A sudden car accident or motorcycle crash in Lake Charles, Louisiana, can instantly turn
your life upside down. In a moment, you can go from daily routine to severe injuries, mounting
medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma. When another driver’s negligence causes this
devastation, you deserve justice and full financial compensation.
At The Colonna Law Firm, LLC, our dedicated Lake Charles car accident attorney, Jacob
Colonna, understands the immense challenges you face after a collision. We are committed to
aggressively advocating for your rights, navigating the complex insurance claims process, and
fighting to secure the maximum compensation you need to recover and rebuild your life. You
focus on healing; we’ll handle the legal fight.
What to Do After a Car or Motorcycle Accident in Lake Charles
The steps you take immediately after a collision in Lake Charles can significantly impact your
personal injury claim.
- Ensure Safety: Check yourself and any passengers for injuries. If possible, move your
vehicle to a safe location away from traffic. Turn on hazard lights. - Call 911: Always call the police, even for seemingly minor accidents, if there are
injuries, fatalities, or property damage exceeding $500. Police will create an accident
report, which is crucial evidence. Request emergency medical personnel to assess
injuries. - Document the Scene (Safely):
o Take photos and videos of all vehicles involved (damage, license plates,
positions).
o Photograph the overall scene, road conditions, traffic signals, skid marks, and any
debris.
o Get contact and insurance information from all involved drivers.
o Obtain contact information from any witnesses.
o DO NOT admit fault or apologize. Stick to factual exchanges of information. - Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Even if you feel fine, some serious injuries (like
whiplash or concussions) may not show symptoms immediately. Prompt medical
evaluation creates vital documentation for your claim. - Notify Your Insurance Company: Report the accident to your own insurer. However,
do NOT provide a recorded statement or discuss fault with any insurance company
(especially the at-fault driver’s insurer) before consulting with a Lake Charles car
accident lawyer. - Contact a Lake Charles Car Accident Lawyer: This is a crucial step to protect your
rights. An attorney can handle all communication with insurance companies and begin
building your case.
Common Causes of Car & Motorcycle Accidents in Lake Charles
While accidents can happen for various reasons, most collisions in Lake Charles, Calcasieu
Parish, and Southwest Louisiana are caused by driver negligence. Our firm handles cases
involving:
Distracted Driving: Texting, talking on the phone, eating, or any activity that takes a
driver’s attention away from the road. This is a leading cause of crashes in Louisiana.
Drunk Driving (DUI/DWI): Impaired drivers cause devastating accidents. We
aggressively pursue cases against drunk drivers, often seeking punitive damages for their
reckless behavior.
Speeding & Reckless Driving: Exceeding the speed limit, aggressive maneuvers,
tailgating, or running red lights.
Fatigued or Drowsy Driving: Drivers falling asleep at the wheel or driving while
severely fatigued.
Failure to Yield: Causing collisions at intersections or when merging.
Improper Lane Changes: Sudden or unsafe lane changes.
Road Conditions: Accidents caused by poorly maintained roads, potholes, or
construction hazards.
Vehicle Defects: Malfunctions due to manufacturing defects.
Adverse Weather Conditions: Rain, fog, or other elements leading to reduced visibility
or slippery roads.
Special Considerations for Motorcycle Accidents in Lake Charles
Motorcyclists face unique risks and often a bias that unfairly blames them for accidents.
However, riders have the same rights to the road as any other driver. Our Lake Charles
motorcycle accident lawyers understand:
Vulnerability of Riders: Motorcyclists lack the physical protection of an enclosed
vehicle, making them highly susceptible to severe injuries (e.g., head trauma, spinal cord
injuries, road rash, broken bones).
Visibility Issues: Drivers often claim they “didn’t see” a motorcycle, highlighting the
importance of proving negligence on the part of the other driver.
Helmet Laws: While Louisiana has a mandatory helmet law, not wearing one (if
applicable) does not automatically bar your claim, but it could potentially impact the
portion of your damages related to head injuries under comparative fault.
Complex Injuries & Damages: Motorcycle accidents frequently result in catastrophic
injuries requiring extensive medical care and long-term rehabilitation.
