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You should contact a lawyer as soon as possible after a fatal crash. Acting quickly gives your attorney the best chance to gather evidence before it disappears, such as accident scene photos, surveillance footage, and witness statements. It also ensures you don’t miss Louisiana’s strict one-year filing deadline for a fatal car accident lawsuit in Louisiana, which covers both wrongful death and survival actions. The earlier you reach out, the more time your lawyer has to build the strongest case possible for your family. Speaking with a lawyer early is one of the best ways to protect your rights and give your family peace of mind.
A wrongful death claim after a crash compensates the family for their loss, while a survival action claim in Lafayette focuses on the damages your loved one suffered before passing away. Together, these two claims ensure that both your family’s losses and your loved one’s suffering are recognized under Louisiana law.
No, you don’t pay anything upfront. Brandt & Sherman works on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if we win your case. This takes the financial risk off your shoulders so you can focus on your family during this difficult time. Our firm also advances the costs of investigating and preparing your claim, such as hiring accident reconstruction experts or economists, so you never have to worry about paying out-of-pocket while the case is ongoing.
Yes. While we are based in Lafayette, we represent families throughout Louisiana, including Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and the greater Acadiana region. What matters most is that the crash occurred in Louisiana, because Louisiana law will govern how and when claims can be filed. If your loved one was killed in a fatal car accident anywhere in the state, our attorneys can guide you through the process, explain your rights, and take on the insurance companies no matter where the crash happened.
Louisiana law sets out a specific order of who can bring a wrongful death claim after a crash, sometimes called a fatal accident lawsuit. The right starts with the victim’s surviving spouse and children. If none exist, the right passes to surviving parents, then siblings, and finally grandparents if no closer relatives are alive. This order is strict, so if you’re unsure whether you qualify, it’s important to speak with a lawyer quickly. An attorney can confirm your eligibility and help you take the next step before the filing deadline expires.
Every case is different, but most fatal accident claims take several months to over a year to resolve. Some cases can settle faster if liability is clear and insurers cooperate, while others may take longer if the case goes to trial. Factors like the complexity of the crash, the number of parties involved, and the amount of damages being sought can all affect the timeline. What you can count on is that Brandt & Sherman will move your case forward aggressively and keep you informed every step of the way. The important thing is that you won’t be left wondering — our team will keep you updated every step of the way.
Every case is different, and there’s no “average” settlement that applies to all families. The value depends on factors such as the deceased’s age, income, medical costs before death, the pain and suffering they experienced, and the financial and emotional losses suffered by surviving family members. Our attorneys work with economists and other experts to calculate the true value of your claim so that insurers don’t shortchange your family.
We know no amount of money can replace your loved one. But securing justice can ease the financial burden and hold negligent drivers and their insurers accountable. Call Brandt & Sherman today to speak with an experienced Lafayette fatal accident lawyer. Your family deserves justice — and you’ll never pay fees unless we win.
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