceptions to the law, they are quite limited. It is critical to speak with a car accident attorney as soon as possible after a crash. Our Car Accident Attorney in Baton Rouge Can Answer Your Questions The above questions are just a few of the most common we hear from accident victims. At Big River Trial Attorneys, our Baton Rouge car accident lawyers can provide the answers you need so you can make informed decisions and obtain the full and fair compensation you are entitled to. Call us now at (225) 963-9638 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced attorneys and to learn more about how we can help.

There is no doubt that riding a motorcycle is a thrilling experience, with the open horizon ahead and the wind in your face. However, motorcyclists are fully aware of the dangers they face when on the road. One slick patch of oil, an unexpected pothole, or a careless driver can turn an exciting ride into a catastrophic accident. Unlike other motorists, bikers do not have steel frames that can absorb impact, airbags, or even seat belts. These are just a few reasons why motorcyclists are four times more likely to be hurt in an accident than occupants of passenger vehicles. Many of the serious injuries caused by motorcycle accidents are entirely preventable. Below, our Baton Rouge motorcycle accident lawyer explains some of the most common hazards motorcyclists should watch for. Uneven Pavement and Potholes The intense heat and heavy rains in Louisiana cause significant wear and tear on the roads, resulting in cracks, potholes, and uneven pavement. These hazards can be disastrous for motorcyclists. When a biker hits any one of these at high speeds, it can throw the entire bike off balance. A large pothole can also interfere with the suspension on a bike, causing a biker to lose control while braking or making a turn. Spilled Fuel or Oil Fuel and oil spills are often hidden hazards in high-traffic areas, such as loading zones,  intersections, and major trucking routes. These spills may appear as faint rainbow shimmers on the pavement, but they can quickly destroy traction. Even a small patch can cause a bike to slide during an emergency stop or a turn. When a spill is located on an on-ramp or curve, it can cause a biker to suffer serious injuries before they even know what caused the crash. Gravel and Sand Loose gravel and sand are seemingly innocent, but truthfully, these hazards are extremely dangerous. Sand and gravel tend to accumulate near construction zones,  road shoulders, and sharp corners, and they can quickly catch a motorcyclist off guard. Sand and gravel can both reduce traction, causing a rider to slide out during a sudden stop, turn, or fast acceleration. These hazards are not always seen right away because they blend in with the pavement on the road. Large Puddles To occupants in a passenger vehicle, large puddles may seem fairly harmless, but to a motorcyclist, they pose a serious threat. Large puddles can cause a motorcycle to hydroplane, resulting in the bike traveling across the surface in an uncontrollable manner. Large puddles can also conceal large potholes. Debris on the Road Road debris such as shredded tires, fallen tree branches, and even cargo from a truck can appear on the road unexpectedly. Motorcyclists must make split-second decisions in these situations. Swerving too hard can cause them to lose control, and riding over debris can throw the motorcyclist and the bike off balance. Road debris becomes even more dangerous in heavy traffic conditions. If debris is noticed too late, the biker does not have time to react. Negligent Drivers Not all dangers motorcyclists face are on the surface of the road. Some of the biggest dangers are driving other vehicles. Other motorists are unpredictable. They may tailgate, make sudden lane changes, or drive while distracted. These and other negligent actions can be catastrophic for bikers. Dooring Dooring occurs when the occupants of a parked vehicle open their door into the path of an oncoming motorcyclist. Without enough time to slow down or stop, the motorcycle then crashes into the open door. Dooring most often happens to bicyclists, but many motorcyclists have also been hurt due to the negligent act. Dooring can cause some of the most serious injuries, including broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and road rash. Dooring is also a negligent act, and anyone who engages in the behavior can be held liable. Our Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Baton Rouge Can Help After Injury Things like road debris, puddles, and uneven pavement may seem like minor inconveniences to occupants of passenger vehicles. For motorcyclists, though, they are catastrophic. At Big River Trial Attorneys, our Baton Rouge motorcycle accident lawyer can advise on your case and determine who is liable for paying compensation for your injuries. In many cases, road hazards are caused by negligent government entities, and these cases have shorter timelines and different rules that we can help you navigate. Call us now at (225) 963-9638 or complete our online form to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can assist with your case.

