Car Accident Attorney in Terrebonne Parish
Serving South Louisiana Since 1971
Being injured in a car accident can turn your life upside down. You may face mounting medical bills, missed work, transportation problems, and confusing communications with insurance companies.
At Waitz & Downer, we’ve represented individuals and families across South Louisiana since 1971. Three generations of the Waitz family have carried that tradition forward, alongside Hunt Downer and our local legal team, which brings over 100 years of combined experience.
We provide personal attention, clear answers, and direct communication throughout your case. If you need a car accident attorney serving Terrebonne Parish, we can explain your rights and options without pressure or confusion.
Contact us online or call (985) 331-7832 for a free, confidential consultation.
-
“Mary is sharp, professional, and friendly. She strives to meets the needs of her clients, and she truly invest in them and their cases. She is easily assessable, and she is exceptionally honest and trustworthy. She is an excellent attorney, and I highly recommend her!- Dana P.
” -
“Excellent law firm. Attorney Hunt Downer is a very down to earth guy who likes to keep it simple.”- Joseph G.
-
“Waitz and Downer has handled legal affairs for my family for years. My daughter was involved in a head on collision with a drunk driver. The insurance company did not want to pay for my daughter to purchase a new car, hers was totaled. Waitz and Downer handled the matter very professionally and things were settled very quickly.”- Lie Ann M.
Your Rights & Next Steps After a Car Accident
After a car accident in Houma or elsewhere in Terrebonne Parish, protect your health and preserve information that may be important to your claim. Louisiana law shapes your options, and delays can make evidence harder to obtain.
If you have just been in a car accident, our attorneys recommend the following:
- Seek immediate medical attention, even if your injuries seem minor. Some symptoms may take time to develop or could worsen without treatment.
- Contact the Houma Police Department or Louisiana State Police to make an official accident report. These reports are important for legal and insurance purposes.
- Collect and save evidence, including photos of the vehicles involved, the accident scene, and your visible injuries. Gather names and contact details for witnesses if possible.
- Avoid discussing fault or making agreements with insurers before speaking to our car accident lawyers. Insurance adjusters may try to settle before you understand the full extent of your injuries and losses.
- Contact our legal team for a no-cost review of your situation and a clear explanation of your options.
For claims arising after July 1, 2024, Louisiana generally provides a two-year prescriptive period from the date of the accident to file suit. Older claims may be governed by the prior one-year period. Exceptions and claim-specific rules can apply, so obtain legal advice about the deadline for your situation. Acting promptly also allows us to gather evidence while it remains available. If you have questions about what you should or shouldn’t do after a collision, reach out to our attorneys for answers based on your circumstances.
Seeking Fair Compensation for Accident-Related Injuries
Car accidents often occur because a driver was careless or broke the law. Even a seemingly small act of negligence can lead to a life-changing injury. Whether you were hit by a drunk driver, rear-ended by someone who was texting, or injured by a commercial truck driver who violated hours-of-service laws, you may seek compensation from those responsible for your losses.
Depending on the specific details of your case, you could be entitled to the following types of compensation:
- Economic Damages: These are losses with a measurable dollar value, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and reduced earning capacity.
- Non-Economic Damages: These are intangible losses, such as pain and suffering or loss of enjoyment of life, that can significantly affect a person’s day-to-day life.
- Punitive Damages: Under Louisiana law, punitive damages are generally unavailable in personal injury cases unless a specific statute authorizes them. In car accident cases, they may apply in limited circumstances, such as when an intoxicated driver causes an injury. These damages punish the defendant rather than compensate the victim.
During a free initial consultation, our Terrebonne Parish car accident attorneys can review your current losses and potential future damages. A case’s potential value depends on the evidence, the severity of the injuries, medical treatment, effects on employment, future needs, and applicable liability rules. We negotiate for fair settlements and prepare cases for trial when appropriate.
How Our Car Accident Lawyers Help Terrebonne Parish Clients
Our representation begins with a free, confidential consultation with no obligation or pressure. You can share your story, ask questions, and learn about your rights without worrying about initial costs. If you choose to work with us, we offer contingency-fee arrangements, meaning you don’t pay upfront or out-of-pocket legal fees. Our attorneys collect a fee only if they recover compensation for you.
Here’s what you can expect when you work with our team:
- Direct access to your attorney and our staff throughout your case
- Clear updates about your case’s progress so you stay informed
- Plain-language answers to your questions to reduce legal confusion
- Contingency arrangements, with no upfront fees and no payment unless we secure a financial recovery for you
We treat people who contact us with dignity and respect. By handling insurer communications and explaining each stage of the process, we reduce confusion so you can focus on your recovery. We welcome your questions, and everything you share remains confidential.
Our Experience With Louisiana Car Accident Claims
Since 1971, we have represented accident victims in Terrebonne Parish and throughout South Louisiana. Our team has resolved car accident and personal injury cases for Louisiana families through settlements and verdicts. We bring Gulf Coast roots, local insight into Louisiana courts and insurance systems, and experience with the industries that shape the region, including oilfield, maritime, and offshore work.
No attorney can guarantee a specific result. We evaluate the available evidence, explain the legal and insurance issues, and keep clients informed as their cases progress. If you need an auto accident lawyer in or near Terrebonne Parish, we can discuss your options during a free, confidential consultation.
-
Strength with Heart
Big-firm results, small-town heart—we treat every client like one of our own.
-
We Stand Firm
From oilfields to open waters, we fight for the injured and the families left behind.
-
One Shared MissionThree generations strong, our family’s legacy is protecting yours when tragedy strikes.
-
Rooted in the Gulf Coast
Born from the region we serve, we stand with our neighbors through every storm and every fight for justice.
Take the Next Step: Call for Your Free Consultation
If you or someone you care about has been injured in a car accident in Terrebonne Parish, contact our team for a free, confidential consultation. We can listen to your story, answer your questions, and explain your rights and options at no cost or obligation. If you choose to work with us, you can receive personal attention and direct communication from consultation through resolution.
Prompt guidance can help you make informed decisions before evidence is lost or you respond to an insurance settlement offer. The sooner you reach out to us, the sooner we can review the available information and explain your next steps.
Call (985) 331-7832 for your free, confidential consultation with a car accident attorney in Terrebonne Parish.