Fatal Car Accident Lawyer in Louisiana

Few places can compare to Louisiana when it comes to charm. It’s known for its unique blend of French influence, creole culture, and southern hospitality that’s woven into the very fabric of the state.

But as much as we love our Louisiana charm, one of the biggest issues facing our state today is the number of fatal car accidents that occur on our roads each year. According to the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, there were 705 fatal car accidents in the state in 2020, resulting in 757 deaths. This is a devastating loss for families and communities throughout Louisiana.

Losing someone is never easy. Louisiana’s wrongful death laws may protect people in your situation according to Art. 2315.2. However, it may be a complex and highly technical system that could require the experience of a Louisiana fatal car accident lawyer.

Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys is prepared to fight for the compensation you may be entitled to. If you know someone who died in a fatal car crash, you should give us a call as soon as possible.

What is a Fatal Car Accident?

A fatal auto accident is a catastrophic event that can shatter families and communities all around. 

Wrongful death is a legal term used to describe a death caused by the negligent or intentional actions of another person or entity. In other words, when a loved one dies in a fatal car accident, it’s considered a wrongful death and a fatal car accident lawyer will more than likely be needed.

Surviving family members may file a wrongful death claim and seek compensation for their loss, even though no amount of money can bring back a life that’s been fatally taken. This is why our hearts truly go out to anyone who has experienced the loss of a loved one in a fatal car accident. 

If someone you know has lost their lives in a fatal car crash in Louisiana, please don’t hesitate to reach out to a fatal auto accident attorney at our firm.

Wrongful Death Claim: What to Do

Losing a loved one in a fatal car accident can often feel unbearable. Although it won’t bring the person you deeply care for back to life, filing a wrongful death claim with an experienced fatal car accident lawyer can help you protect your rights and gain compensation for your unfortunate loss.

Here are the steps you need to take to file a wrongful death claim in Louisiana after a fatal car accident:

1. Hire a fatal car accident lawyer at Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys who can guide you and help you protect your rights.

2. Gather evidence: Once you meet with a fatal accident lawyer at our firm to review your case, the next step will be to collect evidence like accident reports, witness statements, and medical records to help build your case as much as possible.

3. Determine who can file: Surviving spouses, children, and parents can file the claim, as well as siblings or other close relatives (this includes adoption as well).

4. Prove liability: You need to prove the other driver was responsible for the accident and the death. This may require expert testimony and accident reconstruction.

5. Obtain compensation: If you win your wrongful death claim, you may be entitled to compensation for a variety of damages, including medical expenses, funeral expenses, lost wages, and loss of companionship.

Statute of Limitation Changes in Louisiana

In 2024, Louisiana law extended the statute of limitations for personal injury claims occurring on or after July 1, 2024, from one year to two years. Any injuries that occurred before July 1, 2024, will still have a 1-year statute of limitation. Learn more about Louisiana’s New Statute of Limitations here.

• 1 year for injuries sustained before July 1, 2024.
• 2 years for injuries suffered after July 1, 2024.

The statute of limitations is a legal deadline that sets a time frame for filing a lawsuit. In Louisiana, this is known as the “prescriptive period,” which determines how long you have to take legal action against the responsible party after an injury occurs.

Why are Fatal Car Accidents Common in Louisiana?

As much as we love our state and our traditions, the infrastructure is a top reason for fatal car accidents in LA. Many of Louisiana’s roads and highways are in poor condition, with potholes, uneven surfaces, and inadequate lighting.

High-speed limits are another factor that frequently contributes to fatal auto accidents in Louisiana. Louisiana has some of the highest speed limits in the country, with some highways allowing speeds of up to 75 or 80 miles per hour.

We like to think of ourselves as friendly and smart folks here in Louisiana, but distracted driving remains a big reason for fatal crashes that require a serious car crash lawyer. Poor decisions like texting and eating behind the wheel can result in a fatal car accident.

Last but certainly not least, Louisianaians know how to get down in a party. However, too often the choice to drink and drive is made, and fatal crash results. Despite efforts to crack down on drunk driving, it continues to be a worldwide problem.

Louisiana may be a little rough around the edges, but it’s visited by people from all around the world for endless reasons. This is why it’s important to do your part in making our roads safe and welcoming. 

Louisiana Fatal Car Accident Lawyer? Get Gordon!

Fatal car accidents can be life-changing, both for the families of the victims and for those who may have been responsible for causing the accident. If you have lost a loved one in a fatal car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages. This is where a fatal car accident lawyer at Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys can help.

Schedule a FREE consultation with us and we’ll get started on your fatal car accident case right away. Equally important, you won’t have to pay us a dime until we win your case, that’s the G Guarantee!