Arcadia Car Accident Lawyer

Car Accident Attorney in Arcadia, LA

If you’ve been hurt in a car accident in Arcadia, Louisiana, or the surrounding areas, you could be entitled to compensation for all the damages, including vehicle replacement, physical injuries, and psychological harm. While the road to getting compensation may seem overwhelming and sometimes impossible, you are not alone. An Arcadia car accident lawyer from Jacqueline A. Scott & Associates is here to defend your rights and help bring justice to your case.

At Jacqueline A. Scott & Associates, we understand the overwhelming emotional, physical, and financial consequences that can come with what may seem like a seemingly minor crash. That’s why we’re here to guide you through the legal process of filing your claim, holding negligent parties accountable for their actions, and recovering the compensation you are entitled to. Our team of experienced Arcadia personal injury lawyers is dedicated to providing the support and expertise you need every step of the way.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Arcadia

Home to just 2,682 residents and with a land area of 3.6 square miles, Arcadia is a tiny yet active hub within the area of Bienville Parish. Although its population density of 735.7 people per square mile suggests that roadways are quieter in comparison with major cities, this does not mean the drivers are immune to dangerous accidents. Car crashes can happen literally anywhere, specifically along high-speed roads and at intersections connecting towns and cities.

There is a network of state highways, like LA 4, 7, 9, 150, 154, 501, 747, 754, and 792, along with the US Highway 80 and Interstate 20, posing risks to drivers in the area every day. On these routes are daily commuters, freight haulers, and traffic that encounter local drivers. While this is a crucial mix for mobility and market success, it also makes it more likely that crashes may occur, with narrow shoulders and rural road conditions adding to the danger.

In Arcadia, some of the most common causes of car accidents are:

• Distracted driving. This includes participating in any other activity that does not include focusing on the road, such as responding to texts, looking at navigation on the GPS, eating breakfast, applying makeup, or even slowing down to observe other accidents.
• Reckless driving. Reckless driving means taking risky behavior, such as speeding or racing on open rural highways, driving too close to the driver in front, weaving between lanes, or slowing down to yell or honk at another person. Reckless behavior can also include failing to obey stop signs at intersections or to yield properly.
• Driving under the influence. Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is strictly prohibited in Louisiana. However, unfortunately, it is not uncommon. This significantly threatens the safety and well-being of everyone else on the roads in Arcadia.
• Driving under fatigue. Driving without having adequate rest or taking enough breaks can be just as threatening to road safety as driving under the influence. Especially on high-speed routes like I-20 and US 80, driver fatigue can be deadly.

Because the town of Arcadia is sitting on major east-west corridors, there can be sudden surges in traffic, especially during weekend and holiday travel, compounding the risk of multi-vehicle and high-speed collisions.

Types of Car Accident Injuries

The severity of injuries that happen because of a car accident is dependent on the speed each person was going, whether passengers use their seat belts, the type of crash, and other factors. Any car crash, however, has the potential to seriously harm or even kill accident victims regardless of how it happens. Common injuries that our firm sees in Arcadia because of car crashes are:

• Head injuries. Injuries to the skull or brain can be more minor, such as a concussion, or more life-altering or life-threatening, such as traumatic brain injuries.
• Neck and spinal cord injuries. Arcadia car crash victims commonly suffer from whiplash, which may seem minor, but can seriously impact quality of life and cause chronic pain. More severe spinal cord injuries can lead to loss of mobility, including paralysis.
• Psychological disorders. The sheer emotional stress associated with the car accident alone can leave lasting mental scars. Many car accident victims in the area suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, which requires consistent psychiatric treatment.
• Fractures and broken bones. Orthopedic-related injuries can be debilitating for a temporary or permanent amount of time, with some fractures requiring multiple surgeries and implantation of hardware to fully heal.
• Other injuries. Other injuries commonly witnessed by our legal team include lacerations, burns, organ damage, internal bleeding, and soft tissue injuries.

Unfortunately, in many of these types of cases, the victims need physical therapy, ongoing medical care, or even long-term support for disability. A dedicated Arcadia accident attorney can assist you with understanding and calculating the full extent of your damages, both non-economic and economic, to make sure your compensation truly reflects all that you have lost.

Hire a Car Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been hurt in a car crash and are not sure about what steps to take next, it’s probably time to hire a car accident lawyer. Insurance companies are unfortunately not on your side, as their main incentive is working to minimize payouts. They may try to push you into selling quickly and accept an offer that does not cover all your long-term needs. In other cases, they may try to deny your claim entirely.

Regardless of the tactics used, it’s important to have an experienced Arcadia car accident lawyer in your corner who can defend your rights, present key evidence, and advocate on your behalf against corporate interests.

Fortunately, the skilled legal team at Jacqueline A. Scott & Associates brings over 35 years of legal experience to the table, from a history of high-value case results to extensive experience advocating for clients in the courtroom. We know how important it is in meeting the statute of limitations timeframe of two years to help you receive the compensation you deserve.

In the wake of your tragic accident, we are here to handle all legal aspects of your case so that you can focus on your journey to recovery.

FAQs

What If I Was Partially at Fault for the Car Accident?

If you were partially at fault for the car accident that you were involved in in Louisiana, you may still be entitled to recover compensation under the comparative fault system. Your compensation, however, may be reduced depending on the percentage by which you were at fault. Therefore, it’s crucial to work with an experienced attorney who can provide ample evidence that proves your actual contribution to the accident.

What Should I Do Immediately After a Car Accident in Arcadia?

After a car accident in Arcadia, you should put your safety first. Pull over somewhere that is safe and ensure that no one near you needs emergency care. Call 911 and alert them about the accident, as well as any particulars, such as if someone is in an urgent medical state. If possible, at the scene of the accident, collect as much evidence as possible, such as photos and videos, contact information of witnesses, and immediate notes about what happened.

After seeking medical care, you should contact an experienced car accident lawyer.

Can I Sue the Other Driver if They Don’t Have Insurance?

You may be able to file a lawsuit against the other driver if they were at fault for the accident and do not have insurance. However, it may be more difficult to collect compensation. By working with a detail-oriented car accident lawyer, you can potentially identify all available sources for recovery. For example, if the other driver happens to be underinsured or is uninsured, your own coverage could potentially cover the damages.

How Much Is My Arcadia Car Accident Case Worth?

The amount that your Arcadia car accident case may be worth in damages is highly dependent on the specific details of your incident. Therefore, it’s crucial to work closely with an attorney who is experienced with these types of cases and can fully evaluate all the damages sustained to maximize your claim. This could include damages like emotional pain, physical suffering, lost earning potential, medical expenses, and disability care.

Should I Talk to the Other Driver’s Insurance Company?

You should not talk to the other driver’s insurance company without having adequate legal advice. This is because insurance adjusters commonly use questionable tactics, such as trying to get you to say something that could potentially implicate you or hurt your case. To protect your rights and interests, it’s important to let your car accident lawyer handle all these types of communication on your behalf.

Arcadia Car Accident Lawyer

If you or someone you love has been harmed in a car accident in or around the Arcadia area, it’s important to remember that you are not alone. At Jacqueline A. Scott & Associates, our skilled and empathetic team is here to guide you through bureaucracy and legal challenges to ensure that you adequately pursue every cent you’re owed. With the client-first approach and decades of experience, we are aware of what it takes to protect your rights and help you win.

Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.

Arcadia, LA Car Accident Resources

• 3 car accident injuries that take time to reveal themselves
• Steps to take when you are involved in a car crash
• What kind of damages can I receive for a car accident?
• What to do in your case if you contributed to your car accident
• Why do children need to ride in car seats?