If you have been hurt in a car accident due to another person’s negligence, you can file a claim against the at-fault party to recover your medical expenses, lost income, and other losses. As you try to make a full recovery, though, you may also struggle to pay your doctors’ bills and other expenses. You need compensation quickly, so you can focus on getting better and moving forward with your life. Unfortunately, there are many things that can delay compensation from a car accident claim. Below, our Baton Rouge car accident lawyer explains what these are. Assessing the Full Scope of Your Injuries One of the most common delays in car accident cases is the time necessary to assess the full scope of your injuries. This is the only way you will fully understand your future medical needs, the cost of treatment, and the long-term impact the injuries will have on your life. Certain injuries, such as spinal cord damage and traumatic brain injuries, do not immediately show their full effects. If you accept a settlement too quickly, you may underestimate your long-term medical needs, which may leave you without the compensation you need for continued care. It may also take doctors several months to determine that you have reached maximum medical improvement (MMI), which means your injuries will not become any better or any worse. Disputes Regarding Fault Disputes regarding fault are another common cause of delays. If the other driver, or  the insurance company that represents them, disputes fault, it can create significant delays in the claim process. The insurance company covering the at-fault party will investigate the crash, review police reports, talk to witnesses, and analyze footage from traffic cameras. If there is insufficient evidence or contradicting witness statements, the insurance company may delay or deny the claim. In certain cases, the liable driver may try to shift blame to limit their liability, which can further complicate the process. Bad Faith Insurance Tactics Insurance is a big business, and insurers prioritize their profits over the well-being of accident victims. They often use stalling tactics in the hopes that an accident victim will become frustrated and give up on their claim, or so they will become desperate for compensation and accept a lowball offer. This is known as bad faith, and some common strategies used include: If you suspect the insurer is delaying your claim deliberately, it is important to speak to a Baton Rouge car accident lawyer who can fight back against bad faith tactics. Inaccurate or Incomplete Documentation Any missing information or mistake could result in delays in the process. Some of the most common issues are as follows: Fortunately, these delays are avoidable. Ensure all statements, forms, and medical records are accurate and complete before submitting them. A car accident attorney can review your paperwork and make sure it is complete and accurate. Litigation vs. Settling Although the vast majority of car accident claims are resolved during settlement negotiations, there is a minority of cases that go to trial. Trials take far longer than settlement negotiations and may extend the timeline of your case to one year or longer. While you may want to avoid this long delay by accepting a settlement, there are times when going to trial is necessary to uphold your rights. These include: Our Car Accident Attorney in Baton Rouge Can Help You Avoid Delays One of the best ways to avoid delays in your car accident claim is to work with a Baton Rouge car accident attorney. At Big River Trial Attorneys, our experienced attorneys can provide the legal advice that will help your claim proceed as quickly as possible so you get the compensation you need when you need it. Call us now at (225) 963-9638 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation and to get the legal help you need.

If you have been injured in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you can file a claim against them for damages. The vast majority of these cases settle outside of the courtroom, and it is natural to wonder how much you will receive in your settlement. Truthfully, there is no such thing as an ‘average’ car accident settlement. In Baton Rouge, car accident settlements range from $5,000 to $100,000. The range is so wide because there are a number of factors that impact these settlements. Below, our Baton Rouge car accident lawyer explains what these are. The Severity of Your Injuries The most influential factor in any car accident settlement is the severity of your injuries. Injuries that are more severe typically result in more medical expenses, longer recovery times that require you to take more time off work, and a greater impact on your overall quality of life. All of these can increase the amount of your settlement. Additionally, if you suffered a permanent disability, you can also recover damages for this. These injuries can also result in a need to modify your home or vehicle, which will also generate a higher settlement. Medical Expenses Medical expenses also make up a large portion of car accident settlement amounts. Your medical expenses include any surgeries, emergency room visits, hospital stays, prescription medications, physical therapy, and more. You can also include your current medical expenses, along with any future medical expenses you may incur. To obtain the full medical expenses you deserve, it is important to document all appointments and keep all invoices and bills. Also, follow through with all medical recommendations, as failing to do so could negatively impact your settlement. Lost Income There is a good chance that you will need to miss work for a period after your car accident. You can include any lost income in your claim as well as lost vacation pay, sick pay, and employment benefits. Like your medical expenses, you can include any current lost wages, as well as any lost future income. Additionally, if you cannot return to the same line of work in the future, you can also claim a reduced earning capacity to make up the difference between what you used to make and what you currently make. Pain and Suffering Not all injuries sustained in car accidents are visible. The physical injuries you suffer will result in a great deal of pain and emotional distress. You may not be able to enjoy the things you once did, and you may also not be able to perform even the simplest of tasks. You can recover these losses in your car accident claim by including damages for pain and suffering. Pure Comparative Fault Law Car accident claims in Baton Rouge and throughout Louisiana are governed by a pure comparative fault law. This means that even if you are 99% at fault for a crash, you can still file a claim for damages. However, any damages you are awarded will be reduced by the same percentage of fault. For example, if you were awarded $100,000 in damages but you were found 20 percent at fault for the crash, you would ultimately receive $80,000. Limits on Insurance Policies Insurers are only responsible for paying up to the limits of a policy, and so, this is the maximum amount you can claim. This is one reason it is so important to identify all liable parties. For example, after an accident involving a tractor-trailer, the truck driver may be at fault. If the trucker is an employee, the trucking company they work for may also be found liable. By filing a claim against both the trucker and the trucking company, you can receive damages from two insurance policies with two different levels and obtain the full compensation you deserve. Our Car Accident Lawyer in Baton Rouge Can Help You Claim Maximum Damages While there is no such thing as an average car accident settlement, there are certain things you can do to maximize your claim. At Big River Trial Attorneys, our Baton Rouge car accident lawyer can advise on what these are and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf so you obtain the full and fair settlement you are entitled to. Call us now at (225) 963-9638 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation with our experienced attorney and to learn more about how we can help with your case.