Holding Negligent Parties Accountable: Louisiana’s Comparative Fault Law
Louisiana follows a system of “pure comparative fault” (or comparative negligence). This
means that even if you are found partially at fault for an accident, you can still recover damages.
However, your total compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if
you are 20% at fault for an accident, your total damages awarded would be reduced by 20%.
Our Lake Charles car accident lawyers work tirelessly to minimize any assigned fault to you
and maximize the at-fault party’s liability.
“No Pay, No Play” Law (La. R.S. 32:866)
Louisiana also has a “No Pay, No Play” law. If you were driving without liability insurance at the
time of the accident, you might be limited in your ability to recover the first $15,000 of bodily
injury damages and the first $25,000 of property damage, even if the other driver was at fault.
Exceptions apply, notably if the other driver was intoxicated, intentionally caused the accident,
or fled the scene. This law underscores the importance of carrying proper auto insurance.
Ridesharing (Uber/Lyft) Accident Claims in Lake Charles
Accidents involving Uber or Lyft drivers in Lake Charles can be complicated due to unique
insurance policies and the driver’s status as an independent contractor. The coverage that applies
depends on the driver’s “period” of activity at the time of the crash:
App Off: Driver’s personal insurance applies.
App On, No Ride Accepted (Period 1): Limited company liability insurance (e.g.,
$50,000/$100,000/$25,000) may apply if the driver’s personal insurance denies coverage.
Ride Accepted, En Route, or Passenger in Vehicle (Periods 2 & 3): Higher
commercial insurance coverage (e.g., $1,000,000 liability and often $1,000,000
UM/UIM) from Uber/Lyft applies.
Navigating these distinct insurance coverages requires an attorney experienced in ridesharing
accident claims.
Recovering Your Damages After a Lake Charles Car Accident
Our goal is to secure comprehensive financial compensation for all your losses, including both
economic and non-economic damages:
Economic Damages (Measurable Financial Losses):
Medical Expenses: Ambulance transport, emergency room visits, hospital stays,
surgeries, prescription medications, doctor’s appointments, physical therapy,
rehabilitation, and future medical care costs.
Lost Wages: Income lost from time missed at work due to injuries and recovery.
Loss of Earning Capacity: Compensation for a diminished ability to earn income in the
future due due to permanent injuries.
Property Damage: Cost to repair or replace your vehicle or motorcycle.
Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Travel to medical appointments, rental car costs, necessary
home modifications.
Non-Economic Damages (Intangible Losses):
Pain and Suffering: Physical pain, discomfort, and emotional distress.
Mental Anguish: Anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other psychological impacts.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Inability to participate in hobbies or activities you once
enjoyed.
Disfigurement or Scarring: Compensation for permanent visible injuries.
Loss of Consortium: For spouses, loss of companionship, affection, and support.
Punitive Damages: In rare cases of extreme recklessness (e.g., drunk driving), additional
damages may be awarded to punish the at-fault party and deter similar conduct.
Why Choose The Colonna Law Firm, LLC for Your Car or Motorcycle Accident Claim?
After a car or motorcycle accident, insurance companies may try to minimize your claim or deny
responsibility. You need a dedicated legal advocate who will fight for your best interests. At The
Colonna Law Firm, LLC, our Lake Charles Car Accident Lawyer, Jacob Colonna, provides:
Immediate & Strategic Action: We act swiftly to investigate your accident, gather
crucial evidence (police reports, medical records, witness statements, accident
reconstruction), and protect your rights from the start.
Expert Negotiation: We handle all communications with insurance companies,
aggressively negotiating to achieve a fair and full settlement that covers all your
damages.
Courtroom Readiness: While we strive for out-of-court settlements, we are fully
prepared to take your case to trial and litigate fiercely on your behalf if the insurance
company refuses to offer just compensation.
Personalized Attention: We provide compassionate, client-focused representation,
ensuring you feel heard, supported, and informed throughout the entire process.
No Upfront Fees: We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless
we win your case.
If you have been injured in a car accident or motorcycle crash in Lake Charles, LA, or
anywhere in Calcasieu Parish, don’t wait. The statute of limitations is strict, and crucial
evidence can disappear.
Contact The Colonna Law Firm, LLC today for a free and confidential consultation. Let us
fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.