If you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to file a personal injury claim against them to recover damages. Within your claim or lawsuit, you can recover your medical expenses, lost income, and other damages.  However, you only have a certain amount of time to file your claim. This is known as the statute of limitations, and it is an important law. The law was also changed last year, and not everyone in the state is aware of those changes. Below, our Baton Rouge personal injury lawyer explains further. What is the New Statute of Limitations? Again, the statute of limitations is a time limit applied to all personal injury cases. Previously, the statute of limitations only gave accident victims one year to file their claim or lawsuit. This was one of the shortest statutes of limitations in the country. As of July 1, 2024, though, the statute of limitations has been extended to two years for all personal injury claims. This means you have two years from the date of your injury to file your claim. The new statute of limitations date is crucial for accident victims. If you were hurt before July 1, 2024, the older statute of limitations still applies in your case. If you were hurt on June 30, 2024, for example, you only have until June 30 of this year to file a claim. File Your Claim as Early as Possible If you have been hurt in a car crash, a slip and fall, or another type of accident, it is critical that you speak to an attorney right away. Even with the new statute of limitations, you still only have a certain amount of time to file your claim. If the statute of limitations expires and you have not yet filed your claim, you will lose your legal right to claim any damages at all. Two years may sound like a long time, but it is not. Before filing your claim, you must conduct a full investigation into the case, collect evidence, and prepare arguments that prove your claim. All of this takes time, and therefore, it is crucial that you consult with a lawyer immediately. A lawyer can handle all of these tasks on your behalf so you do not forfeit your damages. Exceptions to the Statute of Limitations Although the statute of limitations law is clear and strict, there are exceptions to it. These include: Call Our Personal Injury Lawyer in Baton Rouge Today If you have been hurt and someone else is to blame, it is critical that you do not wait to contact our Baton Rouge personal injury lawyer at Big River Trial Attorneys. Our experienced attorney can investigate the claim and collect the evidence that supports your case so you obtain the full and fair damages you are entitled to. Call us now at (225) 963-9638 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation with our experienced attorney and to get the legal help you need.

Traffic accidents are very common in Baton Rouge and throughout Louisiana. Many of these are minor and do not result in serious injuries. When a large truck is involved, however, victims will typically suffer injuries that are catastrophic. The impact of these injuries remains with accident victims long-term. There are many differences between truck accidents and crashes involving smaller cars that cause these severe injuries. Below, our Baton Rouge car accident lawyer explains what these are. Size Differences Commercial trucks are exceptionally large. They are over 70 feet long and more than 13 feet high. When fully loaded, they can also weigh up to 80,000 pounds. Considering that the average car weighs just up to 4,000 pounds and is approximately 4 feet high, it is easy to see why a large truck causes so much damage and severe injuries. The large size of a commercial truck also creates huge blind spots on all sides of the vehicle. These blind spots are called ‘no zones’ because no car should ever remain in them. Multiple Liable Parties After most car accidents, liability typically lies with one of the drivers at the scene. While multiple drivers may have contributed to a crash, they are typically still at the scene. This is not always true after a truck accident. Multiple parties are often liable for these accidents, and they are as follows: Different Laws Most people are aware of the state laws that govern car accidents in Louisiana. Being a fault state, accident victims can hold liable parties accountable for paying damages when they acted negligently and caused a crash. This remains true when a large commercial truck is involved in a crash. However, there are other laws that apply specifically to trucks and the trucking industry, and many people are not aware of these laws. For example, truck drivers are only allowed to spend a certain amount of time on the road. This is known as the hours of service rule and is meant to prevent truck driver fatigue and the horrible crashes it can cause. Many truck drivers do not comply with this rule in order to meet their tight deadlines and deliver their cargo on time. Trucking companies also sometimes incentivize truck drivers to break the rules so they can increase their profits. Different Investigations Even the investigations that follow a truck accident are different from those conducted after a car crash. For example, during a truck accident investigation, your lawyer will ask the trucking company for the driver’s logbooks. Many of these are electronic today, and they cannot be forged or altered. These log books can prove that a truck driver was on the road for too long and is liable for an accident. Our Truck Accident Lawyer in Baton Rouge Can Help with Your Case Truck accidents are vastly different from car accidents, so seeking the help of a Baton Rouge truck accident lawyer is particularly critical. At Big River Trial Attorneys, our experienced attorney can determine who is liable for your injuries and hold them responsible for paying the fair settlement you are entitled to. Call us now at (225) 963-9638 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation and to learn more about how we can help.